Karen Tracy McElhinny became associated with the firm in 1997, and was elected as a member in January of 2003. Ms.McElhinny attended the University of Virginia where she had a double major in English and Sociology. She received a B.A. with distinction (the equivalent of cum laude) from the University of Virginia in 1994. Ms. McElhinny continued her education at the Washington & Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia where she participated in Moot Court and the Alderson Legal Assistance Clinic. At Washington & Lee, Ms. McElhinny was chosen by the faculty to receive the award given for having made the most significant student contribution to the Alderson Legal Clinic, and was selected to serve on the Executive Moot Court Board. While on the Executive Moot Court Board, Ms. McElhinny managed the Davis Moot Court Competition.

Ms. McElhinny has made her home in Charleston, West Virginia since 1997. She is married and has two daughters. Ms. McElhinny has volunteered her time at the mentoring program at Glenwood Elementary and the tutoring program at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. Ms. McElhinny also volunteers with the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program where she provides pro bono representation to victims of domestic violence.