GRUNDY, VA — August 17, 2026 — Monday, the Appalachian School of Law (ASL) and West Virginia Public Defender Services announced a new partnership to have law students represent indigent people charged with crimes. Through this initiative, students will work within existing public defender corporations in West Virginia to represent these individuals under the supervision of public defender attorneys, pursuant to Rule 10 of the West Virginia Rules for Admission to Practice of Law.
In a report issued by the West Virginia Supreme Court last week, the Commission on the Future of the Practice of Law found that 46 of West Virginia’s 55 counties qualify as “legal deserts,” with fewer than one attorney for every 1,000 residents—a problem they anticipate will worsen over the next five years. This new partnership is intended to help resolve this legal crisis while providing additional training to students. It is anticipated that the students will participate in court proceedings in the magistrate and circuit courts of southern West Virginia, as well as the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
“The core mission of ASL is to provide lawyers in underserved areas of Appalachia,” said Will Thompson, dean of students, a longtime circuit judge, and former United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. “This partnership will give our students experience in courtrooms while providing a critical service for our surrounding community. We also expect this program to increase job prospects for our students and expand the legal talent pool for these underserved areas.”
“West Virginia Public Defender Services is designed to fulfill the state’s constitutional obligation to provide legal counsel to the indigent when their liberty is at stake,” said Dana Eddy, its executive director. “This partnership will not only address a current need for more lawyers in this area, but will also introduce more law students to West Virginia in hopes of encouraging them to consider moving here to practice.”
“This partnership reflects the dedication of Dana Eddy, Will Thompson, and ASL student Riley Petroski, who worked on this project over the summer,” said David Western, president and dean of the Appalachian School of Law. “This program will let us enhance the education and career preparation of our students while serving a core mission of the school by giving back to its community.”
About Appalachian School of Law
Founded in 1997 and located in Grundy, Virginia—just 14 miles from West Virginia—the Appalachian School of Law offers a rigorous professional education boasting a strong emphasis on community leadership, community service, and alternative dispute resolution. ASL prepares dual-focused advocates ready to serve their clients and lead their communities.
About West Virginia Public Defender Services
West Virginia Public Defender Services is the state agency tasked with fulfilling West Virginia’s constitutional obligation to provide funding and legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The agency coordinates and manages state-funded representation through regional Public Defender Corporations as well as private court-appointed counsel across West Virginia’s judicial circuits.
