Brent D. Benjamin

Justice Brent D. Benjamin was elected to a twelve-year term on the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in November 2004. He served as Chief Justice in 2009 and 2013. Justice Benjamin is a native of Marietta, Ohio, and holds both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University, where he played varsity sports. After graduation from law school in 1984, Justice Benjamin joined Robinson & McElwee, PLLC, in its Charleston office, being a partner/member for most of his twenty years with the firm. His practice at the firm focused on general civil litigation, including civil rights, toxic torts, and complex litigation. Justice Benjamin is a regular presenter and speaker at national and international forums on civil rights, equal access to justice, judicial selection, and judicial education, including the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, the National Press Club in Washington D.C., the International Association of Defense Counsel, and most recently, to prosecutors and judges in Ankara and Antalya, Turkey, at the invitation of the Republic of Turkey. He also speaks frequently to law schools and bar-related groups, and he is a frequent guest on broadcasts and in print media on the judicial system and constitutional principles. On the Supreme Court of Appeals, Justice Benjamin has been a leader in establishing and expanding treatment courts in West Virginia, including Drug Courts, Veterans Courts, and Mental Health Courts. As Chief Justice in 2013, he worked closely with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to bring Justice Reinvestment to West Virginia, with legislative leaders to expand Drug Courts statewide, and he oversaw the establishment of electronic filing in circuit courts. He established the New View Project and other related projects to enhance the permanent placement of children in the foster care system.