Greear
CHARLESTON –- Charleston attorney Dan Greear has announced he will run for Kanawha Circuit Judge in 2010 after filing pre-candidacy papers with the Kanawha County Clerk's Office.
Greear, who narrowly lost in his attempt to unseat state Attorney General Darrell McGraw in last year's general election, is seeking a position that was made vacant last month after the appointment of The Honorable Judge Irene Berger to the United States District Court. Greear said he had been weighing the option of running for the position after learning several months ago that Berger was most likely to be appointed to the federal bench, resulting in a vacancy in the Kanawha bench.
Gov. Joe Manchin on Wednesday appointed former House of Delegates member and Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha, to the post.
Webster, however, must run in next year's election to maintain the seat for the rest of Berger's term. In cases of judicial appointments, the West Virginia State Constitution requires a special election for the office in the next election year, which in this case will be in 2010.
"I consider my experience to be positively unique in this court race; I have been a litigator for over seventeen years and have a first-hand working knowledge of the courtroom," Greear, a Republican, said. "I have successfully tried and resolved hundreds of cases through litigation in state and federal courts –- representing both plaintiffs and defendants. I respect the integrity of the court and offer fairness and impartiality for all people of Kanawha County.
Greear said the responsibilities of a Kanawha Circuit Judge demand a skilled attorney who is dedicated to upholding the law without a personal agenda and someone who recognizes the importance of running a tight docket where cases are heard without delay.
He went on to say Webster's history "has long been painted with controversy and partisanship."
"I believe when the people of Kanawha County compare the two candidates it is easily recognizable that I have more litigation experience, have a better knowledge of the law and conduct business in an ethical manner -– all things that are basic expectations of those who hold judicial office," Greear said. "I do not have any loyalties to special interests or owe any favors -– I've represented a wide array of clients throughout my career as a litigator and I live by the code of honesty in both my professional and personal life.
"If given the humbling privilege to serve the people of Kanawha County, my message is clear: I am just here to be fair, non-partisan and apply the law."
Greear, 41, is a lifelong West Virginian, currently residing in South Charleston with his wife Amy and their two sons.
Greear has been practicing law for more 17 years and is currently a partner with the Charleston law firm Kesner, Kesner & Bramble. Greear successfully has tried cases throughout the state of West Virginia in state and federal courts, representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University with a B.S. in Political Science in 1989 and obtained his law degree from the West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law in 1992 where he graduated third in his class.
While a student at the WVU College of Law, Greear was recognized as a member of highly prestigious The Order of the Coif, he received the St. George Tucker Brooke Fellowship and served as the Associate Manuscript Editor of the West Virginia Law Review.
Greear served in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1995 and 1996, representing the people of Kanawha County in the 30th District. Along with his family, Greear is a lifelong member of Spring Hill Baptist Church where he is a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and youth leader.