Chris Pence is a native of South Charleston, West Virginia and a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia University College of Law. In his practice, Mr. Pence focuses on litigation, where he has represented individuals and companies throughout the United States. He has significant experience defending coal operators and other mining companies in civil litigation and administrative proceedings pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission and the West Virginia Board of Appeals. In this capacity, he defends citations issued by the Mine, Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training (WVOMHST). He also responds to accidents and represents clients in connection with investigations conducted by the various enforcement agencies. In addition to his work for the mining industry, Mr. Pence has also represented clients in cases alleging professional negligence, insurance coverage disputes, commercial contract disputes, auto accidents, premises liability and other personal injury actions. Mr. Pence has also represented victims of industrial accidents and their families, including the estate of a man who received fatal injuries as a result of an explosion at a natural gas liquids storage site. He has also represented individuals in actions against medical providers under the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act, as well as employees in claims against their employers for wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act, among other things. Finally, he regularly represents victims of automobile accidents. The Firm regularly accepts these engagements on a contingency basis. In addition to his civil practice, Mr. Pence’s Firm represents individuals in high asset divorce cases and, when called upon to do so, represents these individuals in child support, custody issues, and other family law matters. Mr. Pence has been designated as a West Virginia Rising Star in general litigation by the Super Lawyers publication for several years. He has served as a speaker at the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance/Pennsylvania Coal Mining Institute of America Conference, the West Virginia Coal Association, and various legal seminars. Mr. Pence received the Order of the Coif, Patrick Duffy Koontz Leadership Award, Paul L. Selby Law Scholarship and the Steptoe & Johnson Law Scholarship at the College of Law.

As a trial-tested attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, Damon Ellis has earned a reputation for delivering results in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. His relentless drive to secure justice stems from a deep commitment to protecting the rights of those harmed by negligence. Damon represents clients across a wide range of cases, including car and truck accidents, workplace injuries, nursing home abuse, and catastrophic events. He is equally skilled in settlement negotiations and courtroom litigation, always pursuing the outcome that best serves his clients’ long-term needs. Over his career, Damon has helped injury victims recover the financial support they need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and future care. Ellis is dually licensed to serve clients in West Virginia and Ohio, allowing him to advocate for injured individuals across state lines with a deep understanding of each jurisdiction’s legal landscape. What sets Damon apart is his balance of compassion and determination. He recognizes that every client comes to him at one of the most difficult times in their lives. By taking the time to listen, answer questions, and offer honest guidance, he builds trust while also preparing a powerful case strategy. With decades of combined firm experience and his own proven record of advocacy, Damon Ellis is a formidable ally for clients seeking accountability and full justice after an accident.