Stealey Law & Mediation was formed in October of 2011 when Jim Stealey made the decision to open his own law practice after being in a partnership with two other lawyers for 32 years. Jim continued to focus his practice on personal injury cases, handling claims for people injured through the negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of others. In addition, Jim expanded his mediation practice, in which he serves a mediator charged with helping other lawyers settle their cases, saving their clients the time, expense and stress associated with litigation.
Both Jim’s personal injury practice and mediation practice have continued to grow over the years. Jim is well-known in the Mid-Ohio Valley, from the successes of his law practice, and his work in the community. Jim is an Eagle Scout, he was voted Outstanding Young Man in his graduating class at West Virginia Wesleyan College, he was President of the M. E. Lugar Moot Trial Competition at the WVU College of Law, and he has won numerous honors and awards, including Lawyer-Citizen of the Year in West Virginia, and other awards in connection with charitable organizations in which he has been a member. Jim is a Past President of the WV State Bar, is a Fellow of the WV Bar Foundation, and holds the Martindale-Hubbell legal rating of “A”, which is the highest rating that Martindale-Hubbell awards.
Debbie Townsend joined the firm when it was formed, and serves as Office Manager, but she performs many other duties as well. Jim and Debbie were acquainted for over 30 years when he asked Debbie to manage the law firm. Chances are that if you call Stealey Law & Mediation, Debbie will answer the phone. She has a background in the building and construction business, banking and real estate. As such, she has mastered the art of dealing with the public. She relates very well to people and is a very empathetic and patient soul who cares about our clients and how tragedy has impacted their lives. She is a founding Board Member of the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative (Stealey Law & Mediation is a founding sponsor) and she donates a considerable amount of her time and attention to this very worthwhile organization.
Jane Jackson joined the firm in March of 2019. Prior to that date, she was a legal assistant for more than 50 years with the law firm in which Jim Stealey was formerly a partner. So Jim and Jane were very well acquainted before she agreed to join the firm. When Jane became available, Jim hired her immediately. Jane is extremely efficient, hardworking and dedicated to the firm and to the clients we serve. Like Debbie, she cares about people, she goes out of her way to help them, and be kind to them. She is also a master organizer. The addition of Jane to the firm in 2019 was in many ways the missing piece of the puzzle which has completed our firm and made it what it is today.