Managing Partner, Redman, Payne & Muldoon
by Kensie Hamilton
Trent Redman did not know a report he wrote in sixth grade would have such an impact on his life. The last line reads, “If I was a doctor I could save people’s lives. If I was a lawyer I could change people’s lives.”
When Redman graduated from West Virginia University he considered going to medical school, but was unsure. So he went to his grandmother, who he considers his lifelong guide, for help. She pulled out the report and everything clicked for him.
Redman might live in Charleston now, but his personal and professional life takes him across West Virginia. Redman grew up in Keyser, Mineral County, where in addition to strong family ties, he has developed strong legal connections. The home base for his professional life, though, is in Charleston, where he served as a family law judge and is now managing partner of the law firm of Redman, Payne & Muldoon. His firm is increasingly looking southward for clients, and now has an office in Danville, Boone County. His network of clients and fellow attorneys extends to Huntington where he worked on all sides of the criminal justice system.
Redman works hard at the practice of law because he understands that the legal system can cause great worry for families and individuals unfamiliar with the courts. “We have three lawyers in this office,” Redman said. “We build relationships with our clients. We are not trying to be just their lawyers; we also want to be their counselors. We want to be part of their business’ or family’s fabric. We are their lawyers, and want to hear from them when things are good, not just when they are bad.”
He has learned a thing or two since starting his law career in 1997 and has a philosophy he thinks fits most situations. “Common sense is usually good business sense. When people do what is right and what makes sense, everything else takes care of itself.” He uses this honest and easy to understand idea when dealing with his clients.
Redman said he feels lucky to have been born in West Virginia, but even luckier to have been able to stay here. He is passionate not only about West Virginia, but also about his family. Redman is so passionate about his family that he was moved to tears when he described his wife, whom he met in law school, as his foundation and inspiration.
He said he marvels at how much his life has changed in the last decade, recalling his decision after losing his first case to quit his job and move to South America. Now his bold moves are within the legal profession, not jumping out of it.
Redman said he knew he was ready to go when he started thinking about leaving The Masters Law Firm to start his own practice. He was reassured that he could handle the challenge when his wife Tiffany backed his choice after only a few brief conversations over a weekend. Aside from the support of his friends and family, he credits the success he has experienced in his first year with his new practice to a simple recipe: honesty, loyalty and hard work.
Redman learned that recipe through a great deal of experience in all aspects of law. Before opening his own practice, he served as a public defender, magistrate, assistant prosecutor and family court judge. He also gained experience from his time spent with the executive branch of government as the director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development under Gov. Bob Wise.
“I have had a million mentors,” he says. “I have even had clients mentor me. I have gotten where I am because of the people I have been lucky enough to be around,” says Redman. “I am the product of the input from so many people. Specifically, the judicial system and bar in Cabell County provided me with so many opportunities and guidance…I had the perfect base upon which to build a career.”
Redman’s passion for family and public service carries over into his charitable works. He is the founder of the holiday charity, Toy Train Express. The annual toy and clothing drive has grown into helping children from eight southern West Virginia counties.
The 36-year-old has also served as a mentor for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. In addition, he and members of his firm volunteer their time and legal knowledge to the Sojourners Women’s Shelter and the Samaritan Inn.
Photography by Rick Lee
