March 2002  

by Jan Michels
WSBA Executive Director
janm@wsba.org

In September 2001, the WSBA swore in three new at-large governors. This was the culmination of two years of debate and consideration initiated by WSBA Past President Richard Eymann and shepherded by Past President Jan Eric Peterson. Since its inception, the Board of Governors (BOG) has had only eight female governors, one person of color, and one lawyer under 35 — and most of these since 1990. These small numbers exist despite the fact that membership demographics currently show 30 percent of WSBA members are female, 10 percent are persons of color, and 33 percent are new/young lawyers. The at-large seats were created to assure nonmajority representation on the board, to broaden the board's perspective, and to better represent all members. So has it worked?

Overall, cultural change is subtle and gathers strength over time, but there can be no doubt that the culture of the board has been affected by the addition of the at-large governors. The combination of these three new governors brings a wealth of experience and representation to the board: new/young, female, nonwhite, eastern Washington, rural, foreign-raised, technology-savvy lawyers. Further attributes of the at-large governors include being active in another state's bar association, having administrative law judge experience, and offering an "outsiders" view of the BOG. Following are some examples of the awareness the new board has inspired:

•  In a discussion about bar exam regulations, the board learned how many other cultures view rules as inviolate and nonappealable.
• When discussing tribal judges in judicial status, the board was sensitized to how, historically, one Indian nation may have been favored over others, and that Indian nations must be treated equally.
• We've learned the importance of the correct pronunciation of names as a form of respect.
•  We've been sensitized to the huge logistics of active bar participation for members outside metropolitan transportation systems.
• We heard how terrorism measures can apply to all noncitizens, even our partners and friends. How frightening it can be to compromise due process and the attorney-client privilege for all noncitizens.
• Liaisons tell us that a diverse board encourages nonmajority liaison attendance and participation.
• The board met and talked with over 15 powerful, sensitive, and culturally competent nonmajority persons, all of whom would have made excellent governors. This alone was an educating experience.
• Board discussions are broader. There are new and different points of view to be heard.
• There is active recruitment of more nonmajority persons for committees, panels and governor positions.
• The board can talk in the first person about races, cultures, generations and backgrounds.
•  We learn first-hand how other bar associations handle issues and problems.

Over time we will welcome representation from other nonmajority groups. As this experience builds, we should achieve full inclusion, diversity and multicultural competence. The WSBA has taken a watershed step, and these early results are very affirming.