Michael Niggemyer, Member of Law Office of Michael F. Niggemyer
Experience
United Mine Workers of America, D. 29; D.17, (Beckley and Charleston, WV)
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.
West Virginia Attorney General, (Charleston, WV)
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.
City of Grafton, (Grafton, WV)
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.
Town of White Hall, (White Hall, WV)
Legal Counsel - Solicitor, 2000 - 2009
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.
Marion County Metro Government Charter Review Committee, (Marion County, WV)
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.
Education
Fairmont State University, (Fairmont, WV)
Bachelor of Science - 4 yrs, Occupational Health -- a safety engineering field 1987
Minor: Chemistry. This was an area of study that included a great deal of science (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.), Math and engineering studies. The degree curriculum was completed in 3 yrs, instead of the normal 4 years. Graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude), was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau (Engineering Technology Honorary) and Chemistry Honorary. Also involved in student politics on campus and on a statewide basis -- Student Representative to the WV Board of Regents - lobbied legislature; and, proposed and voted on changes to WV Higher Education Policy. Represented all of the over 50,000 public higher education students statewide. Was one of only 2 student representives to ever be reelected.
West Virginia University, College of Law, (Morgantown, WV)
Doctor of Jurisprudence, Law 1990
Worked throughout law school in the local circuit court and for a leading Civil Rights attorney. Also employed as a waiter in sorority house. Member Moot Court Board. Graduated with Honor. Moot Court team finished 4th in International Environmental Law competition - Pace Law School. Leading Member Ethics Committee.
