Potter
WHEELING -– Spilman Thomas & Battle is pleased to announce that Sharon "Shari" Potter has joined the firm as Counsel in its Wheeling office.
Potter is joining the firm's litigation practice and the growing Wheeling office.
Potter was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia on Oct. 6, 2006. She served as the district's chief federal law enforcement official. Prior to her appointment, Potter served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, having taken the oath of office in September 1992.
She handled a variety of criminal prosecutions, ranging from fraud and tax evasion to drug trafficking and cybercrime throughout the district. She has also focused on criminal and civil forfeiture cases, generating resources through the sharing of assets with State and local law enforcement agencies as well as restitution for victims of fraud.
Potter has been involved in initiatives with federal agencies designed to foster the networking and sharing of knowledge and resources between academia, industry and law enforcement to better identify and prosecute computer crimes and most recently served as a member of the National Institute of Justice Technical Working Group for Digital Evidence. Her office also educated hundreds of students, community leaders and educators about internet safety and gang prevention.
In 1997, Potter received the Department of Justice Director's Award for Superior Performance and has worked closely with the Internal Revenue Service and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 2007, Potter was awarded the Treasury Department's Chief's Award for her work on a series of abusive trust tax shelter prosecutions.
David R. Croft, member in charge of Spilman's Wheeling office, says that Potter is the perfect fit for the firm's growing presence in the region.
"Shari brings such a wealth of knowledge to our firm and I am thrilled that our clients will have the opportunity to benefit from her experience and creative thinking," Croft said. "While many law firms are cutting back in today's economy, Spilman is investing in those that bring value to our clients.
"The firm has focused on that commitment to value and we see a need for strong litigators with extraordinary experience. Shari certainly has those needed skills and we are looking forward to her joining our team."
A graduate of Vanderbilt University and California Western School of Law, Potter began her career with the West Virginia Public Service Commission. She also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Centre County, Pa.
Spilman Thomas & Battle offers a full-service legal practice with locations in Charleston, Morgantown and Wheeling in West Virginia; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Roanoke, Va. With more than 125 attorneys and admissions to more than 20 states, Spilman serves clients throughout the firm's unique footprint and nationwide.