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Evan S. Olds

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Experienced civil litigator delivering strategic, results-driven defense across government, employment, and complex civil matters.

Evan Olds is an experienced litigator whose practice spans a broad range of civil litigation matters, including governmental liability, civil rights, employment law, contractor liability, personal injury, landlord-tenant disputes, corporate defense, and appellate practice. Licensed in both West Virginia and Maryland, Evan represents individuals, corporations, municipalities, and government entities in state and federal courts, bringing a practical and strategic approach to every matter he handles.

Evan is known for his thoroughness, analytical mindset, and relentless preparation. He approaches each case like an unfinished puzzle, carefully examining every detail, anticipating opposing arguments, and building strong legal positions grounded in thorough research and sound legal analysis. His ability to see issues from multiple perspectives allows him to proactively strengthen his clients’ cases and identify opportunities for early resolution whenever possible.

Much of Evan’s practice involves litigation, and he works closely with clients to tailor communication and strategy to their individual needs. Some clients prefer detailed updates throughout the process, while others want counsel to take the lead and handle matters efficiently behind the scenes. Evan prides himself on being responsive, adaptable, and a steadfast advocate who keeps clients informed and prepared at every stage. He has successfully secured numerous early dismissals and favorable resolutions by testing the legal sufficiency of claims at the outset of litigation and pursuing strategic solutions before matters proceed to extensive discovery or trial.

Before entering private practice, Evan served as a law clerk to Judge Louis H. Bloom, where he gained extensive experience handling a wide variety of civil litigation, administrative appeals, and extraordinary writ matters. His broad litigation background has given him experience across numerous industries and practice areas, allowing him to navigate complex disputes with confidence and versatility.

Evan earned his J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law, where he served as Executive Notes Editor of the West Virginia Law Review and received the Best Note Award for his published note, Give It To Me Uniformly: West Virginia Wants Initial Disclosure. He also received a CALI Award in Issues in Energy Law and participated in the WVU College of Law Clinic, which was recognized with the 2012 Super Lawyers Pro Bono Award during his tenure. Evan earned his B.A. in English, cum laude, from Concord University, where he competed in national mock trial competitions and graduated as a Promise Scholar.

Outside the office, Evan enjoys playing music (particularly upright bass) and spending time with his wife, three children, and their pets. He is also committed to community service and has provided pro bono legal assistance to nonprofit organizations serving unhoused individuals and other vulnerable populations throughout West Virginia.

Representative Experience

Civil Rights & Constitutional Litigation

  • Wilkinson et al. v. W. Va. State Office of the Governor, 857 S.E.2d 599 (W. Va. 2021)
  • Maliki v. City of Parkersburg, Civil Action No. 2:19-cv-00520 (S.D.W. Va. 2021)
  • Johnson v. Parkersburg Police Dep't, Civil Action No. 2:19-cv-00342 (S.D.W. Va. 2020)
  • Mehta v. Judge Sean Maynard, Civil Action No. 3:19-cv-177 (N.D.W. Va. 2020)
  • Conley v. Wandling et al., Logan County Civil Action No. 19-C-107 (2021)

Municipal Liability & Government Defense

  • Gordon v. Jefferson Cnty. Comm'n, 921 S.E.2d 692 (W. Va. Ct. App. 2025)
  • Kroll v. Town of Ridgeley et al., Civil Action No. 3:23-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va. 2024)
  • Wyer v. Town of Ridgeley et al., Civil Action No. 3:22-cv-00145 (N.D.W. Va. 2024)
  • Gordon v. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department et al., Jefferson County Civil Action No. 22-C-112 (2023)
  • Orso v. City of Logan et al., Mingo County Civil Action No. CC-23-2020-C-22 (2022)
  • Stone v. City of Parsons, Tucker County Civil Action No. 18-C-22 (2019)
  • City of Marmet v. Hunter, No. 17-0493, 2018 W. Va. LEXIS 409 (W. Va. 2018)
  • Burkhamer v. City of Smithers, Fayette County Civil Action No. 17-C-10 (2017)

Employment Law & Public Entity Claims

  • Hayes v. Kanawha Valley Reg'l Transportation Auth., 250 W. Va. 145, 902 S.E.2d 477 (2024)
  • Judy v. Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Hardy County Civil Action No. 20-C-28 (2023)
  • Hathaway v. Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia Human Rights Commission Docket No. EREL-43-22 (2023)
  • Hathaway v. Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, Barbour County Civil Action No. 22-AA-1 (2023)
  • Thomas v. Logan County Board of Education, Logan County Civil Action No. 18-C-220 (2019)

Insurance Defense & General Civil Litigation

  • McCartney v. Dollar General, Civil Action No. 5:19-CV-329 (N.D.W. Va. 2021)
  • Jenkins v. Kinser, Civil Action No. 3:21-cv-00078 (N.D.W. Va. 2021)
  • Findley v. Findley-Shoemaker, Berkeley County Civil Action No. CC-02-2018-C-367 (2021)
  • Hurley v. Town of Gilbert, Mingo County Civil Action No. 19-C-135 (2020)
  • Morris et al. v. W. Va. State Office of the Governor et al., Civil Action No. 5:19-cv-339 (N.D.W. Va. 2020)

Appellate Practice

  • Hayes v. Kanawha Valley Reg'l Transportation Auth., 250 W. Va. 145, 902 S.E.2d 477 (2024)
  • Wilkinson et al. v. W. Va. State Office of the Governor, 857 S.E.2d 599 (W. Va. 2021)
  • Omega v. Davis, No. 19-0349, 2021 W. Va. LEXIS 145 (W. Va. 2021)
  • State ex rel. Mun. Water Works v. Swope, No. 19-0404, 2019 W. Va. LEXIS 485 (W. Va. 2019)

Education

West Virginia University College of Law (JD),
  • CALI Award, Issues in Energy Law
  • Executive Notes Editor, West Virginia Law Review
  • Best Note Award, West Virginia Law Review

Bar Admissions

West Virginia
Maryland

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Office Location

  • Charleston

Services

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Government Relations
  • Labor & Employment
  • Personal Injury Litigation Capabilities

Industries

  • Municipal & School

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

Education

West Virginia University College of Law (JD)
  • CALI Award, Issues in Energy Law
  • Executive Notes Editor, West Virginia Law Review
  • Best Note Award, West Virginia Law Review

Bar Admissions

West Virginia
Maryland

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Office Location

  • Charleston

Services

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Government Relations
  • Labor & Employment
  • Personal Injury Litigation Capabilities

Industries

  • Municipal & School

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

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