About Us

The law firm, now known as Ray, Winton & Kelley has been in continuous existence since it was founded in 1897. It was established by James M. Payne, a civic leader who also organized the Charleston Home Telephone Company and served as its president for two years. About 1900, his nephew, William Dallas Payne, joined the firm, then known as Payne & Payne.

Later, the firm became Payne, Minor and Ray. John V. Ray joined the firm after he returned to Charleston following service in World War I and completion of a Rhodes scholarship. In 1952, his son, John L. Ray, joined the firm after serving in World War II and obtaining chemical engineering and law degrees from the University of Virginia. By 1955, the firm became Payne, Minor, Ray, Price & Loeb with the addition of Charles W. Loeb, one of the first West Virginia lawyers to specialize in tax law.

Representing Clients in Every County in West Virginia.

We Are The Leading Legal Company

Ray, Winton, & Kelley is a small but versatile law firm with the diversity of experience to handle almost any legal matter its clients face. With a proud history stretching back to 1897, Ray, Winton & Kelley is among the oldest law firms in West Virginia, yet it still offers a more personal level of client-oriented service than many bigger law firms.

Christopher J. Winton

Christopher Winton, the managing member of the firm, is a 1982 graduate with high distinction from the University of Virginia where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. degree in 1985 from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Throughout his legal career, Chris has practiced in a variety of areas, but concentrates mainly in the areas of estate planning and administration, business planning, taxation, real estate, and civil litigation.

Chris is a member of both the West Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar. He is also a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and Charleston Estate Planning Council.

He has been selected as a West Virginia Super Lawyer in the field of estate planning. Since 2012, he has been selected by his peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. He was named Best Lawyers’ Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year for Charleston, West Virginia for 2016 and 2019. Chris is rated AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings. He also is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

In 2015, Chris was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, which is a national organization of trust and estate lawyers and law professors who have been elected by their peers in recognition of having made outstanding contributions to the practice of trust and estate law. Chris is a longtime member of the West Virginia State Bar Probate Committee and was appointed as Chair in 2019, where he frequently has the opportunity to work with the West Virginia Legislature on proposed legislation in the fields of estate administration, probate, and trusts.

Chris is a frequent lecturer for professional and business groups on wills and trusts, ethics, and litigation. He is co-author of “Laying Claim: A Practitioner’s Guide to Will Contests in West Virginia” and “Still Laying Claim” which are published in the West Virginia University Law Review. He has authored of the “Probate Happens” series, published in The West Virginia Lawyer Magazine.

Chris resides in Charleston. He is a student of genealogy and is the 23rd great-grandson of England’s King John, who signed the Magna Carta in 1215, and the 66th great-grandson of Vologaeses I, King of Parthia (25 A.D. – 78 A.D.).

Christopher J. Winton

Christopher Winton, the managing member of the firm, is a 1982 graduate with high distinction from the University of Virginia where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. degree in 1985 from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Throughout his legal career, Chris has practiced in a variety of areas, but concentrates mainly in the areas of estate planning and administration, business planning, taxation, real estate, and civil litigation.

Chris is a member of both the West Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar. He is also a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and Charleston Estate Planning Council.

He has been selected as a West Virginia Super Lawyer in the field of estate planning. Since 2012, he has been selected by his peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. He was named Best Lawyers’ Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year for Charleston, West Virginia for 2016 and 2019. Chris is rated AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings. He also is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

In 2015, Chris was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, which is a national organization of trust and estate lawyers and law professors who have been elected by their peers in recognition of having made outstanding contributions to the practice of trust and estate law. Chris is a longtime member of the West Virginia State Bar Probate Committee and was appointed as Chair in 2019, where he frequently has the opportunity to work with the West Virginia Legislature on proposed legislation in the fields of estate administration, probate, and trusts.

Chris is a frequent lecturer for professional and business groups on wills and trusts, ethics, and litigation. He is co-author of “Laying Claim: A Practitioner’s Guide to Will Contests in West Virginia” and “Still Laying Claim” which are published in the West Virginia University Law Review. He has authored of the “Probate Happens” series, published in The West Virginia Lawyer Magazine.

Chris resides in Charleston. He is a student of genealogy and is the 23rd great-grandson of England’s King John, who signed the Magna Carta in 1215, and the 66th great-grandson of Vologaeses I, King of Parthia (25 A.D. – 78 A.D.).

Mark W. Kelley

Partner | Domestic Relations, Commercial & Estate Litigation

Mark W. Kelley is a seasoned attorney and a partner at Ray, Winton & Kelley, bringing more than three decades of experience to his clients. Mark concentrates his practice in domestic relations, commercial litigation, and estate litigation, with particular expertise in high-asset divorce cases. He also handles employment and personal injury matters and serves as a mediator in domestic, commercial, and estate disputes.

