Electing judges does not preclude having legal requirements for running or holding the position. I’d wager more states have requirements like “must have practiced law in state x for y years” than not. Mine does.

Going into this judge’s background, she was originally appointed a Family Master before becoming a judge, so evidently the wisdom of appointments did not save people from her either.

Edit: are we sure this is an elected position in WV? I am looking at the county elections and don’t see judges listed on the results or ballot. Her replacement was appointed by the governor with no mention of it being interim u til an election.

Edit2: they are indeed elected, with eight year terms, which is why I did not see it. But the judge in question was again someone previously appointed to a family master position and then elected - and family master would definitely be prior qualification. Additionally these judges in WV must be a member on good standing with the bar and have a minimum of five years practicing law in WV.