Hon. Russell Clawges

The Honorable Russell Clawges earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from West Virginia University in 1971 and a law degree in 1974 from the West Virginia University College of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif.

He served four years in the JAG Department of the United States Air Force. In 1978, he returned to Morgantown, where he practiced law with the firm of Furbee, Amos, Webb & Critchfield.

Then-Governor Gaston Caperton appointed him to the bench in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit (Monongalia County) in 1997. Judge Clawges was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2000 and 2008.

Since 2000, he has served as chief judge. Judge Clawges played an active role in the implementation of West Virginia's first Teen Court program and participated in the West Virginia State Bar's annual Bridge the Gap program for new lawyers. He is one of six Business Court Division judges.

Clawges teaches the Courtroom Testimony course.