Updated: Oct. 20, 2026

Lead with Integrity. Govern with Vision. Champion Justice.


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.

Benefits of Service on the Board of Governors include:

  • Opportunity to meeting and work with lawyers, judges and legal professionals from around the state.
  • Travel around the state for meetings and related events. Travel expenses are reimbursed per WSBA policy.
  • Giving back to the profession and the community while shaping policy that affects the legal system and clients we serve. 
  • Build relationships (and friendships) you wouldn't have made otherwise.

Meet the Candidates: Congressional District 10 Position

Congressional District 10 Governor Nam Nguyen has resigned his position as he begins his term as WSBA President-elect. Pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws, "[I]f a vacancy occurs due to resignation, death, or the removal of a Governor by the Board of Governors, and more than 12 months remain in that Governor’s term, the BOG must elect a candidate eligible for that position to serve as Governor until the next regularly scheduled election for that Governor position."

Any Active WSBA member (lawyer, LLLT or LPO) who currently resides in Congressional District 10 was eligible to apply. Click here to verify your congressional district. 

Candidate materials can be found in the Board of Governor November Meeting Materials here. 

Election Process:

The Board of Governors will conduct candidate interviews and take a vote at the board meeting scheduled for Nov. 6, 2026 in Richland, WA. Remote participation option will be available.  

Term:

The term will begin immediately upon being sworn-in to the position and conclude in September 2028.

Orientation:

The Governor-elect will be required to attend a New Governor Orientation.

Notice of Draft Bylaw Amendments regarding the Board of Governors Election Process & Timeline

The WSBA Board of Governors will be considering proposed changes to the WSBA Bylaws regarding the Board of Governors election process and timeline. The purpose of these proposed changes is to enhance clarity, efficiency and inclusivity within WSBA's governance structure. By streamlining deadlines, refining review procedures, adopting modern voting methods. We aim to foster a more transparent and equitable election experience for all members. 

Summary of the proposed changes:

  • Proposed: All applications for open Board of Governors positions - congressional and at large would be due March 1. Currently, the deadline for congressional positions is February 15 and the deadline for the at-large positions is April 15.
  • Proposed: The DEI Council and Washington New Members Committee would forward nominees for their respective at-large positions by April 1 each year. Currently, the deadline is May 1. 
  • Proposed: the number of required nominees to be forwarded to the Board would be reduced from three to two. Currently, the respective entities are required to submit at least three nominees.
  • Proposed: voting for all open board positions would be open on May 1 and close on May 15 each year. Currently, election time varying.
  • Proposed: ranked-choice voting would be permitted by the Bylaws, eliminating the need for run-off elections. Currently, run off elections are required if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

These proposed bylaw amendments will be considered by the Board of Governors during November 2026 meeting (first read) and the January 2027 meeting (second read/action). Please send any feedback to boardfeedback@wsba.org.

 

 

Looking Ahead: Applications will open January 2027 for the following positions:

  • Governor, District 1
  • Governor, District 4
  • Governor, District 5
  • Governor, District 7 North (partial two-year term)
  • Governor, District 7 South 
  • Governor, District 8 (partial two-year term)
  • Governor At-Large (New Members)

Questions: email barleaders@wsba.org. More information will be posted in January 2027.

To learn more:

Congressional District Map

Congressional district map

Election Results


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.