Meet Our Legal Support Staff in Parkersburg, WV

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William B. Summers and Associates

Brenda L. Bailey, Litigation Paralegal

Brenda L. Bailey was born on October 19th in Mullens, WV, and raised in Cleveland, OH, as a child. She returned to West Virginia in 1979, and attended schools in Pineville, WV. She later moved to Gilbert, WV, where she graduated from Gilbert High School as Salutatorian. She attended Southwest Virginia Community College and entered the workforce after high school. She is divorced and has one daughter, Heather, who is a lawyer currently living and practicing in Charleston, SC.

Brenda obtained a two-year paralegal certificate in 1991, an Associate of Arts Degree from Ohio Valley University in 2006, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) certificate in 2006, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management/Organization from Ohio Valley University in 2012. Currently, she is enrolled in the Master’s Program in Law/Legal Studies at West Virginia University.

Brenda’s work experience has primarily entailed working for attorneys in Southern West Virginia, and the Parkersburg area since 1989. She has over 25 years of experience and has worn several hats with these attorneys, including that of office manager, paralegal, and administrative assistant. From 2000 to 2001, she also worked in the state capitol for a state senator and loved networking and the experience. In August 2012, she began working for Summers and Associates and attorney William B. Summers in Parkersburg, and enjoys her job immensely.

Brenda enjoys reading, travel, and hiking in her spare time.

Penny Wheeler, Legal Secretary

Penny Wheeler was born in Bethesda, Maryland. She and her family moved to Pasadena, California when she was about 2 years old. She grew up in Pasadena, California and graduated from San Marino High School in 1990. She moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1999.

Penny’s work experience in the legal field began in May of 2022 when she started her job at Summers & Associates. She is the legal secretary for Mr. Summers, Ms. Bonovitch, and Mr. Schirmer.

Penny lives in Wood County, West Virginia with her fiancé. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, working outside, swimming, and spending time at home with her 2 cats and 4 dogs.

Joseph Barton, Legal Secretary

Joseph Barton was born and raised in Marietta, Ohio on December 20, 1992. He graduated from Marietta High School in 2011. He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. Joseph is a Commercial Multi-and Single-Engine, Instrument-Rated pilot. In his spare time, Joseph works as a Corporate Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor. He enjoys spending time with his wife and new baby boy.