William G. Conley graduated from West Virginia University with a law degree and began his legal career in Parsons. He held various public offices, including prosecuting attorney and mayor, and founded a local newspaper. Conley's legal expertise extended to arguing cases before the Supreme Court. He transitioned from local and state public service to a gubernatorial role, emphasizing education and economic management during the Great Depression. Conley later organized a prominent law firm in Charleston.

William G. Conley's political career reveals a distinctive blend of legal expertise and regional advocacy. His tenure as state Attorney General and his Supreme Court appearances highlight a strategic focus on legal precedents that benefit his home state. Conley's unexpected alignment with opposing factions on environmental regulations during his governorship suggests a calculated approach to balancing industrial interests with regulatory compliance. His rhetorical style, underscored by the slogan "Conley Commands Confidence," emphasizes a steady, authoritative presence in turbulent times.