Board of Governors
Congressional District 8
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 District 8 Candidates
I am pleased to apply for the open District 8 position on the Board of Governors. I would be honored to enhance my volunteerism with the WSBA by serving in this position. My background is detailed in the attached resume. I came to the law as a second career, after being a professor of political philosophy for 16 years. I entered the University of Washington School of Law in 2001 at age 41. I was hired as a medical negligence defense associate at Bennett Bigelow & Leedom, PS, in Seattle out of law school. After five years I made partner, and I remained at BB&L for seven years. I then formed a law firm with two partners which continued to provide medical negligence defense work for another seven years. In 2024 I formed my own law firm where I continue to practice medical negligence defense as well as having an active plaintiff practice. I am a trial lawyer by trade. I am in my second five-year term as Adjunct Disciplinary Counsel to the ODC. I am also serving as the APR 6 Tutor to my daughter at my law firm who is in the first year of the program.
I am applying for the governor position for the 8th District. I have been a practicing attorney for twenty-six years. I am in good standing with the bar. I operate a solo practice in Bellevue, Washington handling primarily family law and estate planning matters. I serve on the WSBA Solo and Small Practice Section Executive Committee as well as volunteer for other state bar activities. I serve on the King County Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. I have served on various bar committees and bar leadership roles both within the WSBA and in local bar associations. I serve on the judicial evaluation committee because it vets the judges running for and being appointed to the State Supreme Court. Those judges preside over the state bar association. Governance of attorneys in Washington is important to me. Bar leadership is about improving the support and flourishing of attorneys which is also important to me. I have worked successfully with other bar leaders. I want to represent myself and other lawyers in this association. I have years of litigation practice, law office management, bar volunteer service and professional relationships within and without the WSBA to be an asset to the board of governors.
I am interested in serving on the WSBA Board of Governors as the District 8 Governor because I understand there has been limited interest in the position, and I want to ensure that Board has the option of selecting a qualified and committed applicant who is prepared to serve – at minimum – for the first year of the term. If appointed, I will approach this responsibility as a public trust: listening carefully to members in District 8, engaging respectfully with colleagues across the state, and contributing thoughtfully to the Board’s policy, leadership, and oversight work. I believe strongly in public service and in the obligation to serve honorably, with diligence and full commitment. If selected, I will be prepared to devote the necessary time and attention to the work of the Board, participate fully in meetings and related responsibilities, and uphold the mission of the WSBA to serve the public and the members of the Bar.
No candidate statement provided.
No candidate statement provided.
As a Bellevue business attorney and resident of Sammamish, I am honored to run for District 8 Governor. As the Founder and Immediate Past President of the Seattle Chinese Bar Association (SCBA), I built a vibrant 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of 130+ members, launching legal seminars and scholarships that continue to thrive under new leadership. My practice serves the diverse Eastside economy— from startups at the forefront of AI innovation to local artists, musicians, and restaurant owners. This breadth gives me a unique perspective on the evolving technological and practical challenges facing solo and small-firm practitioners today. Beyond my practice, I am a dedicated community builder. Following the success of the 2025 AAPI Heritage Month Judicial Panel, I am currently collaborating with fellow minority bar leaders to organize the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month Event this May. On the Board, I will champion access to justice, attorney well-being, and forward-thinking policies. I bring a 'builder’s mindset' and a proven track record of uniting diverse voices to solve complex challenges. Supported by my husband and two children, I am eager to ensure the WSBA remains a supportive, inclusive, and transparent resource for all members. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Description of Open Position
The WSBA Board of Governors seeks applications from WSBA members (lawyers, LLLTs and LPOs) who reside in District 8. 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 8 Governor, Kristina Larry, is not seeking a second term.
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.
Verify your congressional district. This information is also included in your myWSBA profile.
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 8 Governors (2000–Present):
- Kristina Larry (2023–present)
- Erik Kaeding (2022–2023)
- Brent Williams-Ruth (2020–2022)
- Kim Hunter (2017–2020)
- Andrea S. Jarmon (2014–2017)
- Wilton Viall III (2011–2014)
- Brian L. Comstock (2008–2011)
- Douglas C. Lawrence (2005–2008)
- Randolph I. Gordon (2002–2005)
- Victoria L. Vreeland (1999–2002)
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.
