Leadership within the WYLD affords new and young lawyers the opportunity to build connections across the state and throughout the legal community. Young lawyers partner with the WSBA Education and Outreach department to plan initiatives to support others new to the profession. As a result, the bar is enhanced by the perspective and energy of its new members.

WYLD Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees, which reports to the WSBA Board of Governors, conducts the programs and activities of the Division. Each of seventeen trustees:

1. represents a constituent district and supports local and specialty bar associations. 
2. works to connect young lawyers to available resources and opportunities. 
3. serves as a liaison to a WYLD program or committee.

The WYLD president, president-elect, and immediate past-president serve as the leadership core of the board and division. The Board partners with WSBA staff, the Board of Governors, and other WSBA entities to engage new members in the work of the bar and to address issues relevant to new attorneys. Most trustees are elected by the new/young lawyers in their district, and serve three-year terms.

• View WYLD trustee responsibilities.
• Contact your district trustee with questions or suggestions.

WYLD Committees and Programs

The division’s programs and initiatives are chaired by committees composed of new and young lawyers. Some committees work on annual, regular programs and facilitate event planning and execution. Others work to address new attorney needs in the division’s focus areas (transition to practice, public service/ pro bono, and member outreach and leadership). Committee/program chairs apply for a two year term (chair-elect and chair), and are appointed by the WYLD president. Committee membership is open to all new attorneys and law students, and does not have regular terms or require appointment.

• Read a description of WYLD committees and programs.
• View the WYLD committee chair responsibilities.
• Contact a committee chair to learn more about the committee’s work or get involved.

WYLD liaisons to WSBA Sections

The WYLD partners with the WSBA Sections to appoint a new lawyer liaison to each practice area section each year. The liaison serves to connect other new lawyers to section activities and to provide perspective to the WYLD Board of Trustees and to the section executive committees about possible collaboration. Liaisons serve a one year term and are appointed by the WYLD president.

• Learn more about the WSBA Sections.
• Read a description of the WYLD liaisons to WSBA Sections.
• Contact a WYLD liaison to a WSBA Section.