Our partners at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC were born and raised in West Virginia. This part of the country is our home. Each of us is deeply involved in our local community and we care about improving the quality of life for all of us.
Guest Lecturing at the University of Charleston
In March 2022, attorney Bernie Layne was honored to speak to a Persuasive Communication class at the University of Charleston about the persuasion process he uses during jury trials. Bernie is a proud alumnus and former student-athlete (go Golden Eagles!) who loved the opportunity to return to his alma mater and help teach the next generation.
Supporting Marshall University Cheerleaders
Mani Ellis & Layne was proud to donate to Huntington’s own Marshall University Cheerleaders to help pay their expenses for their trip to the 2022 NCA College Cheer Championship in Daytona, FL. Marshall cheerleader Hallie Pongsugree is the daughter of our private investigator, Tee Pongsugree.
Supporting Better Together CWV
The attorneys from Mani Ellis & Layne are all natives of West Virginia, and we believe in helping our neighbors. That’s why our law firm is undertaking a key sponsorship of Better Together CWV, which was created to help local service workers whose finances have been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This grassroots effort to help combat the local economic strain from COVID-19 is being funded by small businesses in our community and demonstrates how close-knit and united the City of Charleston is – especially when our neighbors are in need. By working together, we can make a positive impact and help those who have been affected by the ever-changing circumstances the COVID-19 outbreak has created.
Raising Money For Hurricane Florence Relief
Attorney Jon Mani was proud to participate in the WOWK 13 NEWS Neighbors in Need: Together for the Coast Telethon to support the American Red Cross Hurricane Florence response.
Helping West Virginia flooding victims
West Virginia experienced historic flooding in 2017. In response to this devastating natural disaster, Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC stepped up and did what we could to help our friends and neighbors throughout West Virginia.
We matched donations dollar for dollar (up to $5,000) to the American Red Cross for victims of West Virginia floods. We helped and encouraged fellow citizens to donate a variety of items in need to the West Virginia Association for Justice, including shovels, rakes, heavy duty garbage bags, bleach, rags, rubber gloves, non-perishable food and water. We volunteered our time and encouraged others to do so as well, assisting in the cleanup process spearheaded by the Red Cross and Volunteer West Virginia, which worked closely with the State Emergency Operations Center, West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and local emergency managers.
Freedom Industries Chemical Leak
We were involved in providing water to residents affected by the Freedom Industries chemical leak. This disaster left people without safe drinking water and we handed out 250 cases of drinking water to our friends and neighbors in the Charleston community, as well as filing the first lawsuit for business owners affected by the disaster.
We will continue to provide resources and help with personnel when the need arises and have made an open offer to be called upon when any such situation occurs – and they will. Sadly, the gas extraction industry has resulted in many serious cases of illness, injury, damaged health, deaths from explosions, and other disasters. We want to be called upon for assistance. This is our community and we are raising our families here; our fight is not business, it’s personal.
