PERSONNEL FILE: Law Review names WVU student editor-in-chief

MORGANTOWN - Imad Matini has been named the editor-in- chief of The West Virginia Law Review for 2013-2014. Matini is a second-year law student in the joint JD/MBA program at the West Virginia University College of Law and College of Business and Economics. He was elected to his new position by his peers.

Founded in 1894, the West Virginia Law Review is the fourth oldest law review in the country. It is a professional, student-governed legal journal that publishes articles of interest to legal scholars, students, legislators and members of the practicing Bar.

Matini said that the legal community should expect big things from the West Virginia Law Review.

“We are a very ambitious group,” he said. “We want to innovate and we want to build on the foundation that we have. Our goals are to provide an avenue for legal discourse, and to raise the prestige of our community and state in the process.”

Matini’s first duty as editor-in-chief was to appoint the executive board of the West Virginia Law Review Volume 116. In addition to running the publication, the executive board trains new members, selects articles for the multiple publications and begins preparation for the annual Law Review Symposium.

“We have such an outstanding and qualified group of editors that will take our organization to the next level,” said Matini. “I am excited to see what they will bring to the table because they have a lot of experience and knowledge.”

In addition to his Law Review responsibilities, Matini is a research assistant for law professor Atiba Ellis and a legal writing tutor for the law school’s writing center. He is also an American Bar Association student representative. This summer, he will be working for Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, in Clarksburg. Although uncertain about the type of law he wishes to practice, Matini has a keen interest in corporate law, securities law and antitrust law.

Raised in Fredericksburg, Va., Matini earned his bachelor’s degree in Government and Finance from the College of William & Mary in 2011. While at William & Mary, he was president of his fraternity and rugby team and involved in student government.

“I am thankful for the support I have received so far,” said Matini. “I have a great community, great friends, and a great family. Without the love and support of my parents, grandparents, and little brother, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this.”