May 2005

Opportunities for Service

WSBA Presidential Search

Application deadline: May 15, 2005

The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the position of WSBA president for 2006-2007. Pursuant to Article IV (A)(2) of the WSBA Bylaws, the primary place of business of candidates for president for 2006-2007 must be King County. The WSBA member selected to be president will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession.

Applications for 2006-2007 WSBA president will be accepted through May 15, 2005, and should be limited to a current résumé, a concise application letter stating interest and qualifications, and no fewer than five or more than 10 references. The Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Governors will consider endorsement letters received by May 31, 2005. Applications and endorsement letters should be sent to the WSBA Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330.

Confidential interviews with the Presidential Search Committee may be conducted. Direct contact with the governors is also encouraged. All candidates will have an interview with the full Board of Governors in open session at the June meeting. Following the interviews, the Board will select the president.

Although prior experience on the WSBA’s Board of Governors may be helpful, there is no requirement that one must have been a member of the Board of Governors or had previous experience in Bar activities. The candidate must be willing to devote a substantial number of hours to WSBA affairs and be capable of being a positive representative for the legal profession. The position is unpaid. Some expenses, such as WSBA-related travel, are reimbursed.

The commitment begins in June 2005 following selection. A one-year term as president-elect will begin at the Annual Business Meeting in September 2005. The president-elect is expected to attend the two-day board meetings held approximately every five to six weeks, as well as numerous subcommittee, section, regional, national, and local meetings. In September 2006, at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting, the president-elect will assume the position as president. During his or her service, the president-elect and president will also be required to meet with members of the Bar, the courts, the media, and public and legal interest groups, as well as be involved in the Bar’s legislative activities. Appropriate time will need to be devoted to communication by letter, e-mail, and telephone in connection with these responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the president are set forth in the WSBA Bylaws.

The Presidential Search Committee comprises Fawn Sharp, chair; Ronald R. Ward, president; S. Brooke Taylor, president-elect; Andrea Brenneke; Lonnie Davis; Randolph Gordon; and Katie O’Sullivan.

ABA House of Delegates

Application Deadline: May 13, 2005

The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the ABA House of Delegates representing Washington state. There are three positions available (in August 2005). A written expression of interest and a résumé is required for any incumbents seeking reappointment.

The control and administration of the ABA is vested in the House of Delegates, the policymaking body of the ABA. The House, which has approximately 500 delegates, elects the ABA officers and board, and meets out of state twice a year. Delegate attendance is required. The WSBA’s allowance is $800 per year per delegate. Members appointed to the House of Delegates serve a two-year term, which begins at the close of the annual meeting (August 2005).

Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330; or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org.

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