Law Office of Michael Niggemyer

General Counsel, 1990 - 1997

Acted as Chief Legal Counsel to the most active and litigious District of the United Mine Workers of America during one of its more difficult and positive periods of change. Successfully litigated numerous precedent setting cases in labor and employment law.

Assistant Attorney General, 1997 - 1998

Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Division of Labor, including Contractors' Licensing Board, Wage and Hour, Safety divisions, initially; later assigned to various agencies: Division of Personnel, Department of Environmental Protection, and others. Represented various state agencies in State and Federal Courts and in administrative agency hearings. Also, drafted legislation and appeared in an advisory capacity before legislative committees.

Municipal Judge, 1998 - 1999

Accepted appointment as Municipal Judge to address major backlog in cases. Reorganized Court procedure to address and prevent further backlogs before the Court, by moving cases uniformly, regardless of litigant, and by being equally firm but fair.

Legal Counsel - Solicitor, 2000 - present

Handle all legal matters on behalf of the Town of White Hall, excluding matters before the Municipal Court. White Hall is a small commercial community incorporated in 1992, which prides itself on having low tax rates, with a high rate of return of necessary services. The Town is primed for growth and positive annexation of surrounding property. Continue to oversee significant progress, growth, and development of the Town from one with very little local law to one with limited laws, to encourage the Town's progress, while protecting the present clean-wholesome community atmosphere. Ordinances are uniquely promulgated in a narrow fashion to provide regulation in order to prevent problems, without resulting in over-regulation. Oversaw the formation of the Town's first Police force (with five officers at present) and Municipal Court; including, the promulgation of a comprehensive Traffic Code and Criminal Code. Also pursue litigation on behalf of the Town when necessary.

Legal Counsel to Charter Drafting Committee, 2006 - 2008

Worked as one of two lawyers endeavoring in the task of drafting a Charter for the formation of a Metro Government in Marion County, West Virginia, before it was ascertained that formation of the Metro form of government was not the best solution for Marion County at the present time.