Associate Julie Merow says growing up in West Virginia makes her appreciate JK even more
By: Julie E. Merow
Growing up in Morgantown and being raised a die-hard Mountaineer fan, I have had a deep love for the State of West Virginia and West Virginia University for as long as I remember. West Virginia is a special and unique place where you can be passionate about a wide array of interests, activities, and causes, while making a place for yourself in the State. As Jackson Kelly celebrates its 200th anniversary, I have enjoyed the ongoing reflection and history lessons from the Firm, taking time to think about and discuss how the firm got here and where it is headed moving forward.
Charleston is highly saturated with attorneys and presents several opportunities to expand your knowledge and network while serving the people of West Virginia. Jackson Kelly’s connection to and support of WVU makes working at the Firm even more encompassing of the things closest to me. The time attending WVU was far more rewarding than I expected when I stepped onto campus in Fall 2013. WVU’s administration and student life experience is top-notch, and aside from my parents, I attribute any success I have had to WVU. The University has a way of making students feel a love for and obligation to the State, leading students to choose careers where they will work for the betterment of West Virginia. No matter what field or sector you are in, when you work in West Virginia, you work for its great people.
It is an absolute honor and privilege to now work in Jackson Kelly’s public finance department and assist with transactions that create clean water systems, new schools, and better infrastructure across the State. While West Virginia is a special and unique place, so is the law Firm of Jackson Kelly, and its history of resiliency and success over the past 200 years is symbolic of the dedication and drive West Virginians have, and our ability to create incredible things when we operate as a unit. As Jackson Kelly continues to grow its national presence and reputation, the presence of our country’s sixth oldest law Firm right here in West Virginia will continue to inspire and serve the generations to come.
I would encourage you to sift through some of the firm’s history if you’d like to learn more about the people of West Virginia and some of the obstacles and opportunities the State has experienced over the years. From the Civil War to a global pandemic, Jackson Kelly PLLC has seen it all and I cannot wait to see what is next.