Civil & Human Rights lawyers within 300 miles of Weirton West Virginia

Bringing years of experience and a distinguished career, David F. Nelson joined Hendrickson & Long, PLLC in 2013. David’s busy career as a WV civil litigation attorney has earned him impressive ratings as AV Preeminent in the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings and notable recognition listed in Best Lawyers in America© for work in his primary practice areas of civil litigation, insurance defense, and personal injury. Immediately after completing his undergraduate education, David worked in a bond redemption unit for a regional bank. It was while working there that he decided he wanted a career that focused on helping people and businesses solve problems and challenges, and he confirmed his desire to become a lawyer. He received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia in 1987 and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 1991. As a former college soccer player (his wife, Kim, is also a college soccer athlete) and a current “veteran” soccer competitor, when not in the office, David can be found on or near the soccer field. He loves not only playing the game but also donating his time as a volunteer coach. While he started at the youth, travel, and middle school levels, since 2004 he has been an assistant head coach for the boys’ soccer team at George Washington High School, where he has helped the team to five West Virginia state championships. He also serves on numerous boards that promote healthy sport and active lifestyles in Southern West Virginia. David and his wife, Kim, volunteer their time through service projects at their church and in the community. With their three having grown and left the “nest,” outside of soccer season David and Kim also now look forward to having some time to travel and visit with friends and family.

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.

Stephen B. Farmer - Steve Farmer was born in Morgantown, West Virginia. He received a bachelor of science degree from West Virginia University in 1979 and a degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1984, where he was a member of the Law Review, Moot Court Board and Marilyn E. Lugar Trial Association. He was the recipient of the 1982 Baker Cup Moot Court Award. Mr. Farmer focuses his practice on trial work, including commercial, product liability and personal injury litigation. He is a member of the American Bar Association (Sections on Litigation and Criminal Justice), the West Virginia State Bar, the Kanawha County Bar Association, American Association for Justice, West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel. Mr. Farmer has served as a faculty member of the Trial Advocacy Institute, University of Virginia School of Law since 1988.