W. Va. Attorney Sworn In As National Bar’s Family Law Head

For the first time in the history of the American Bar Association, a West Virginian is in charge of one of the group’s law sections. 

Charleston attorney Lyne Ranson was sworn in Friday afternoon as the National American Bar Association’s new Family Law chair, representing more than 9,000 family law attorneys nationwide.

Ranson will lead the ABA’s response to family law developments and key decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Family law is made up of a lot of different areas. It’s divorce it’s custody, it’s grandparents rights. It’s adoption.… It’s a lot in terms of being the national spokesperson,” Ranson said.

Typically, the chairperson comes from a large law firm in a large metropolitan area, she added. 

“You have the opportunity as a member of this section, to learn and share with other attorneys across the country. I’m talking about attorneys who represent big celebrities, multi-billionaire clients, and people like some of us in the smaller states who represent what I would call the regular average Joe or Jane,” Ranson said.

Normally the swearing-in event would take place during the ABA national conference, which is in Chicago this week. 

Ranson opted to have her ceremony in a Charleston courtroom packed with family law judges and attorneys, with the oath administered by former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman.