Daniel Schuda, Esq.
A licensed West Virginia attorney since 1977, I have tried more cases than I can count in most counties in West Virginia and in all Federal courts. In nearly fifty years of practice, I have handled thousands of claims of all types, including personal injury, contract disputes, insurance coverage, professional malpractice, employment, and construction issues.
When engaged as a mediator, I draw upon a long history of educational, professional, and personal experience to identify the relevant facts and issues, understand the law and those applying it, and the needs, values and expectations of the parties to seek a resolution acceptable to both sides of a dispute.
I believe the function of a mediator is to assist and guide the parties and their attorneys to that end—understanding, questioning, opining, and supporting each as appropriate. Achieving justice is a sought-for but not required result.
History and Education
Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, I earned a bachelor’s degree from then Glenville State College in 1969 and spent the next four years in the U. S. Air Force, during which I earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Delaware. I then attended West Virginia University College of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1977 where I was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and Associate Editor of the West Virginia Law Review. After admission to the West Virginia Bar in 1977, I served as law clerk to Judge Robert E. Maxwell, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, until 1980.
From 1980 through 1998, I practiced law as an associate and partner with Steptoe & Johnson in Charleston, West Virginia, serving as Litigation Practice Manager in the Charleston office and as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee, and left to start my own law firm, first Schuda & Jones and later Schuda and Associates. In 2013, I became Of Counsel to Anspach Law in Charleston and in 2018 took a similar position with The Law Office of M. Andrew Brison. Today, I resolve cases and mediation disputes for individuals and businesses across the state from my office in Charleston, West Virginia.
Professional Affiliations
West Virginia State Bar (1977)
U.S. District Court Northern and Southern Districts of WV (1977)
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1985)
Kanawha County Bar Association, Member
West Virginia Bar Association, Member
Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia
Super Lawyer 2007-2009 and 2011-2018
