Washington New Members Committee
The Washington New Members Committee is a diverse group of 18 new members representing different regions throughout Washington state. Leadership on the committee allows new members to build connections across the state and throughout the legal community.
Some of what the committee Is here to do:
- Help put together and run programs for new members that focus on public and pro bono service.
- Help lawyers transition into practicey.
- Promote leadership; and most importantly.
- Uphold the Washington State Bar Association’s mission to serve the public, ensure integrity of the legal profession, and champion justice.
If you are interested in joining the Washington New Members Committee as a regional or at-large member, find more information here.
The committee meets the third Monday of every month. Meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Public Statement Regarding the July 2026 Bar Exam Disruption
This is statement was approved by the WSBA Board of Governors on Aug. 7, 2026, and represents solely the comments of Washington New Members Committee. This statement does not represent the views of the WSBA Board of Governors, WSBA members, or staff.
Upcoming Programs
NEW Virtual Lunch & Learn Series ― RSVP Here!
Join the WNMC for a three-part series of virtual Lunch & Learn Sessions, beginning in September! These interactive sessions will feature guest speakers, live discussion and polls on topics that matter to your most. Information gathered in these sessions will assist the WNMC in creating a more robust mentorship program for New Members.
- Session 1: Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.―Public Speaking 101
- Session 2: Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.―Dealing with Difficult Clients 101
- Session 3: Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.―Work/Life Balance 101
More information can be found here.
Projects
The WNMC focuses on a variety of specific areas important to new members and future legal professionals. If you're interested in helping the WNMC accomplish its goals or have ideas, join a project team today and let us know what WNMC can do for you. To get involved with WNMC's projects, please email newmembers@wsba.org. Find more information about the projects here.
Meet the Washington New Members Committee
2026–2027
Janta Steele, Chair Alexander Reaganson, Immediate Past Chair Ayushi Bharti, At-Large, DEI Ashley Cummins, At-Large, Public Service Steven Brown, At-Large, General Nora Hendricks, District 2 Mackenzie Lloyd, District 4 Samantha Stanfill, District 6 Meaghan Hess, District 7S Vacant, District 9 Vacant, District 10 | Ariel Cook, Chair-Elect Ashok Kumar, At-Large, General Tyler O'Brien, At-Large, Solo & Small Practice Chawisa Laicharoenwat, At-Large Fatima Al-Rikabi, District 1 Vacant, District 3 Hanna Harrison, District 5 Vacant, District 7N Olena Bendenko-Zvarydchuk, District 8 Jordan Couch, Board of Governors Liaison
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Staff Liaison: Chelle Gegax
Staff Support: Vanessa Sweeney
Next Committee Meeting
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Washington State Bar Association, that a Washington New Members Committee meeting will be held on:
Monday, Oct. 19, 2026
Time: 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams*
Please check back for agenda and meeting materials.
The purpose of the meeting is for the committee to discuss, deliberate, and take potential final action regarding the following agenda items. No final disposition regarding any matter will occur at the meeting except as indicated on this notice.
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please email accommodations@wsba.org.
*Please contact newmembers@wsba.org for meeting link.
Note: Discussion and action may be taken on any item on the agenda. The time and order of agenda items are subject to change at the discretion of the committee chair.
Past Meeting Materials
FY 2026
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FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 |
