Rich Lindsay discusses public service, and his candidacy for Kanawha County Circuit Judge
By Matthew Young, RealWV
During their 2023 Regular Session, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill to re-establish the state’s judicial circuits, effectively increasing the number of judges in Kanawha County by one. On Tuesday, former State Senator Richard Lindsay announced his desire to be that one.
“I am running for the new seat here in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County – I’m running for Judge for that seat, ” Lindsay said during an appearance on the Dave Allen radio program, noting that it is the county’s Eighth Division seat.
On Wednesday, Lindsay spoke with The RealWV about his passion for public service, and why he believes he is the most qualified candidate for the bench.
“I think there’s a great need here,” Lindsay said. “The reason why the seat was created was, in part, because of the significant number of abuse and neglect cases in Kanawha County.”
Lindsay explained that, during his time in the State Legislature, he developed a thorough understanding of the inner-workings of those cases, as well as West Virginia’s foster care system.
“Given my background – I’ve been an attorney for 15 years – my entire professional life has been in the courtroom,” Lindsay noted. “I have a certain type of experience that I can bring to the table to address these issues.”
Specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation, Lindsay has served as lead counsel or co-counsel in some 20 trials during his career.
“I think this is something that I can do based upon my experience and, hopefully, my skill and expertise when it comes to trial-court work,” Lindsay said. “This is where I’m needed I think.”
“I can bring more efficiency to the court,” Lindsay continued. “Sometimes judges get in trouble with delays on decisions. Given my experience and my knowledge of the abuse and neglect system, I look forward to reunifying families when it is possible – and if it’s not possible, to finding the next best alternative quickly.”
“What children need growing up is stability, love, and security,” Lindsay added.
In addition to his knowledge of the law, and his extensive trial experience, fairness is another trait Lindsay believes he can bring to the courtroom.
“You don’t want someone walking out of the courtroom thinking that they got a raw deal just because of a difference of political opinion or philosophical opinion,” Lindsay said. “I believe, wholeheartedly, that the judiciary system in Kanawha County is greater than Richard Lindsay, and so is the State Judiciary, and our laws as a country.”
“Why people buy in and believe that the law is applied equally to folks – that belief comes from consistency within our courts,” Lindsay noted.
“Efficiency and fairness, if you want to boil it down, that’s why I’m running,” Lindsay added. “Getting the right thing done more efficiently.”
The judicial workload in Kanawha County typically ranks as the largest in the state. In addition to an uptick in abuse and neglect cases, recent years have also seen significant increases in most other types of criminal litigation. It is Lindsay’s experience as a trial attorney that he believes sets him apart from all other candidates, and has better prepared him to bring that efficiency and fairness to the courtroom.
“Some judges who don’t have that experience get overwhelmed, everything is new to them,” Lindsay said. “I think it’s important for folks to know that I’ve done everything that you can do when it comes to trial. The experience and the familiarity with the rules that govern trials, that is something that makes a difference, and it gives me an advantage.”
In-person voting for West Virginia Circuit Court General Elections occurs on Tuesday, May 14. This is also Primary Election Day for many other county and state races. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, April 23.
