Justice Charles Trump administers the oath to Justice Bill Flanigan in the Supreme Court Appeals of West Virginia Courtroom on June 11, 2026. (J. Alex Wilson - Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia)

New West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Bill Flanigan was sworn into his office this week at the state Supreme Court in Charleston. He joined fellow new Justice H.L. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick in the ceremonies. “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,” Flanigan said. 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. 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.