Charleston, W.Va. - The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the vacancy on the 27th Family Circuit Court (Braxton, Pocahontas, and Webster counties). The vacancy is left by Judge Joyce Helmick Carpenter who will retire on December 31, 2026.
All applicants for a judicial vacancy in a West Virginia Judicial Circuit shall complete the application attached in full and return it via email to JVAC@wv.gov, or by mail, addressed to:
Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission
c/o Office of General Counsel to the Governor
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Untimely filing may preclude consideration of your candidacy. The interviews will take place virtually on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
For more information about the application process, please call the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000.