Board of Governors
President-elect
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.
Learn about the Candidate for President-elect
Nam D. NguyenWSBA Treasurer
WSBA Governor, Congressional District 10
If elected, as President of the WSBA, I would focus on two simple ideas – justice and joy. Justice because I believe that all legal professionals are in the business of justice and joy because we, as legal professionals, need a reminder that the practice often leads to personal and emotional fulfillment.
My campaign statement for the Board of Governors ended with “[as a Governor], my goal is for Washingtonians to view the legal profession as a facilitator for justice, because no matter your practice area, we are in the justice industry.” By this, I wanted to convey that whether practicing litigation, transactions, or as legal counsel, every lawyer is working toward a fair and just outcome for clients, and the WSBA, as the legal profession’s regulatory body, must promote justice within the profession and access to justice for all. I am proud that this Board has, over my tenure, supported initiatives to improve access to justice, such as opening the profession by developing alternative pathways to licensure and asserting the right to counsel by setting new standards for indigent defense. Most important, the Board has stood up for the rule of law through official statements and amicus briefs. As President of the WSBA, I am committed to supporting the Board on continuing to increase access to justice and on affirming the rule of law
I will also thrive to continue the civility that we are showing toward each other on the Board. We have debated heavy issues, some relating to our core identity, such as our identity as immigrants or LGBTQ+ or simply as Americans. We have done so mostly with patience and grace toward each other
But in focusing on these important issues, I fear that we may have neglected the joy. Most lawyers that I know do not just practice law for an income but also as a path to personal and emotional fulfillment. Most of us have felt the joy in helping a client obtain justice or guiding one through a transaction or a regulatory scheme, and other moments where practicing is not just work but also a pleasure. The profession must not neglect joy, especially when many of us are anxious over, among other things, the independence of the legal system, the rule of law, and how AI will affect the practice. As President of the WSBA, I will find ways to highlight those joyful moments and to remind attorneys and show the public (and the young people considering the law) that their work is not only important to our democracy but is also often enjoyable.
About the Open Position
The WSBA seeks applicants for the position of president-elect. The WSBA Bylaws state that 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 Board of Governors. The president-elect is not a voting member of the Board of Governors except when acting in the president’s place at a meeting of the Board of Governors and then only if the vote will affect the result.
The officers of the Bar consist of a president, president-elect, Immediate past president, and treasurer. The executive director of the Bar serves as secretary in an ex-officio capacity. Except for the executive director, all officers must be Active lawyer members of the Bar.
Eligibility
In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, an active lawyer member of the Washington State Bar Association can apply to serve as president-elect.
Term
The term is three years. Service as president-elect is September 2026–September 2027. Service as president is September 2027–September 2028 and service as immediate past president is September 2028–September 2029.
The president-elect is elected by the Board of Governors. The president-elect succeeds the president unless removed from office pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws.
The president-elect and Treasurer take office at the close of the final regularly scheduled Board of Governors meeting of the fiscal year in which they were elected to those positions.
Election Process
Application materials were due by 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Late applications will not be accepted. The application materials will be included in the Board of Governors meeting materials and published online.
Interview Process
The Board of Governors will interview candidates and vote. The interview and vote (via secret ballot) 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.
Other Important Dates
- 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.
Dates are subject to change.
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 Manager of Volunteer Engagement, 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.
