Updated: Oct. 7, 2020

Board of Governors Elections

Call for Candidates! Board of Governors Member At-Large Governor Position

The Washington State Bar Association will be conducting an election to fill a vacancy for one at-large governor position. Candidates will be determined by the WSBA Diversity Committee. Pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws, "the Diversity Committee shall forward at least three candidates who have the experience and knowledge of the needs of those members whose membership is or may be historically underrepresented in governance, or who represent some of the diverse elements of the public of the State of Washington, to (make) the Board of Governors a more diverse and representative body. Underrepresentation and diversity is e based on, but not limited to, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, areas and types of practice, and years of membership; no single factor will be determinative. 

Candidate filing deadline is 5 p.m. PT on Friday, Oct. 30.

Below is important information for all interested members to review prior to submitting their application. 

Eligibility
Pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws, ‘"any Active member of the Bar, except a person who has previously served as a governor for more than 48 months, may be nominated or apply. Members who have served as an at-large governor for more than 48 consecutive months at time of filing or application are not eligible to be nominated or apply for election or appointment as governor from the congressional district, an at-large governor position or geographic regions within the 7th Congressional District, or in which such person resides, for a period of 36 months after the conclusion of that term of service." Find your district in myWSBA or by consulting this map.

Term
Begins soon after election through to Sept. 30, 2023. 

Application Materials: 
Please submit the materials listed below. Candidate filing deadline is 5 p.m. PT Friday, Oct. 30.

  1. Application
  2. A brief (100-word maximum) biographical statement including current occupation, relevant experience, and education.
  3. Letter of interest
  4. Résumé
  5. Candidate statement (200-word maximum, links to webpages are acceptable)*
  6. Photo* 
  7. Letter(s) of support optional

    * These items will be placed on the ballot only if you are put forth by the WSBA Diversity Committee. 

Letters of Support
Letters of support are not required but may be sent to barleaders@wsba.org no later than Oct. 30. 

Learn More about Serving on the WSBA Board of Governors

  • Serving on the WSBA Board of Governors
  • Informational Virtual Drop-In Session: Friday, Oct. 16 (12:30 – 11:30 p.m.). This page will be updated with the Zoom information closer to the date.  
  • Informational Virtual Drop-In Session: Friday, Oct. 23 (9:30–10:30 a.m.). This page will be updated with the Zoom information closer to the date.  
  • Visit the Board of Governors webpage.
  • Contact a member of the Board of Governors to learn more. 
  • Observe a Board of Governors meeting upcoming or recorded.

Additional Important Dates for all Candidates – Mark Your Calendars! 

  • Saturday, Nov. 7: WSBA Diversity Committee Interview & Candidate Selection Meeting
    To learn more visit the WSBA Diversity Committee webpage. Note, this is an open public meeting. 
  • TBD: Board of Governors Candidate Forum
    Candidates put forth by the WSBA Diversity Committee are strongly encouraged to participate. The forum will be held virtually. Members will be encouraged to attend and bring questions for the candidates. The forum also will be recorded and accessible statewide for live viewing. The recording will be available on the WSBA website until voting is complete. 
  • Election Dec. 1 – Dec. 15:
    Members eligible to vote will receive an individual electronic ballot. All out-of-state Active WSBA members are eligible to vote in the district of the address of their agent within Washington for the purpose of receiving service of process as required by APR 13(f) or, if specifically designated to the executive director, within the district of their primary Washington practice. 
    • The WSBA will use an electronic voting system, and members will not receive a paper ballot unless they request one. Email ballots will be sent on Dec. 1 and must be received by 5 p.m. PST on Dec. 15. 
  • Jan. 14-15, 2021: WSBA Board of Governors Meeting – Swearing-In Ceremony for New Governor
    The newly elected governor is required to complete a New Governor Orientation to be scheduled at an agreeable date and time in January 2021. 

Questions
Please contact Volunteer Engagement Advisor Paris Eriksen for any questions.