Justice James W. “Bill” Flanigan joined the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in June 2026 after being elected by the citizens of West Virginia. Prior to joining the Court, he practiced law for nearly two decades, representing individuals, businesses, and governmental entities in matters involving civil litigation, criminal defense, family law, municipal law, and appellate practice. He also served in the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing Monongalia County in his first term and Ohio County in his second. In the House, he developed a reputation for careful legal analysis, constitutional fidelity, and independent judgment.

A native of Harrison County, West Virginia, Justice Flanigan was raised on a small family farm in Marshville and graduated from Liberty High School in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies with a minor in European Economic Development from Salem-Teikyo University in 1996. He participated in study abroad programs in Japan and East Berlin, Germany. He later received a Master of Arts in Asian Pacific Studies, with an emphasis in Japanese language and economics, from the University of San Francisco in 1999. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2006.

Before entering the legal profession, Justice Flanigan worked in the Silicon Valley for Oracle Corporation and at the Palo Alto Research Center in San Francisco, California. He returned to West Virginia and worked briefly in higher education administration before operating a construction business. His diverse professional background has provided him with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by West Virginia families, workers, entrepreneurs, and local communities.

Justice Flanigan has remained active in public service throughout his career. In addition to his legislative service, he has coached multiple youth sports including basketball, softball, and soccer. He recently coached collegiate rugby, helping lead the Wheeling University Women’s Rugby program to a Division I National Championship in 2024. He has also volunteered his time with numerous civic and community organizations throughout the state, such as the Circus Saints and Sinners, Wheeling Rotary and the West Virginia Association for Justice.

Throughout his legal and public service career, Justice Flanigan has emphasized the importance of faithfully interpreting the law, protecting constitutional rights, and maintaining an independent judiciary dedicated to equal justice under law. He believes courts serve the people best by applying the law fairly, impartially, and without regard to political influence.

Justice Flanigan is married to Dr. Melissa Flanigan and has three children. He and his family reside in Marshall County, West Virginia.