Lead with Integrity. Govern with Vision. Champion Justice.
The WSBA Board of Governors is the governing body of the Washington State Bar Association. The Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Governors and officers of the Board of Governors exhibit a commitment to service, vision, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication to the mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.
Benefits of Service on the Board of Governors include:
- Opportunity to meeting and work with lawyers, judges and legal professionals from around the state.
- Travel around the state for meetings and related events. Travel expenses are reimbursed per WSBA policy.
- Giving back to the profession and the community while shaping policy that affects the legal system and clients we serve.
- Build relationships (and friendships) you wouldn't have made otherwise.
Congratulations to the New Congressional District 10 Governor
Congressional District 10 Governor Nam Nguyen resigned his position as he began his term as WSBA President-elect. Pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws, "[I]f a vacancy occurs due to resignation, death, or the removal of a Governor by the Board of Governors, and more than 12 months remain in that Governor’s term, the BOG must elect a candidate eligible for that position to serve as Governor until the next regularly scheduled election for that Governor position."
Term:
The term began Nov. 6, 2026 and concludes in September 2028.
Notice of Draft Bylaw Amendments regarding the Board of Governors Election Process & Timeline
The WSBA Board of Governors will be considering proposed changes to the WSBA Bylaws regarding the Board of Governors election process and timeline. The primary purpose of these proposed changes is to resolve issues with scheduling Board of Governors meetings around the at-large election schedule. The proposed changes make it earlier to administer the elections and reduce the cost of WSBA elections. By streamlining deadlines, refining review procedures, and adopting modern voting methods, we aim to foster a more transparent and equitable election experience for all members. For more information, you can read the memorandum to the Board of Governors discussing the proposed amendments.
Summary of the proposed changes:
- All applications for open Board of Governors positions, congressional District and at-large seats, would be due March 1. Currently, the deadline for congressional positions is Feb. 15, and the deadline for the at-large positions is April 15.
- The DEI Council and Washington New Members Committee would forward nominees for their respective at-large positions by April 1 each year. Currently, the deadline is May 1.
- The number of required nominees to be forwarded to the Board would be reduced from three to two. Currently, the respective entities are required to submit at least three nominees.
- Voting for all open board positions would open on May 1 and close on May 15 each year. Currently, election timing varies.
- Ranked-choice voting would be implemented by the Bylaws, eliminating the need for run-off elections. Currently, run-off elections are required if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
These proposed bylaw amendments were considered by the Board of Governors during the November 2026 meeting (first read) and the January 2027 meeting (second read and action). Please send any input to boardfeedback@wsba.org.
Looking Ahead: Applications will open January 2027 for the following positions:
- Governor, District 1
- Governor, District 4
- Governor, District 5
- Governor, District 7 North (partial two-year term)
- Governor, District 7 South
- Governor, District 8 (partial two-year term)
- Governor At-Large (New Members)
Questions: email barleaders@wsba.org. More information will be posted in January 2027.
To learn more:
- Visit the Board of Governors homepage.
- Serving on the WSBA Board of Governors.
- Contact a member of the Board of Governors.
- Schedule time to meet (via Bookings) with WSBA's Manager of Volunteer Engagement Paris Eriksen.
- Send question(s) to barleaders@wsba.org.
Congressional District Map
Election Results
Questions?
Please contact Paris Eriksen, WSBA Manager of Volunteer Engagement, at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.
The WSBA values diversity and inclusion, and encourages Black, indigenous, and people of color, women, people from the LBGTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and members of other groups who have been systemically oppressed to apply for our committees, boards, and panels.
