CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Bar Foundation has recognized and inducted attorney Robby Aliff of Jackson Kelly as one of its Fellows.
Aliff was one of 16 to be named a Fellow of the Bar Foundation. Fellows are individuals recognized for exemplary service as officers of the law. Only a select few are chosen annually with an approximated 350 out of 5,000 since the Bar Foundation was formed. The 16 received honors during the Foundation’s Fellows Dinner in Charleston on April 23.
“I am so honored to be recognized, although I’m not sure I deserve it," Aliff told The West Virginia Record.
Since its founding in Dec. 30, 1988, the West Virginia Bar Foundation has been involved in a number of programs and organizations all focused on improving the community’s justice system. It is primarily known for awarding grants to organizations providing services to those unable to afford legal counsel or making strides towards improving the judicial system. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $330,000 in grants since 2004.
“I think that since the Bar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Bar, I was happy to be a part of that because I feel like giving back to the community and promoting legal profession is a really important thing to do as a lawyer,” Aliff said. “And that’s one of the Bar Foundation’s primary roles; community philanthropic activities, supporting different organizations, and also providing access to justice for individuals who may not otherwise have it.”
Aliff is a graduate of Washington and Lee University with both a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Juris Doctor under his belt. Aliff practices in the field of health law and has represented a number of medical professionals. At Jackson Kelly, he is the group leader for the Health Care and Finance Practice Group and a member of the Commercial Law Practice Group.
Outside of the law firm, Aliff spends his time volunteering for several legal and health-based organizations with varying responsibilities. He is a member of the board for some, such is the case with the Washington and Lee Alumni Association, and acting chairman to others such as the Foundation for Thomas Health System and the West Virginia Lawyer Disciplinary Board.
Extremely humble and noble in his work, Aliff states that he is not in it for the recognition and just wants to make a difference.
“I don’t do any of those things for the recognition. I know that sounds weird, but I really don’t. The most important thing I am is a dad to three kids and I really enjoy my community activities as well because I feel like there’s an obligation for us to give to the community,” said Aliff.
“I really do it because I’m trying to better my community and be a better person and I do believe (in) a good, solid legal system and without a legal system that serves all parties, both the advantaged and the disadvantaged, we are a much weaker government, a much weaker country, and a much weaker state. So, I do want to support the legal system and that’s why I’ve been involved in things like the Lawyer Disciplinary Board and the State Bar Board of Governors. I feel like being active is going to improve the profession, or at least I hope so.”