Michael P. Cooke is a lifelong native of Southern West Virginia and is dedicated to providing quality legal services to the residents of Southern West Virginia. Mr. Cooke has been extensively involved in the betterment of Southern West Virginia through many community service efforts which have bettered the lives of others. Below is a brief summary of Mr. Cooke’s education, experience, and accomplishments. EDUCATION: Appalachian School of Law, Grundy, VA Juris Doctorate, 2005 Phi Delta Phi Fraternity – Blackwell Inn, Charter Member, Vice-Magister Concord College, Athens, WV Bachelor of Social Work, 1989 Phi Delta Pi Fraternity, Vice President EXPERIENCE: Solo Practice, Michael P. Cooke, Attorney at Law 2005-Present General practice offering a variety of legal services including business law, criminal defense, domestic relations, personal injury, wills and estates, and workers compensation. Attorney, Wolfe, Williams, and Rutherford, Norton, VA. 2005 Represented claimants in Federal Black Lung proceedings. Representation included attending Hearings, and presenting legal arguments in briefs and other documents. Research Assistant, Professor Paula Young, Appalachian School of Law 2004-2005 School Year Assisted in the development of materials relating to mediation ethics for presentation at the Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law; Researched legislative history of Federal Arbitration Act; and Completed various administrative duties as assigned. 8th Judicial Circuit, Public Defender Corporation, Welch, WV Intern, 2004 Represented clients in Magistrate Court proceedings under the supervision of a licensed attorney, and through plea bargains and other actions achieved favorable results for 97% of clients represented; Completed various research projects relating to developing effective criminal defenses; Assisted attorneys in Circuit Court proceedings; and Performed various administrative duties as assigned. 9th Judicial Circuit, Mercer County, Princeton, WV – Judge Derek C. Swope Extern, 2003 Wrote advisory memorandums on topics including the Cannons of Judicial Conduct, pre-meditated murder, jury instructions, boundary disputes, and settlement agreements; and Observed many court proceedings including a jury trial, several bench trials, preliminary hearings, and abuse and neglect hearings. Legal Aid of West Virginia, Princeton, WV Extern, 2003 Wrote brief for a social security disability appeal, which resulted in a favorable decision; Developed advisory memorandums involving multiple legal issues, including adverse possession, future interests, contracts for the sale of land, and civil procedure; Conducted client intakes; Authored brochure outlining the rights of mobile home lot renters; and Investigated facts to support legal positions. Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, Princeton, WV Site Coordinator/Crisis Specialist, 1989 - 2003 Routinely worked with members of the legal community processing civil commitments; Developed policies and procedures assuring programs operated in compliance; and Supervised over fifty employees, while also providing crisis counseling services. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Moose Lodge No. 1079, Bluefield, WV Moose Legion Human Rights Committee of Res Care of West Virginia Chairperson, Supported Living Human Rights Committee of Res Care of West Virginia Bluefield Virginia Little League Coach, Junior League, 2005 Assistant Coach, Major League, Senior League and Junior League, 2003 - 2004 Mercer County Youth Soccer League; Bluefield, WV Under Ten League Coach, 1999 Under Eight League Coach, and Referee 1996 - 1999 Skills: WestLaw Research Certification; and Proficient in Corel WordPerfect Office, and Microsoft Office.

DISCLAIMER: Michael P. Cooke offers the information and resources on this web site as a service to the Internet community and as a means of informing the Internet community about the services available through Mr. Cooke’s law office. Michael P. Cooke makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the contents of web sites that you can access from this web site, nor does Michael P. Cooke assume any liability on the reliance on the information provided by those web sites. The information contained on this web site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Any time you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney for advice regarding your personal situation, because each situation is different and requires individual attention. Michael P. Cooke has provided this web site to provide general information regarding Mr. Cooke’s law office and this web site is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, if you wish to consult with Mr. Cooke regarding a legal matter, please contact Mr. Cooke directly. This web site may be considered an advertisement or advertising material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in the state of West Virginia.