SUPREME COURT JUSTICE MCHUGH-
Before a packed courtroom on a snowy day, December 16, 2010, Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh was sworn in to serve a two year term. Through election and appointment, he has been a Supreme Court Justice for almost 25 years, as well as six additional years as a Circuit Court Judge. The Oath of Office was administered by Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis, who made comments from the bench, as was also done by Justice Margaret L. Workman. Remarks were presented by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Justice McHugh’s son, James, the Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County and Justice McHugh. All three Justices are Bar Foundation Fellows.

FDIC INSURANCE COVERAGE-IOLTA PROGRAM-
One of the final acts taken by the lame duck U. S. Congress in late December was the passage of legislation to guarantee that unlimited FDIC coverage will remain on Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) for the next two years. Without this important action, “lawyers and their clients faced complicated ethical and financial questions about handling money involved in legal transactions”, according to a statement from American Bar Association President Stephen N. Zack. President Obama signed the bill, H.R. 6398, into law on December 29, 2010.  The FDIC’s website, (fdic.gov) states that “The FDIC will issue guidance to all insured depository institutions providing information on Congress’s action to include IOLTAs in the definition of noninterest-bearing transaction accounts.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR-
The WV Bar Foundation and its Board of Directors hope that 2011 is the best year ever for you, your family and your legal career!