A Commitment to Advocacy Built on Community Values

PJ is a lifelong Wheeling resident and a graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. From an early age, he knew he wanted a career that allowed him to give back to the community that shaped him. Although he does not come from a family of lawyers, he was raised by parents who emphasized standing up for what is right and speaking for those who may not be able to do so themselves. Those values ultimately led him to the practice of law. PJ has been involved in advocating for injured individuals since he was 19, gaining early exposure to how insurance companies and negligent parties can take advantage of people during vulnerable moments. 

That experience solidified his desire to protect individuals who have been hurt and to make the legal process less overwhelming for them and their families. Today, PJ focuses his practice on representing people who have been injured by negligence or misconduct. He approaches every case with the same mindset: prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and never lose sight of how the outcome will affect the client’s life. While proud of his Mountaineer roots, PJ is also licensed in Ohio and represents clients on both sides of the river, even if he politely declines to cheer for Ohio State.

Practical Guidance With a Personal Touch

Clients often describe PJ as down-to-earth, responsive, and genuinely invested in their recovery. He takes time to explain the process, answer questions, and shoulder the legal burden so clients can focus on healing and caring for their families. His goal is not just to resolve a case, but to help clients feel supported and informed at every stage.

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Deeply Involved in the Wheeling Community

Outside the courtroom, PJ is heavily involved in youth and high school hockey throughout West Virginia. He serves as President of the Mountain State Hockey League, which oversees high school hockey statewide and manages the West Virginia State High School Hockey Tournament that qualifies teams for the USA Hockey National Tournament each year. PJ is also the head varsity hockey coach and a board member for Central Catholic High School, a nine-time West Virginia state champion program. 

He remains actively involved with the Junior Knights middle school hockey program as well. Coaching allows PJ to mentor young athletes, instill discipline and teamwork, and stay closely connected to the community he calls home. PJ is married to his wife, Carla “Marque” Ratcliffe, a teacher at Wheeling Central Catholic High School. When not practicing law or coaching, he enjoys spending time with Marque, improving his golf game, playing pickleball, and being outdoors whenever possible.

Get to Know Paul Jacob Ratcliffe Professional Background

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, major, and Economics, minor, West Virginia University (2015) (Magna Cum Laude)
  • Juris Doctorate, Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law (2018)

Professional Associations

  • West Virginia Association for Justice
  • West Virginia Bar Association
  • Ohio Association for Justice
  • American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys

Bar Admissions

  • Supreme Court of West Virginia, 2018
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, 2018
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, 2018
  • Supreme Court of Ohio, 2019
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, 2020

Awards & Recognitions

The National Trial Lawyers logo
Avvo Rating Top Attorney logo
National Association of Distinguished Counsel logo
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Nations Premier Top Ten Attourneys logo
American Association of DUI/DWI Attorneys logo
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum logo

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