---
title: "Michelle Barnes-Russell | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michelle-barnes-russell-wv-magistrate-berkeley"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Michelle Barnes-Russell

West Virginia Magistrate Court, Berkeley County · Magistrate

## Profile

- Court: West Virginia Magistrate Court, Berkeley County
- State: West Virginia
- Role: Magistrate
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Michelle Barnes‐Russell is the Berkeley County Magisterial Judge for Division 6 in West Virginia, serving from 2024 through 2028
- held the role of a candidate for Berkeley County Magisterial Judge – Division 6 in the 2024 West Virginia primary election

### Education

- Master’s in Organizational Leadership – Mountain State University (2004) Bachelor’s in Public Administration – Virginia State University (1992)

### Additional information

- Professional History: Telecommunications Manager for over 27 years Berkeley County School Board Member (2016–present) Former Berkeley County Circuit Clerk candidate (2022)
- Virginia State University bachelor Public Administration1992; school board service began2016; magistrate;2024 Division6 candidacy.
- Direct full name Michelle Barnes-Russell: Mountain State University master Organizational Leadership2004
- Direct candidate statement Michelle Barnes Berkeley County: Master of Science Organizational Leadership; telecommunications manager over27years.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### camera and audio equipment

Scope: statewide

West Virginia Trial Court Rule 8 makes courtroom camera and audio equipment subject to the presiding circuit judge's or magistrate's permission.

Evidence excerpt: Cameras and audio equipment may be permitted in and around the courtrooms at the discretion of each presiding circuit judge or magistrate.

[West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### advance media request timing

Scope: statewide

West Virginia Trial Court Rule 8 directs the presiding officer to decide requests for camera or audio coverage made at least one day before the proceeding, and lack of advance approval may preclude use.

Evidence excerpt: Requests made by a party or any other person at least one day in advance of the proceedings.

[West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/berkeley_county)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/berkeley_county)
- [West Virginia Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/berkeley_county)
- [West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
- [West Virginia Judiciary Berkeley County directory](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/berkeley_county)
- [berkeleycountygop.com](https://berkeleycountygop.com/2024/02/michelle-barnes/)
- [www.ballotready.org](https://www.ballotready.org/people/michelle-barnes-russell)
- [www.courtswv.gov](https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2023-11/july1b_22.pdf)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7bfc4ba5831cb3f30a5d65ca) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents). Collected 2026-07-27.