Teresa M. Samuels

Associate Attorney Charleston Office

Direct Dial: 304-345-4222

About

Teresa M. Samuels is a litigation attorney with ten years of courtroom experience across West Virginia's criminal, civil, and family courts. Her practice is defined by disciplined case preparation, strategic analysis, and a trial‑tested ability to examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and advocate effectively in high‑stakes adversarial proceedings. She brings to Bailey & Wyant a strong foundation in evidentiary litigation, motion practice, and high‑volume docket management — all essential to complex civil defense work.

Before joining the firm, Teresa practiced at Klie Law Offices, where she handled contested hearings, dispositive motions, and evidentiary disputes in Family Courts throughout north‑central and southern West Virginia. She developed case theory, examined and cross‑examined witnesses, and drafted persuasive motions and briefs addressing complex factual and statutory issues. Her work required rapid assessment of evidentiary records, strategic negotiation, and consistent communication with clients, opposing counsel, and court staff.

Teresa previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Cabell County, trying felony and misdemeanor cases before juries and judges. She conducted direct and cross‑examinations of law enforcement officers, forensic and medical experts, and civilian witnesses; litigated suppression motions and other pre‑trial challenges; and managed full discovery and Brady/Giglio compliance across a demanding adversarial docket. This role strengthened her command of evidentiary rules, courtroom procedure, and trial strategy — skills directly transferable to civil defense litigation.

She began her career with Legal Aid of West Virginia, representing clients in contested Circuit and Family Court matters involving custody, protective orders, guardianships, and adoptions. There, she gained early experience examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and arguing motions in adversarial hearings where the stakes were immediate and the legal issues complex.

Teresa is admitted to the West Virginia State Bar. She earned her Juris Doctor from West Virginia University College of Law and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an A.A. in Psychology from Potomac State College. Her continuing legal education includes statewide litigation training, prosecution skills development, and specialized instruction in evidentiary practice.

At Bailey & Wyant, Teresa applies her decade of litigation experience to support the firm's civil defense clients with thorough preparation, clear communication, and a steady, strategic courtroom presence.