Jacob D. Layne is an experienced litigator whose practice focuses on employment law, governmental liability, civil rights defense, workplace injury litigation, and complex commercial disputes. With an active litigation practice in state and federal courts across West Virginia, Jake represents employers, governmental entities, and businesses in matters ranging from wrongful termination and human resources disputes to internal investigations and civil litigation.

A significant portion of Jake’s practice involves helping clients navigate difficult employment and personnel matters before disputes escalate into litigation. Whether advising employers on sensitive HR decisions, conducting internal investigations, or defending lawsuits already in progress, Jake works closely with clients to understand the full scope of the issue, assess risk, and develop practical strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome. While fully prepared to litigate when necessary, he recognizes that litigation is not always the most effective solution and frequently helps clients resolve disputes efficiently and strategically before trial.

Jake is known for his thorough preparation, detailed approach, and practical perspective. Clients value his honesty when discussing the risks and realities of litigation, as well as his ability to anticipate challenges and prepare comprehensive legal strategies. He approaches every case with diligence and careful attention to detail, particularly during depositions, oral arguments, and complex factual investigations.

Having lived in West Virginia his entire life, Jake brings a strong understanding of the state’s legal landscape, courts, and communities to his practice. His familiarity with West Virginia’s judicial system and practical realities allows him to provide grounded, effective counsel tailored to the needs of local businesses, employers, and governmental entities.

Jake earned his J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law, where he received a CALI Award in Natural Resources Law, participated in Moot Court, and was selected for the inaugural Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic. He earned his B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy, from West Virginia University, graduating cum laude as a Promise Scholar.

Following law school, Jake served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert A. Irons of the Thirty-First Judicial Circuit. He was also selected for the West Virginia Bar Foundation Lawyer Leadership Institute and recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by The State Journal.

Outside the office, Jake enjoys spending time outdoors in West Virginia and working on his family "farm".

• Farley v. Lincoln County Commission, U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia, Civ. Act. No. 2:20-cv-00747 (2022)
• Gad v. Walbridge Equipment Installation, et al., Brooke County Civ. Act. No. 19-C-23 (2022)
• Parsons v. Cabell County Clerk’s Office, et al., Cabell County Civ. Act. No. 19-C-487 (2021)
• City of Marmet v. Hunter (2018)
• Leverson v. Housing Innovations Corp., Kanawha County Civ. No. 15-C-1784 (2017)
• Wintz v. Cabell County Commission, No. CV 3:15-11696 (S.D.W. Va. 2016)
• Dotson v. Dolgencorp, LLC, No. CV 3:15-13754 (S.D.W. Va. 2016)
• Claypool v. City of Stonewood, Harrison County Civ. Act. No. 15-2-1162 (2016)
• Brewer v. Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority, Kanawha County Civ. Act. No. 14-C-2101 (2016)
• Quinn, et al. v. Webster County Commission, et al., Webster County Civ. Act. No. 14-C-39 (2015)

• West Virginia State Auditor’s In-Service Training for County Clerks and Deputies — “Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace,” Presenter (2022)
• National Business Institute — “Mini Law School for HR Professionals” (Employment Law Update and Employee Handbooks), Presenter (2021, 2019)
• Employer Training Seminar — “How Arrest and Conviction Records Can Be Used in Making Employment Decisions,” Presenter (2019)
• National Business Institute — “Local Government Law: What Attorneys Need to Know” (Human Resources Law and Governmental Immunity), Presenter (2019)
• National Business Institute — “Local Government Law: What Attorneys Need to Know” (Governmental Immunity), Presenter (2017)