Justice Elizabeth “Beth” D. Walker, a respected member of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, has announced her upcoming retirement. She will officially step down from the bench on Friday, June 27, 2025, marking the end of an impactful judicial career that began in 2017.
In a letter dated April 19 to Chief Justice William Wooton, Walker expressed her gratitude to the people of West Virginia and her excitement for the next chapter of her life.
“While serving the people of West Virginia has been the greatest honor of my life, I now do my part to usher in a new generation of leadership while spending more time with my family, friends, and pursuing other interests,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the people of this state who elected me.”
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Justice Walker was first elected to the court on May 10, 2016, in a competitive five-person race that included former justices and seasoned legal professionals. Her 12-year term officially began on January 1, 2017, following a victory over then-Justice Brent Benjamin.
Before taking the bench, Walker built a strong legal foundation. She served as associate general counsel for the West Virginia United Health System (now WVU Medicine) from 2011. She also practiced law for more than two decades at the Charleston-based firm Bowles Rice.
Originally from Huron, Ohio, Walker earned her undergraduate degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan in 1987 and a law degree from The Ohio State University in 1990. She relocated to West Virginia after graduating and has lived and worked in the state ever since.
During her tenure on the West Virginia Supreme Court, Walker served as chief justice twice, in 2019 and 2023. Her leadership brought several reforms to the judicial system, particularly around budget transparency and operational accountability. She was also instrumental in establishing the Judicial Learning Center, located in the East Wing of the State Capitol, to promote civic education.
“We have restored public trust in the judicial branch of government by increasing transparency, accountability, and impartiality,” Walker noted. “We have also established a cooperative and functioning relationship with both the legislative and executive branches.”
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Outside the courtroom, Walker connected with broader audiences through the podcast “Lady Justice: Women of the Court,” which she co-hosted with Arkansas Justice Rhonda Wood and Michigan Chief Justice Bridget McCormack. The podcast spotlighted the voices and experiences of women serving in the judiciary.
Justice Walker leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, reform, and dedication. Her departure marks the end of an era for the West Virginia Supreme Court, and her influence is expected to be felt for years to come as the state prepares to welcome new leadership on the bench.
