Board of Governors
Congressional District 7 North
The WSBA Board of Governors is the governing body of the Washington State Bar Association. The Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Governors and Officers of the Board of Governors exhibit a commitment to service, vision, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication to the mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.
Important: Learn more about serving on the WSBA Board of Governors.
Congressional Districts
Learn about the Candidates for this Position
My name is Norma Linda Ureña, and I am a proud member of the Washington State Bar Association. I grew up working in the sugar beet and potato fields of Southern Idaho, where I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and service. Those early lessons, combined with a deep sense of justice, have shaped my legal career and commitment to our profession. I practice family law in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. Before focusing exclusively on family law and domestic violence cases, I served clients through Idaho Legal Aid, the Northwest Justice Project, and Columbia Legal Services. I have also contributed to the profession through service on WSBA committees, including the Disciplinary Committee and Judicial Evaluation Committee. Beyond the practice of law, I am committed to community engagement and have served with organizations such as the Jackson Street Music Project and the Latino Community Fund. I believe lawyers have both the ability and responsibility to advance justice beyond our individual practices. I would be honored to serve as a Governor for District Seven-North and welcome your ideas, concerns, and vision for the future of our Bar. Thank you for your consideration.
I am Seattle-based litigation partner at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, where I lead and manage of team of attorneys and paralegals handling matters ranging from pre-litigation through trial in both state and federal court. I also advise clients on transactional and regulatory matters, giving me a broad perspective on the challenges facing practitioners across practice settings.
I earned my J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where I served as Managing Editor of the Washington Law Review, and hold a Master's degree in International Law and Public Policy. I have been a Washington State bar member since 2015.
I bring to this role real-world experience in courtrooms, boardrooms, and law firm management. I understand the pressures facing litigators, the needs of small and mid-size firms, and the importance of a bar association that is both accessible and responsive to its members.
If appointed, I am committed to serving the lawyers and legal professionals of District 7 North with transparency, diligence, and a genuine commitment to the WSBA's mission to serve the public and ensure the integrity of the legal profession. I would be honored to earn the Board's confidence.
Description of Open Position
The WSBA Board of Governors seeks applications from WSBA members (lawyers, LLLTs and LPOs) who reside in District 7 North. No applications were received by the original deadline (Feb. 17). In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, "[i]n the event no application is made for a seat, the position will be treated, advertised, and filled by Board appointment until the next election cycle only, in which the position will be included in the election cycle for the remainder of the term."
Current Congressional District 7 North Governor, Matthew Dresden, has served two consecutive terms and is ineligible to serve again in this position.
Term
The term for this position is one year, beginning at the conclusion of the Sept. 24–25, 2026 meeting and ending at the conclusion of the September 2027 meeting. The candidate interviews and vote will take place at the May 1–2, 2026 Board meeting. The meeting is held both in-person at the Wenatchee Convention Center and online via Zoom.
The individual appointed to this position will be eligible to apply for the remaining two years of this term.
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 for election as governor from the congressional district, or geographic regions within the seventh congressional district, in which such a person resides.
WSBA divides District 7 into two separate geographic regions designated as north and south and identified by postal zip codes established by the Bar in accordance with WSBA Bylaws and Board of Governors policy.
District 7 North includes the following zip codes: 98103, 98105, 98107, 98115, 98117, 98125, 98133, 98155, 98177, 98185 and 98195. Eligibility for all congressional district positions is based on home address.
Members that have served as governors for more than 48 consecutive months at time of filing an application, are not eligible to be nominated or apply for election or appointment as governor from the congressional district, at-large position, or geographic regions with the seventh congressional district, in which such person resides, for a period of 36 months after the conclusion of that term of service. Any dispute regarding eligibility of a member to serve on the Board of Governors shall be addressed by the Board of Governors.
Election Process
Application materials were due by 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Late applications will not be accepted.
Interview Process
The Board of Governors will interview candidates and vote. The interview and vote will take place at the May 1–2, 2026 Board meeting. The meeting is held both in-person at the Wenatchee Convention Center and online via Zoom. More information will be provided to all candidates prior to this meeting.
Important Dates
If elected, governors-elect should plan to attend the following as part of their orientation:
- July 22. New Governor Orientation in Marysville. Attendance is required.
- July 23–24. Board of Governors Meeting in Marysville. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available.
- July 25. Board of Governors Meeting Planning Retreat. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available.
- Sept. 24–25. Board of Governors Meeting in Spokane. Swearing-in ceremony for all new Governors. Governors-elect are expected to attend. In-person and remote participation available.
Questions
Contact WSBA Manager of Volunteer Engagement, Paris Eriksen at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.
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.
Previous District 7 North Governors (2011–Present)
- Matthew Dresden (2020–2023 and 2023–present)
- Paul Swegle (2017–2020)
- Ann Danieli (2014–2017)
- Dan Ford (2011–2014)
Position 7 North was created after and in response to the 2010 US Census. Prior to this, District 7 was divided into East, Central and West.
Other Open Positions on the Board
Early Election Results
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.