Professional Leadership & Recognition

Rated “BV Distinguished” by Martindale-Hubbell
Platinum Client Champion Award recipient for exceptional client service
Selected as a West Virginia Super Lawyer in Family Law
Former Chair, Commercial Litigation Section, American Association of Justice
Founding Member and Former Chair, Kanawha County Family Court Bench-Bar Committee

Memberships

West Virginia State Bar (Family Law Committee)
American Bar Association
American Association of Justice
West Virginia Association of Justice
Practiced pro hac vice in multiple State and Federal courts

Community Involvement

Former Chairman and Longtime Member, Board of Directors, West Virginia State University Foundation
Coordinator, Mock Trials for High School Students, in partnership with Kanawha County Family Court
Former Chairman and Member, Board of Governors, West Virginia State University
Trustee, Bernard H. and Blanche E. Jacobson Foundation
Trustee, Berkeley Minor and Susan Fontaine Minor Foundation

Education

J.D., West Virginia University College of Law (1991) – Manuscript Editor, West Virginia Law Review
B.A., West Virginia State University (1988) – President, Student Government Association

Mark was raised in Nitro, West Virginia, and currently resides in Charleston. Outside of his legal work, Mark is deeply committed to education and community engagement, mentoring students and supporting initiatives that strengthen West Virginia’s future.

David S. Hughart

David S. Hughart, better known among friends as Sam, is the newest Member of the firm as of January 1, 2017. (Read the press release.) He joined Ray, Winton & Kelley as an associate in 2011. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and a 2009 graduate of the Appalachian School of Law. Throughout his academic career, Sam was a Dean’s List recipient multiple times at both West Virginia University and the Appalachian School of Law.

In law school, Sam participated in several organizations, including serving as the President of the ASL Sober Drivers. Sam was also employed by Thomson-Reuters as a Westlaw student representative for his law school.

During his legal career, Sam has practiced in a variety of legal fields, but currently concentrates in the areas of domestic relations, collections, and estate planning, administration, and litigation. Sam also handles matters involving business law, civil litigation, appellate practice, employment law, and personal injury. He has completed basic and advanced training in mediation and is prepared to handle mediation in family law cases.

Sam is currently a member of the West Virginia State Bar and is admitted to practice law in the State of West Virginia and the Southern District of West Virginia.

On December 12, 2013, the Kanawha County Family Court Bench/Bar Committee presented Sam with the “Guardian Angel” award. Each year, the county’s family court judges honor a member of the bar with the award for outstanding service and dedication as a guardian ad litem representing the interests of children in family court cases. Sam’s community activities include participating in the Family Court of Kanawha County’s mock trial competition where he serves as a coach for the students of one of the county’s high schools.

Sam was raised and currently resides in Poca, West Virginia.

David S. Hughart

David S. Hughart, better known among friends as Sam, is the newest Member of the firm as of January 1, 2017. (Read the press release.) He joined Ray, Winton & Kelley as an associate in 2011. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and a 2009 graduate of the Appalachian School of Law. Throughout his academic career, Sam was a Dean’s List recipient multiple times at both West Virginia University and the Appalachian School of Law.

In law school, Sam participated in several organizations, including serving as the President of the ASL Sober Drivers. Sam was also employed by Thomson-Reuters as a Westlaw student representative for his law school.

During his legal career, Sam has practiced in a variety of legal fields, but currently concentrates in the areas of domestic relations, collections, and estate planning, administration, and litigation. Sam also handles matters involving business law, civil litigation, appellate practice, employment law, and personal injury. He has completed basic and advanced training in mediation and is prepared to handle mediation in family law cases.

Sam is currently a member of the West Virginia State Bar and is admitted to practice law in the State of West Virginia and the Southern District of West Virginia.

On December 12, 2013, the Kanawha County Family Court Bench/Bar Committee presented Sam with the “Guardian Angel” award. Each year, the county’s family court judges honor a member of the bar with the award for outstanding service and dedication as a guardian ad litem representing the interests of children in family court cases. Sam’s community activities include participating in the Family Court of Kanawha County’s mock trial competition where he serves as a coach for the students of one of the county’s high schools.

Sam was raised and currently resides in Poca, West Virginia.

Franki L. Parsons

Franki L. Parsons, Of Counsel Attorney, is a 1999 magna cum laude graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where she was the Student Body President. She graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2002 where she achieved the distinction of Order of the Barristers and earned a place on the Moot Court Board’s National Team and also served as the Associate Chief Justice.

