CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Manufacturers Association is eager for the state’s newest appellate court to begin its work now that Gov. Jim Justice has named the slate of initial appointees to the bench.

“Creation of the West Virginia Intermediate Appellate Court long has been a goal of ours, and we are excited to see that Governor Justice has named three judges who are known to be exceedingly fair and balanced,” WVMA President Rebecca McPhail said.

The Intermediate Appellate Court will have three judges who are appointed to staggered terms. Justice appointed Tom Scarr of Cabell County to the two-year seat; Kanawha County lawyer Dan Greear has been appointed to the four-year seat; and Donnell Nickerson of Ohio County has been appointed to the initial six-year seat.

“Having this new avenue for appellate proceedings means West Virginia will join the vast majority of states that have a special court to review decisions from trial courts and various administrative agencies,” McPhail said. “Having this mid-level appellate court ready to handle administration appeals means our Supreme Court will be able to focus on those issues of utmost importance in the legal system.”