How to Become a Fellow

Changes to the WSBA Leadership Institute

The WSBA, the WLI Advisory Board, and the University of Washington School of Law proudly announce that the Leadership Institute is now a collaboration between the WSBA and UW Law. As of October 1, 2012, the WLI will be administered by UW Law.

For questions about the WLI, please contact

Michelle Gonzalez, Assistant Dean, Center for Professional and Leadership Development
University of Washington School of Law
William H. Gates Hall, Room 350
Box 353020
Seattle, WA 89195-3020
(206) 616-1366
gonzm@uw.edu

WLI Class of 2013

The Washington Leadership Institute has concluded its call for applications to the Fellows Class of 2013. Notifications of membership in the WLI Class of 2013 will go out in December 2012. Thank you for your interest in the Washington Leadership Institute!

Program Requirements

The WSBA Leadership Institute consists of eight professional development sessions that run January through August. Each session is designed to expose Fellows to the latest trends in professional leadership development. To be considered for the 2013 class, applicants must:

  • Timely submit all required application materials.
  • Be an active WSBA member.
  • Have been admitted to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction for at least 3 years and not more than 10 years. (Eligibility based on date of admission: January 1, 2003, to January 1, 2010). 
  • Be nominated by his/her employer, or if self-employed, by a lawyer with at least 10 years of practice or a judge.
  • Make a two-year commitment to the program. Following the completion of the first year, Fellows commit to one year of participation in the Washington State Bar Association or other law-related organization in some capacity, be it on a WSBA section or committee, as a participant in a  bar or community-related activity.

Additionally, please note:

  • 100% attendance and participation is required of all Fellows at each of the eight sessions.
  • All Fellows in the 2013 class shall participate in the Community Service Project.

WLI Curriculum 

There are three components to the WSBA Leadership Institute:

  • Sessions: The program is composed of eight educational sessions which run from January through August. Sessions vary in length from one to two days.
  • Community Service Project: Each class sets aside time to be involved with the preparation and execution of a community service project.
  • Service: Following graduation from the WLI, each Fellow commits to one year of participation in the Washington State Bar Association or other law-related organization in some capacity, be it on a WSBA section or committee, or as a participant in a bar or community-related activity.