CLARKSBURG — A federal magistrate judge was one of two recipients of the 2018 Justitia Officium Award presented by the West Virginia University College of Law faculty.
Michael J. Aloi said he was very honored to receive the award.
"It really is a great honor, and it's very humbling," Aloi told The West Virginia Record. "For me to look on the list of past recipients of this award and to now have my name on that list is really just hard to believe."
Aloi said there are people on the list who have made a significant difference in the legal community in West Virginia.
"To be considered part of that group is really just a huge honor," Aloi said. "For me, it has the added level of being special for a number of reasons, but to be recognized by the faculty of the law school that you went to - these people who you look up to as parental figures when you're in school - they're people you want to make proud."
Aloi said making the WVU Law faculty proud is a special achievement for him.
"It's one thing to be recognized by your peers, but to be recognized by the faculty members - those who you have looked up to - it's like your parents saying they're proud of you and that you're worthy of this recognition," he said. "I really don't know anything in my professional life that can quite compare."
Aloi said at least half or two-thirds of the faculty at the law school is made up of the same teachers that were there when he was in law school.
"There are people that you live your life wanting to make proud, and you want to show your appreciation to them by doing good work," Aloi said. "Your parents, your family and your faculty members are those people. It just makes this award extremely special."
Aloi teaches as an adjunct professor at the law school. Since he became a judge, he teaches one class each semester in the evenings.
The award is presented to those who make outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
Aloi also serves on the board of the West Virginia State Bar's Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program. He has been on the bar's Task Force on Lawyers' Well-Being.
Before becoming a judge, Aloi was a private practice attorney for nearly 30 years.
Aloi received his bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1980 and his law degree from WVU in 1983.
Aloi has been married to his wife, Dr. Susan Aloi, for 38 years. They have four children.