Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
The purpose of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council is to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and legal system and address the problems of bias, systemic inequities and underrepresentation in the legal profession.
The DEI Council was formerly known as the Diversity Committee. The change was approved by the Board of Governors in July 2022. The change of becoming a council broadens the membership and allows WSBA members with pro bono status and judicial status as well as law students, staff and faculty and members of the public. To learn more about the specific work we do, please read the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Council Charter.
Overview of DEI Council Work
- WSBA At-Large Governor Application Review — Under the WSBA Bylaws, the DEI Council is charged with reviewing applications for the at-large governor position and then forwarding at least three candidates to be on the ballot for an election of all members eligible to vote.
- Pathways to the Profession — With the goal of creating a more accessible legal profession that is diverse and inclusive, the DEI Council is working to create a statewide resource for people and organizations working to diversify the profession, organize a biannual pathways summit and support other pathway programs like the Joint Minority Mentorship Program and the Washington Law Student Employment Retreat.
2026-2027 Meeting Dates
DEI Council meetings take place via Zoom and are scheduled for noon–1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise noted. If you would like to attend a DEI Council meeting or have any questions about the DEI Council, please email EquityandJustice@wsba.org.
Please note that the November meeting will take place on Nov. 18 because of the holiday on Nov. 11.
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Meeting Materials
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April 2027 May 2027 July 2027 August 2027 |
Council Members
2026–2027WSBA Gov. Tom Ahearne WSBA Gov. Min Kang WSBA Gov. Sophie Ying Viveca Burnette Hon. Andrea Jarmon Taiyler Lindsey Angie Melissa Castaneda Julien-Marie Tarraf Grace Lefevre Ayushi Bharti Brandon McNeel Katherine Squires Nya Cooper Ailene Limric | Council Co-chairs: WSBA Gov. Chris Bhang Jerry Thomas
Staff Liaisons: Diana Singleton, Chief Equity and Justice Officer Saleena Salango, Equity and Justice Lead Lydia Tompkins, Sr. Program Coordinator |
Help advance WSBA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Learn more about joining the WSBA DEI Council by emailing EquityandJustice@wsba.org.org.
