Supreme Court welcomes Justices Flanigan and Kirkpatrick

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Newly elected Justices James W. “Bill” Flanigan and H.L. Kirkpatrick took their oaths of office with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia this week following official certification of the May 2026 election results.

Justice Flanigan was sworn in Thursday afternoon, June 11, by Justice Charles S. Trump IV. Justice Kirkpatrick was sworn in Friday morning, June 12, by Chief Justice C. Haley Bunn.

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of West Virginia and am thrilled to begin working with my colleagues on the Court,” Justice Flanigan said.

“I am honored to join the Supreme Court and look forward to getting to work for the people of West Virginia,” Justice Kirkpatrick said.

Justice Flanigan was elected to the unexpired term originally held by Justice Elizabeth D. “Beth” Walker, who retired last year; that term runs through the end of 2028. Justice Kirkpatrick was elected to the unexpired term originally held by Justice Tim Armstead, who died last August; that term runs through 2032.

“On behalf of my fellow justices, I want to welcome Justice Flanigan and Justice Kirkpatrick to the Supreme Court and express how much we look forward to working with them,” Chief Justice Bunn said. “They both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience through their legal careers and public service. Justice Flanigan’s experience as a legislator in the House of Delegates and Justice Kirkpatrick’s many years of distinguished service as a circuit court judge will be invaluable on our Court as we work collaboratively and collegially to administer the judicial branch of government and uphold the Rule of Law in our state.”

Justices Flanigan and Kirkpatrick were sworn in during private ceremonies this week in order to begin their official duties with the Court. Both intend to hold formal public investiture ceremonies in the near future.