Since becoming a lawyer, Franki has served in multiple capacities, including as acting General Counsel to the West Virginia Development Office and as outside General Counsel to the West Virginia Water Development Authority and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. She also served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Leawood, Kansas.

Following the death of a loved one, she became interested in estate planning and wealth transfer matters. Her own experience showed her how emotionally and mentally taxing it can be when you lose a family member it and made her interested in helping her clients through that process. She said the greatest compliment she has ever received as an attorney, from numerous clients, is that she is “the most relatable attorney they’ve ever met.”

In her spare time, Franki loves cooking, entertaining, hiking and travel. She also designs home interiors on the side. She is from Moundsville and currently lives in Charleston.

Franki L. Parsons

Franki L. Parsons, Of Counsel Attorney, is a 1999 magna cum laude graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where she was the Student Body President. She graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2002 where she achieved the distinction of Order of the Barristers and earned a place on the Moot Court Board’s National Team and also served as the Associate Chief Justice.

Since becoming a lawyer, Franki has served in multiple capacities, including as acting General Counsel to the West Virginia Development Office and as outside General Counsel to the West Virginia Water Development Authority and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. She also served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Leawood, Kansas.

Following the death of a loved one, she became interested in estate planning and wealth transfer matters. Her own experience showed her how emotionally and mentally taxing it can be when you lose a family member it and made her interested in helping her clients through that process. She said the greatest compliment she has ever received as an attorney, from numerous clients, is that she is “the most relatable attorney they’ve ever met.”

In her spare time, Franki loves cooking, entertaining, hiking and travel. She also designs home interiors on the side. She is from Moundsville and currently lives in Charleston.

John J. Brewster

Partner | Estate Planning, Probate & Real Estate

John J. Brewster helps individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. As a partner at Ray, Winton & Kelley, John focuses his practice on estate planning, probate, and real estate law, providing clients with practical solutions and peace of mind. From drafting wills and trusts to guiding clients through complex probate matters, John brings clarity and confidence to every step of the process.

In addition to his estate planning and estate administration work, John further assists clients with real estate tax liens, business entity formation, contract preparation, and real estate transactions—both residential and commercial. When disputes arise, John represents clients in litigation involving real estate titles and boundary issues, will contests, fiduciary matters, automotive claims, and construction claims. John has been recognized for his work in trusts and estates, including litigation, in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2026 Edition). John has also drafted legislation to simplify the probate process in West Virginia.

Leadership & Community

Secretary, West Virginia State Bar Probate Committee
Former Board Member, Charleston Montessori School (2020-2025)

Speaking Engagements

Probate 101 for Clerks – West Virginia County Clerks Association Annual Conference (2024)
Ethics and Law Office Management – WV Bankers Association Financial & Estate Planning Conference (2023)
Handling Tangibles in the Estate – WV Bar Association Estate Planning Institute (2021)
Firearms in Estate Administration – National Business Institute (2020)

Education and Work History

J.D., West Virginia University College of Law (2015) – Tax Clinic Member
B.S., Accounting & Finance, West Virginia University (2011)

John has been with Ray, Winton & Kelley since 2018. Before joining the firm, he served as an assistant public defender, advocating for juveniles in delinquency and status offense cases. Prior to going to law school, John worked in accounting and information technology.

Personal

John lives in Charleston, West Virginia with his family. Outside of the office, he’s a self-taught mechanic who enjoys working on and restoring cars—a hands-on passion that reflects his strong problem-solving skills.

Scott H. Kaminski

Of Counsel | Personal Injury, Employment & Civil Litigation

Scott H. Kaminski serves as attorney Of Counsel at Ray, Winton & Kelley, bringing over three decades of trial experience to the firm. Scott has extensive courtroom experience, having tried cases in both state and federal courts. He has represented injured parties, companies, and corporations as both plaintiffs and defendants, giving him invaluable insight into how each side evaluates and strategizes a case. This perspective allows Scott to craft effective litigation strategies tailored to his clients’ needs.

In addition to civil litigation, Scott regularly appears before regulatory tribunals, including the West Virginia Board of Nursing, the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board, and others, representing professionals facing challenges to their licenses.

Memberships

West Virginia State Bar
Licensed to practice in the State of Ohio
Kentucky Bar Association

Education

J.D., West Virginia University College of Law (1993)
B.A., University of Charleston (1990)

Personal

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Scott has long resided in Charleston, West Virginia with his wife, Erin, and their dogs. Outside the courtroom, he is a regular host on “The Tailgate Sports Show” on WTSQ 88.1 FM, combining his love for sports with his engaging personality.

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