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Overview of the Legal Division

WVDOH Legal Division

The Legal Division of the West Virginia Division of Highways was created in accordance with W. Va. Code § 17-2A-7, which allows the Commissioner of Highways to employ competent legal staff to provide ordinary legal services. The Legal Division provides the Commissioner and his staff with advice and representation before local, county, state, and federal courts, as well as administrative bodies.

In-house counsel function in the following areas: condemnation, contracts review and litigation, employment law, collection on behalf of the State, and litigation in various forums including state and federal courts, administrative bodies, and the Court of Claims. In addition, the Legal Division reviews, prepares, and advises the Commissioner regarding legal documents, statutes and regulations, as well as administrative policies and procedures. The Claims Section of the Legal Division conducts investigations of claims and potential claims for and against the Division of Highways and provides paralegal and related services.

The WVDOT Legal Division represents and counsels the agency on a wide variety of legal matters. The division has four main sections: Contracts, Employment, Litigation, and Real Property. We are also the agency's hub for Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") requests. Contact info for Legal Division leadership, as well as some helpful links, are below. Please reach out to us if we can help.


Legal Division Leadership

Contact Information for Supervising Attorneys
TitleNameContact Details
Acting Legal Division DirectorChris R. Alder

Chris.R.Alder@wv.gov

(304) 414-7146

Supervising Attorney – ContractsChristopher Amos

Christopher.B.Amos@wv.gov

(304) 414-7129

Supervising Attorney – LitigationTravis S. Haley

Travis.S.Haley@wv.gov

(304) 414-7142

Acting Supervising Attorney – Real PropertyDavid A. Holtzapfel

David.A.Holtzapfel@wv.gov

(304) 414-7131

Supervising Attorney – EmploymentBrian D. Maconaughey

Brian.D.Maconaughey@wv.gov

(304) 414-7159

Supervising Attorney – Claims Recovery and InvestigationsKeith A. Cox

Keith.A.Cox@wv.gov

(304) 414-7135


Public Resources and Links