Community Involvement

Attorney Bernie Layne returned to the University of Charleston in March 2022 to speak with students in a Persuasive Communication class about his trial experience and how he builds trust with juries. A proud alumnus and former Golden Eagles athlete, Bernie believes in supporting the next generation of West Virginia leaders. His visit wasn’t just about teaching techniques; it was about showing students how meaningful a career rooted in service and integrity can be. Being part of their growth was an experience he’ll never forget.

At Mani Ellis & Layne, giving back means supporting the people and families who make our community strong. We were honored to donate to the Marshall University Cheerleaders to help them attend the 2022 NCA College Cheer Championship in Daytona, Florida. This contribution was extra meaningful because Hallie Pongsugree, one of the cheerleaders, is the daughter of our private investigator, Tee Pongsugree. It’s a joy to cheer on Hallie and her teammates as they chase their dreams and represent West Virginia with pride.

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).

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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.

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.

Attorney Jon Mani was honored to take part in the WOWK 13 NEWS Neighbors in Need: Together for the Coast Telethon, helping raise funds for the American Red Cross Hurricane Florence response. At Mani Ellis & Layne, we believe standing with those in crisis is part of our responsibility as neighbors and community members. We are proud to support relief efforts that bring real help and hope to families facing hardship.

West Virginia experienced historic flooding in 2017. In response to this devastating natural disaster, Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers 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.

We were involved in providing water to residents affected by the Freedom Industries chemical leak. This disaster left people without safe drinking water. We handed out 250 cases of drinking water to our friends and neighbors in the Charleston community, and filed 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.

At Mani Ellis & Layne, we believe in creating moments of joy within our community. On December 19th, we hosted Lunch Break Live: The Merry MELody, a festive Christmas song contest that brought people together to celebrate the season. The event highlighted local talent and community spirit, with the winner receiving a $500 prize. It was a meaningful way to connect, give back, and spread holiday cheer right here in Charleston.

Giving back is at the heart of everything we do. During our Mountaineers Night Out event on September 20th, we were proud to present $30,000 to two incredible local organizations: WV Kids Cancer Crusaders and the Bob Burdette Center. Each received $15,000 to continue their impactful work supporting children and families in our community.

On August 13th, Mani Ellis & Layne was honored to support African American Heritage Night at Go Mart Ballpark alongside the Charleston Dirty Birds. This special evening celebrated the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in our community. It was an opportunity to come together, recognize important voices and traditions, and show our continued commitment to supporting diversity and unity throughout Charleston.On August 13th, Mani Ellis & Layne was honored to support African American Heritage Night at Go Mart Ballpark alongside the Charleston Dirty Birds. This special evening celebrated the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in our community. It was an opportunity to come together, recognize important voices and traditions, and show our continued commitment to supporting diversity and unity throughout Charleston.