Member
Labor & Employment
J.D. University of Kentucky
B.A. Transylvania University
Office:
Bridgeport, WV
(304) 933-8113
Biography
The phrase “fact is stranger than fiction” comes to mind when David Morrison reflects on his 35+ year career as a labor and employment lawyer. Morrison is never surprised when he picks up the phone and an exasperated human resources director or in-house counsel regales him with the latest unique employee situation that needs untangling. David genuinely enjoys helping his clients when they don’t know where to turn, and he is often the origin of creative solutions that can be implemented in a way that allows clients to retain their integrity and follow the law. Helping clients avoid litigation, David invests time counseling them on what to do and what not to do, always with a listening and compassionate ear. In the event that litigation does occur, David is the person to have on the team, having tried over 80 cases and arbitrations, and argued over 20 appeals before state and federal appeals courts.
David is an effective storyteller, and he often uses his experience to mentor and train young lawyers, helping them learn the importance of humanity in the practice of law.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-HubbellMember, MCLE Planning Committee for Employment Law Seminar, 2016Member, U.S. Magistrate Court Selection Committee, United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, 2015John L. McClaugherty Award for Dedication and Service, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, 2013Fellow, American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, 2010-presentChambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Labor & Employment (2003 – Present)The Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice (2013-Present), Employment Law - Individuals (2011-Present), Employment Law - Management (2011-Present), Energy Law (2013-Present), Labor Law - Management (2011-Present), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2011-Present), Mining Law (2008-Present)Best Lawyers® 2020 Morgantown, WV Appellate Practice, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2018 Morgantown, WV Energy Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2016 Morgantown, WV, Mining Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2015 Morgantown, WV Labor Law, Lawyer of the YearSuper Lawyers®, Member, 2007-2018Fellow, American Bar Association Foundation, 2016-presentBoard of Directors, West Virginia Bar FoundationFellow, West Virginia Bar Foundation, 2011-presentNational Mining AssociationAmerican Bar Association, Section on Employment LawFourth Circuit Judicial ConferenceWest Virginia Coal AssociationMember, Executive Committee, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, 2006-2012 and 2015-2016President, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, 2009-2010
Key Experience
Advised client on union related issues in conjunction with COVID-19
Advised client on workplace safety issues related to COVID-19
Won a jury trial for a large chemical manufacturing company in a case brought by seven women alleging sex discrimination and an Equal Pay Act violation
Speaking Engagements
"Best Practices & Considerations in Crafting Coronavirus Vaccination Policies." Energy & Mineral Law Foundation Webinar, February 2021“LGBTQ Rights in the Workplace,” West Virginia Hospital Human Resources Association Webinar, July 9, 2019"If It Ain't Documented, It Didn't Happen: How and When to Document Employment Issues," West Virginia Coal Association Symposium, January 29, 2019“2018 Employment Law Update,” West Virginia Continuing Legal Education Employment Law 2018, Charleston, WV, May 24, 2018Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, West Virginia Coal Association Symposium, January 30, 2018Impact of New Medical Marijuana Law on West Virginia Employers, June 2017“Conducting Effective Investigations,” W. Va. Chapter of SHRM, Bridgeport, WV, November 2, 2017“Energy Careers,” WVU College of Law, October 30, 2017Co-author and speaker, “Surprise! You Are a Joint Employer,” Energy & Mineral Law Foundation 37th Annual Institute, Charleston, SC, June 14, 2016Co-author, “Potential Recovery for Employment Actions in West Virginia and How the New Statutory Limits on Damages Will Support Practitioners,” West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel, May 2016Co-author, ABA Treatise on Employment at Will, State by State Survey, 2011, and Annual Update through 2018Co-author, ABA Treatise on State Wage and Hour Laws, 2009, and Annual Update through 2018Co-author and speaker, “Reductions in Force: Factors to Consider to Avoid Liability to Laid Off Employees,” Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, 36th Annual Institute, Amelia Island, FL, June 21, 2015Speaker, “Employment Law Update,” AIG Legal Symposium, New York, NY, March 24, 2015Co-author, “Internal Investigations of Employee Misconduct: Ethical Considerations,” Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, Kentucky Mineral Law Conference, Lexington, KY, October 26, 2014Speaker, “Social Media and Employment,” The Law Works, West Virginia Public Television, October 17, 2013Speaker, “The Latest on Harassment Claims: Sexual, Non-sexual, and Who Qualifies as a ‘Supervisor’ Under Title VII,” American Conference Institute’s 4th Annual Forum on Defending and Managing Employment Discrimination Litigation, New York, NY, July 31, 2013Speaker, “Exempt Employee Determinations and Classifying Workers: A Focus on Key Industries and Independent Contractor Misclassifications,” American Conference Institute’s 16th National Forum on Wage and Hour Claims and Class Actions, San Francisco, CA, September 27, 2012Co-author or lecturer more than 70 other times.Mr. Morrison also served as an adjunct lecturer on trial advocacy and pretrial strategies at West Virginia University College of Law.