Debra Scudiere is a veteran trial attorney with nearly 40 years of experience. Debra’s practice has dealt with all areas of civil defense litigation including personal injury and wrongful death, insurance, contracts, sexual harassment claims, medical malpractice, and employment law. Debra’s exemplary work as a successful mediator led to her selection to the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.
Debra was appointed to serve as a Judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Monongalia County, West Virginia in 2019. During her tenure as Chief Judge of the Court, Debra served on the Resolution Panel of the West Virginia Mass Litigation Panel by appointment of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Debra’s experiences as a Circuit Judge and a seasoned trial attorney give her the insights and problem-solving skills necessary to successfully resolve complex disputes.
After her service as a Circuit Court Judge, Debra was the Executive Director of the West Virginia Bar Foundation. Debra’s leadership and involvement in the legal community earned her notable awards and honors, including receiving an AV® rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Debra has also been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” for ADR and one of the “Best Lawyers in Pittsburgh.”
In addition to her legal practice, Debra was elected to serve as a West Virginia State Bar Board of Governors Delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Debra is also a Past President of the West Virginia State Bar and a Past President of the Southern Conference of Bar Presidents, an organization of Bar Presidents and other Bar leaders from 18 southern states. Additionally, Debra serves as Chair of The West Virginia State Bar’s ADR Committee and was for several years the Chair of the West Virginia Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission.
Apart from her legal work and involvement across several professional organizations, Debra is an adjunct instructor at the West Virginia University College of Law, where she teaches Trial Advocacy and Pre-Trial Litigation.
