H.L. Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and his J.D. from the University of West Virginia College of Law.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Judge H. L. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick is a lifelong West Virginian and experienced jurist running for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, with a decades-long career spanning private legal practice and nearly 30 years as a Circuit Court judge in Raleigh County. After earning degrees from the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University College of Law, he built a broad legal background handling family, civil, and criminal cases, including federal court work and numerous jury trials. Appointed to the bench in 1995, he presided over thousands of cases, including high-profile trials, and became known for fairness, composure, and a strong emphasis on mediation and resolution. Beyond the courtroom, he contributed through initiatives like a juvenile drug court program, the Fatality Review Committee, and the Judicial Investigation Committee. Now serving in senior status, Judge Kirkpatrick seeks to continue his commitment to impartiality, integrity, and public service as a justice on the state’s highest court.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Experience Matters for the Supreme Court - Judge Kirkpatrick has spent more than 30 years on the bench handling thousands of cases across civil, criminal, and family law. His experience includes complex, high-stakes trials and appellate-level issues, providing the depth of judgment required for service on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.Fair, Impartial, and Independent Judiciary - Throughout his career, Judge Kirkpatrick has focused on applying the law as written, without regard to public pressure, politics, or the parties involved. His approach emphasizes fairness, respect for all individuals in the courtroom, and a commitment to maintaining judicial independence.Service to the People of West Virginia - Judge Kirkpatrick’s work reflects a long-standing commitment to public service, both in and out of the courtroom. From presiding over difficult cases to leading programs like Juvenile Drug Court, his focus has been on serving communities, addressing real-world challenges, and ensuring the justice system works for the people it serves.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Judge Kirkpatrick is most passionate about the fair and consistent application of the law across areas that directly affect people’s lives, including the administration of justice in criminal cases, the resolution of family and child welfare matters, and ensuring access to a fair process in civil disputes. Throughout his career, he has also been deeply engaged in issues surrounding substance abuse and its impact on communities, particularly through his work with Juvenile Drug Court. More broadly, he is committed to maintaining a judicial system that is impartial, independent, and grounded in the rule of law, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly under the law regardless of circumstance.

Campaign websiteKirkpatrick's campaign website stated the following:Judicial PrioritiesImpartial JusticeApplying the law fairly and consistently, without bias or favoritism, ensuring equal justice for all West Virginians.Constitutional IntegrityUpholding the Constitution and the rule of law as the foundation of our judicial system.Judicial IndependenceMaking decisions based on law and facts, not political pressure or special interests.Access to JusticeEnsuring the court system serves all citizens effectively and efficiently.— H.L. Kirkpatrick's campaign website (May 7, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.