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SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Office of the Administrative Director

The Administrative Office of the Courts provides support to the Supreme Court of Appeals and the entire state court system. The director, as provided in the Constitution, is appointed by the Supreme Court and oversees the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Division of Legal Services and Administrative Counsel

The Division of Legal Services and Administrative Counsel provides legal counsel to the Administrative Director on a wide range of legal, human resource, and court-business matters.

  • Director and Administrative Counsel: Bradley Schmalzer, Esq., 304-558-6830
  • Deputy Administrative Counsel: Julianne Wisman, Esq., 304-558-6830
  • Legal Coordinator: Suzanne Summers, 304-558-6830

Division of Children's Services

The Division of Children's Services assists with the Court’s initiatives to improve the outcomes for children and families involved in abuse and neglect, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems. The Court Improvement Program and the Juvenile Justice Commission are housed in this department.

Division of Court Services 

The Division of Court Services oversees circuit and family courts throughout the state, as well as numerous projects to improve the court system, including mental hygiene services, Access to Justice, and judicial education, which includes training programs for all judicial officers and court staff, mandatory and continuing judicial legal education credits, college/graduate school education benefits for court staff, and general conference information. It also works to provide access for all in the court system through language access and sign language interpreters. The Division is also responsible for all court forms.

Division of Facilities

The Facilities Director oversees the maintenance and operation of Supreme Court buildings and properties and provides regular reports regarding county facilities used by court employees statewide to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This position plans and manages facility projects, such as renovations, expansions, and/or new constructions and works as a liaison between courts and county commissions to assist with the same statewide.

Division of Finance

The Division of Financial Management oversees all financial matters including budgeting, purchasing card administration, accounts payable, and travel reimbursements.

Division of Grant Funding Services

The Division of Grant Funding manages all grants awarded to West Virginia courts; oversees the financial administration, compliance, and reporting requirements of federal and state grants; and assists program staff in accomplishing initiatives.

Division of Human Resources

The Division of Human Resources oversees all personnel issues, payroll processing, and employee benefits.

Law Library Services

The West Virginia State Law Library’s primary mission is to assist the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, the statewide unified court system, and all judicial staff in carrying out the administration of justice. The State Law Library provides access to law-related information to the judiciary, legal community and the public.

Division of Magistrate Court Services

Provides administrative support for magistrate courts, magistrates, clerks, and assistants.

Division of Probation Services

The Division of Probation Services deals with policy development, provides general oversight of circuit court probation services, and administers Interstate Compact for Juveniles. The division also oversees the treatment court programs, including adult, juvenile, and family drug treatment court programs.

Division of Technology Services

The Division of Technology Services oversees all aspects of the Court’s applications, information systems, networking, e-mail, hardware, and software. The division also provides operations services support through the IT Service Desk. Technology employees also oversee facility maintenance, inventory and surplus, and provide recording and court reporting support.

Public Information Office

The Public Information Office issues publications, provides media relations for judicial system, and oversees West Virginia Judicial System website, social media, emergency communications, and civics education programs.