The practice of law can take any number of turns and attorney Jeff Blaydes has explored many of them in his nearly thirty-year career. He has found his sense of justice leads him to the practice of representing working-people who have been taken advantage of and who simply need help righting that wrong.

Beginning his career in the West Virginia Attorney General’s office, Jeff represented a number of state agencies, giving him insight and experience representing employers in various areas, and since his departure, has been honored to be appointed Special Assistant Attorney General on several occasions.

Jeff has presided over hundreds of cases as a hearing examiner and has earned a reputation as a calm, fair and ethical professional. He is known as a credible, objective evaluator with a sound legal foundation from which he draws his decisions. His work product has been described by one peer reviewer as “impeccable” and his “practice skills” and “legal knowledge and analysis” have been described as of “the highest order.”

A trained mediator, Jeff is sought out by attorneys who know he will deliver precise, reasoned and tactful guidance through his steady communication style.

Jeff regularly handles cases of statewide significance particularly in the area of education law. He currently represents the largest teachers union in West Virginia, the American Federation of Teachers, as well as other labor unions and individual union members who seek him out when they find themselves facing an unjust decision or hiring practice. As lead counsel for hundreds of education employees, Jeff spearheaded the recovery of approximately $3,000,000 for employees whose salary supplement had been cut and more than $3,000,000 for education employees who lost their salary stipend. He has also represented education employees in matters involving vaccinations, charter schools, dues collection, employee drug testing, employee dress codes, as well as disciplinary and promotion hearings.

In his private practice, Jeff has been drawn to fighting injustices against individuals, primarily in employment and guardian and conservator work. He represents senior citizens who are vulnerable to financial exploitation and workers who are sickened or injured because of unsafe work conditions. Jeff has a proven track record for success in fighting against unfair labor and employment practices, and has presented cases before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.