Take Your Seat at the Table

The WSBA Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Service on the Board requires vision, leadership, diplomacy, and passion in pursuit of the WSBA's mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.

Serving on the WSBA Board of Governors

The WSBA is seeking applicants for the following positions:

• Governor At Large: currently held by Governor Alec Stephens. Governor Stephens is not seeking another term. Applicants shall be Active members of the WSBA. 
• President-elect: candidates shall be Active Lawyer members of the WSBA. 

Governor At Large Information & Application Process

Term

The term of office begins at the conclusion of the Sept. 8-9, 2023 meeting of the Board of Governors. The Governor At Large position ends at the conclusion of the September 2026 meeting of the Board of Governors.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council's Role

The DEI Council will interview all applicants on Friday, April 21 from 11am - 1pm. More information will be provided to the applicants after the application deadline. The DEI Council "shall forward at least three candidates who have the experience and knowledge of the needs of those members whose membership is or may be historically underrepresented in governance, or who represent some of the diverse elements of the public of the State of Washington, to the end that the BOG will be a more diverse and representative body than the results of the election of Governors based solely on Congressional Districts may allow. Underrepresentation and diversity may be based upon, but not be limited to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, areas and types of practice, and years of membership, provided that no single factor will be determinative (WSBA Bylaws)."

Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. PST Monday, April 17. The application process is as follows:

1. At-Large Application Form*. This form is required.
2. Statement (200 words max.).
3. At-Large Profile Form. Profile forms may be edited to align with WSBA branding guidelines.
4. Photo. Photo should be of good quality. The ideal photo size for web publishing is 150px (width) by 200px (height) at 72 dpi.
5. Letters of Support. Please have letters of support sent to barleaders@wsba.org. 

All materials received will be provided to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. If forwarded as a candidate by the Council, materials will be posted online and the statement will be provided on the electronic ballot.

Late materials will not be accepted.

*The application form is required. All other application materials (no. 2-5) are optional but recommended.

Eligibility

In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, Any active member of the Bar, except a person who has previously served as a Governor for more than 48 consecutive months, may be nominated or apply (WSBA Bylaws, Article VI)

After the Application Deadline

• April 21: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council will conduct applicant interviews (11am - 1pm).
• April 26: Candidate Video Recording Sessions. Each candidate will have the opportunity to record a brief candidate video. Candidates will be provided predetermined questions and prompts in advance of the video recording. Each candidate will be provided the same questions/prompts. To ensure timely publication of the videos, we ask that candidates record their videos on this date if at all possible. More information will be provided to candidates.
• May 15: The Governor At Large election opens via e-ballot. 
• June 1: The Governor At Large election closes at 5 p.m. PST.
• June 15: Run-off election closes at 5 p.m. PST (if required).

Orientation Period

In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, "Any newly elected Governor will undergo an orientation period commencing from the time of his or her election until being sworn in by the Supreme Court. This orientation must include attendance and participation in a New Governor Orientation... and are expected to attend other meetings and/or activities as invited or directed by the BOG. Governors-elect must also attend public meetings of the BOG as non-voting Governors. This attendance does not include executive sessions, unless authorized by the BOG." 

Therefore - mark your calendars; the following dates are important for any newly elected Governor:

• June 23-25, 2023 Board Meeting and New Governor Orientation in Vancouver, WA (includes a retreat). In-Person attendance is encouraged. 
• Aug. 11-12, 2023 Board Meeting  in Richland, WA.
• Sept. 8-9, 2023 Board Meeting in Spokane, WA. In-Person attendance is encouraged. 

Virtual attendance option is available.

President-elect Information & Application Process

Role of President-elect

The President-elect performs the duties of the President at the request of the President, or in the absence, inability, recusal, or refusal of the President to perform those duties. The President-elect also performs such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the BOG. The President-elect is not a voting member of the BOG except when acting in the President's place at a meeting of the BOG and then only if the vote will affect the result. 

Eligibility & Election

The BOG will elect an Active lawyer member of the Washington State Bar Association to serve as President-elect. 

Term

The President-elect will take office upon the incumbent President-elect becoming President or upon vacancy of the office of President-elect. 

Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. PST Monday, April 17. The application process is as follows:

1. President-elect Application Form*. This form is required.
2. Statement (200 words max.).
3. Letter of Interest
4. Resume
5. Letters of Support. Please have letters of support sent to barleaders@wsba.org. 

Late materials will not be accepted. All materials will be provided to the Board of Governors and published in the May meeting materials online. 

*The application form is required. All other application materials (no. 2-5) are recommended but optional.

Election

All candidates for President-elect will interview and elect by secret ballot, the President-elect at their meeting on May 19-20, 2023 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Yakima, WA. In-person attendance is recommended. Virtual option is available. 

Other Important Dates

• June 23-25, 2023 Board Meeting and New Governor Orientation in Vancouver, WA (includes a retreat). In-Person attendance is encouraged. 
• Aug. 11-12, 2023 Board Meeting  in Richland, WA.
• Sept. 8-9, 2023 Board Meeting in Spokane, WA. In-Person attendance is encouraged. 

Accommodations

The WSBA is committed to full access and participation by persons with disabilities. If you have any questions about accessibility or require accommodation, please contact accomodations@wsba.org and visit our Accommodations page for more information.

Questions?

Please contact Paris Eriksen, WSBA Volunteer Engagement Advisor, at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.

The WSBA values diversity and inclusion, and encourages Black, indigenous, and people of color; women; people from the LBGTQ communities; people with disabilities; and members of other groups who have been systemically oppressed to apply for our committees, boards, and panels.