CHARLESTON — Michael Williams has been named West Virginia’s new solicitor general.
Williams, who most recently served as principal deputy solicitor general, was named to the position June 21 by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Williams replaces Lindsay See, who was confirmed earlier this month by the U.S. Senate to be a commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Morrisey created the solicitor general position in 2013 to enhance the quality of the office and the state’s appellate work. The solicitor general reports directly to the Attorney General and frequently handles many of the office’s toughest legal challenges. For example, See argued several cases at the U.S. Supreme Court and many cases at the U.S. Court of Appeals and before the West Virginia Supreme Court.
The AG’s office says the solicitor general role also involves administrative and regulatory law issues, managing a team of top-notch attorneys and working with multistate coalitions on national issues affecting West Virginia.
“Michael’s dedication to the office and the people of West Virginia is impeccable,” Morrisey said. “Michael is a consummate professional and I am confident he will continue to serve the state to the best of his abilities.”
Williams said he is ready to go. His promotion is effective immediately
“It’s such an honor to be appointed as West Virginia’s third Solicitor General,” Williams said. “I have some big shoes to fill behind Lindsay See and Elbert Lin, and I can’t thank Attorney General Morrisey enough for deciding that I was up for the challenge. I’m so excited to keep fighting for this incredible state.”
See had been solicitor general since 2018 and has managed appellate and other litigation for the state within the Attorney General’s Office. Her nomination was recommended by the Republican leader of the U.S. Senate.
Williams joined the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office in August 2021. He had been principal deputy solicitor general since June 2023. Before moving to West Virginia, Williams was a partner in Bush Seyferth PLLC in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Through the years, he had stints at law firms in Washington, D.C. He also clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Districts of Maryland and Maine.
Williams received his juris doctor degree — with high honors — from The George Washington University Law School (May 2009) in Washington, D.C. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science (May 2006) from Bates College in Lewistown, Maine.
