Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council

The purpose of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council is to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and legal system and address the problems of bias, systemic inequities and underrepresentation in the legal profession.

The DEI Council was formerly known as the Diversity Committee. The change was approved by the Board of Governors in July 2022. The change of becoming a council broadens the membership and allows WSBA members with pro bono status and judicial status as well as law students, staff and faculty and members of the public. To learn more about the specific work we do, please read the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Council Charter.

Overview of DEI Council Work

• WSBA At-Large Governor Application Review — Under the WSBA Bylaws, the DEI Council is charged with reviewing applications for the at-large governor position and then forwarding at least three candidates to be on the ballot for an election of all members eligible to vote.
• WSBA Equity and Justice Action Plan — Following the DEI Council’s work to research, draft, seek feedback and present a proposed Plan to the Board of Governors which was approved in May 2025, the Council is now working on a dynamic implementation strategy that will track and measure success of the Plan. 
• Pathways to the Profession — With the goal of creating a more accessible legal profession that is diverse and inclusive, the DEI Council is working to create a statewide resource for people and organizations working to diversify the profession, organize a biannual pathways summit and support other pathway programs like the Joint Minority Mentorship Program and the Washington Law Student Employment Retreat.

2025–-2026 Meeting Dates

DEI Council meetings take place via Zoom and are scheduled for 12:00–1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise noted. If you would like to attend a DEI Council meeting or have any questions about the DEI Council, please email EquityandJustice@wsba.org.

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Materials

Council Members

Help advance WSBA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Learn more about joining the WSBA DEI Council by emailing EquityandJustice@wsba.org.org.