Wm. Scott Wickline
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10 Hale Street, 4th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 345-7250
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
Wm. Scott Wickline
Professional Summary
Scott Wickline is a native of West Virginia and has worked full time as a litigator since May of 1992. During his more than 20 years experience as a litigator, Scott has litigated a variety of cases in State and Federal courts and before administrative tribunals. He has represented, inter alia, Fortune 500 companies in product liability litigation; coal companies in litigation and administrative matters; hospitals in medical malpractice litigation; companies in employment and human rights cases; and individuals with personal injury cases. Scott has handled numerous complex, class action and mass litigation matters, which have included medical monitoring and consumer fraud claims. He also has successfully handled complex administrative cases before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Scott has earned an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
Scott graduated with honors from West Virginia University College of Law. He was selected as a member of the Moot Court Board and was a member of the Lugar Trial Association. Scott was the 1991-1992 recipient of the Marlyn E. Lugar Cup Award , given to the highest-ranked litigator in the Lugar Trial Association, and was one of two WVU representatives who participated in the 1992 National Trial Competition. Scott was selected as a member of The Order of Barristers upon graduating from law school. Scott is married to Judy, a registered nurse, and they have one son, Zac.
Professional Experience:
- West Virginia University, College of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1992
- The Order of Barristers
- Winner, Marlyn E. Lugar Cup Trial Competition (1991/1992)
- Member, Moot Court Board
- School Representative, 1992 National Trial Competition
- President, West Virginia Student Trial Lawyers Association
- Representative, American Bar Association (1989/1990)
Education:
- West Virginia State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1986
- Cum Laude
Professional Affiliations:
- West Virginia State Bar
- Florida Bar Association
- Kanawha County Bar Association
- Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honorary
- President, WVSU Chapter of American Society for Personnel Administration
- Member, Foreign Affairs Society
- Member, Students In Free Enterprise
“Stay curious and never stop learning. Law is a constantly evolving field, and embracing lifelong learning will serve you well.”
Q&A
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
Witnessing how the law can profoundly impact people’s lives inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a tangible difference through legal advocacy.
What sets you apart in your area of legal expertise?
With over three decades of experience in complex and mass litigation, I bring a depth of knowledge and strategic insight that few can match. My commitment to excellence is reflected in my AV Preeminent rating and recognition in Best Lawyers in America. I approach each case with a strategic mindset, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for my clients.
Could you describe the journey that brought you where you are today?
After graduating from law school in 1992, I dedicated my career to complex litigation, focusing on mass torts and class actions. Early involvement in significant cases allowed me to hone my skills and solidify my commitment to advocating for clients facing intricate legal challenges.
What do you consider your most significant achievement?
Successfully advocating for clients in challenging litigation is my most significant achievement.
Can you share a case or client experience that had a profound impact on you and/or your career?
Early in my career, I represented a Fortune 500 company in mass litigation involving over 200 plaintiffs. Through strategic planning and effective case positioning in litigation covering many years, we successfully defended the company, resulting in no payments made to any plaintiff through settlement or verdict. This experience reinforced for me the importance of meticulous preparation and strategic thinking in complex litigation.
If you weren’t an attorney, what alternative career path might you have pursued?
If I hadn’t pursued law, I would have been an entrepreneur. I was involved in running businesses prior to law school and I very much enjoyed doing so.
What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys who are going through law school right now?
Stay curious and never stop learning. Law is a constantly evolving field, and embracing lifelong learning will serve you well. Also, seek out mentors and practical experiences that can provide real-world insights beyond what you learn in the classroom.
What’s one thing about the legal profession that might surprise people?
People might be surprised at how collaborative the legal profession can be. While it often appears adversarial, many cases require extensive teamwork and cooperation among various parties to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
Outside of practicing law, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, fly fishing, and spending time with family. These activities provide a necessary balance to my professional life.
What source of inspiration or motivation has been the most significant driving force in your professional career and in your personal life?
The trust placed in me by clients is a substantial motivating factor for me.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The first duty of society is justice.” This quote by Alexander Hamilton, one of our nation’s founding fathers and an author of the Federalist Papers, resonates with me. Upholding this vision—that every citizen deserves the opportunity to be heard and to pursue justice—should be the mission of every lawyer.
