LAPSWV EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2026-2027
LAPSWV PRESIDENT
Cynthia "Cindy" L. Kline, ACP
With over 35 years’ experience as a paralegal, Cindy is currently employed as a litigation paralegal with Robinson & McElwee PLLC in their Charleston office. Cindy received her A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from BridgeValley CTC in 2015. While at BridgeValley, she helped start the first student chapter of LAPSWV. She has been a member of LAPSWV since 2004, having held various offices throughout the years, including President, Vice-President, Secretary, and NALA Liaison. Cindy holds an Advanced Paralegal Certification in Discovery from NALA. She is an active member of NALA and has served on NALA’s Professional Development Committee (PDC), NALA’s Continuing Education Committee (CEC), served as the 2015-2016 Chair of NALA CEC “NALA Campus Live!, and was a member of NALA’s 2012 Leadership Enhancement and Preparation (LEAP) Class. Cindy is a paralegal member of the Defense Trial Counsel of WV.
LAPSWV VICE PRESIDENT
Paula Smith
With more than 37 years’ experience as a paralegal, Paula was employed as an Administrative Law Paralegal with Jackson Kelly PLLC in their Charleston Office. She has worked at Jackson Kelly for her entire career of 38 years serving as a Paralegal in the Workers’ Compensation and Federal Black Lung Departments. Paula completed her Degree in Paralegal Studies at The University of Charleston in 1991. Paula has been a member of LAPSWV since its founding in 2004. She was a member of the statewide WV Paralegal Organization prior to LAPSWV being founded.
LAPSWV SECRETARY
LAPSWV SECRETARY
Juanita Griffiths
With 35 years of experience in the legal field, including more than 25 years as a paralegal, Juanita Griffiths currently serves as a litigation paralegal at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in the Huntington, West Virginia office, where she supports the Professional Liability and General Litigation teams. Juanita earned her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Morehead State University and is a Certified KentuckyParalegal, proudly joining the inaugural group to receive that certification in December 2010.
Juanita has long been committed to the paralegal profession and the people within it. She previously served as Vice President of LAPSWV and has remained an active member since 2019. She is also a member of the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia’s Paralegal Committee, the Kentucky Paralegal Association, and NALA.
Outside of work, Juanita enjoys music, gardening, and true crime.
LAPSWV TREASURER
LAPSWV SECRETARY
Susan Black, CP
Senior Legal Assistant | Certified Paralegal
Susan Black, CP, is a Senior Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal with more than a decade of experience supporting attorneys in complex litigation, collections, and legal operations. She provides comprehensive legal and administrative support throughout all phases of case management, including document preparation, electronic filing, docket management, discovery coordination, client communication, and trial preparation.
Susan currently serves as a Senior Legal Assistant with Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, where she supports attorneys in the firm's Account Resolution Services and litigation practices. Her work focuses on facilitating efficient case progression, maintaining compliance with procedural requirements, and serving as a key resource for attorneys, clients, healthcare providers, and opposing counsel.
Prior to joining Spilman Thomas & Battle, Susan gained extensive litigation experience in both private practice and government service, including roles with United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, and Greene Ketchum Bailey & Tweel LLP. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in litigation support, court procedures, electronic filing systems, legal research, document management, and client relations.
Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Marshall University and an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Mountwest Community & Technical College through its ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program. She is a Certified Paralegal (CP) through the National Association of Legal Assistants, a distinction demonstrating advanced legal knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to continuing legal education.
Active within the legal community, Susan has served as Secretary of the Legal Assistants and Paralegals of Southern West Virginia and as a member of the Legal Assistant Program Advisory Board for Mountwest Community & Technical College. She remains committed to advancing the legal support profession through leadership, mentorship, and ongoing professional development.
LAPSWV NALA LIAISON
Carmel Stuart
Carmel Stuart is a paralegal, celebrating over 10 years with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Bridgeport, WV. She works in the Office of General Counsel handling matters of policy, compliance, and audits for the firm. Carmel also supports the firm’s attorneys in Energy and Litigation Departments in various capacities. Carmel has been a paralegal for 35 years after graduating from Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC, in 1993, earning her associates degree in Paralegal Studies with honors. During that time, she served as President of the Paralegal Studies’ student organization and as NALA Liaison with the North Carolina Paralegal Association. Throughout her career she has participated in leadership roles to various nonprofit organizations and notably received the President’s Award for Service by the Lions Club, Berea, KY.
Carmel loves music, writing, biographies, and participating in community events in Bridgeport, WV. She is a member of Bridgeport United Methodist Church and has an adult son, a paramedic, serving in Morgantown, WV.
LAPSWV PARLIAMENTARIAN
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Steve Jobs
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