WSBA Diversity Committee

The Washington State Bar Association’s Diversity Committee is dedicated to implementing WSBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The committee's work promotes historically underrepresented groups to enter, remain, thrive, and lead in the profession of law. The committee does this by providing guidance and recommendations to the Board of Governors on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, collaborating with Minority Bar Associations and other equity and justice organizations to host events and educational programs , and supporting law students from historically underrepresented communities. Some examples of the committee’s work includes:

WSBA At-Large Governor Position

Under the WSBA Bylaws, the Diversity Committee is charged with reviewing applications for the Member At-Large Governor position and then forwarding at least three candidates to be on the ballot for an election of all member eligible to vote. The candidates should 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. The purpose of the Member At-Large Governor position is to ensure that the BOG will be a more diverse and representative body.

1L Diversity Fellowships

WSBA partners with the state's three law schools in utilizing shared resources to support the onboarding of law students into the profession. The Diversity Committee works closely with students and staff through each school’s center for professional development to review and provide input on 1L diversity fellowship applications and mock interviews.

ARC Reception

The Diversity Committee hosts a welcome reception for students in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Seattle University School of Law. Seattle University School of Law recognized the importance of creating this access admissions program to provide access to a legal education and support for applicants from underrepresented communities. Applicants who have not been in an academic setting for a number of years, have been culturally, economically, or historically disadvantaged, have learning or physical disabilities, and have indicators that show the applicant can compete in law school are considered for this program.

Committee Meeting Schedule

Diversity Committee meetings occur the second Tuesday of each month, from Noon to 1:30 p.m., unless otherwise stated below.

• Oct. 5, 2020, 12-1:30 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 2020, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Dec. 11, 2020, 1-4 p.m.

Next Committee Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Washington State Bar Association, pursuant to RCW 42.30.080, that a WSBA Diversity Committee meeting will be held on:

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021
Time:  Noon-1:30p.m.
Link to access the Zoom meeting: https://wsba.zoom.us/j/92728923394?pwd=Vm54Sm9GdGgranM1Y09pa0QzbmpBQT09 

Telephone participant information: 
LOCAL OPTION: (253) 215-8782
TOLL-FREE OPTION: (888) 788-0099 
Meeting ID: 927 2892 3394 
Passcode: 744779

Meetings will be conducted by teleconference only due to Washington state and King County emergency orders regarding public health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the meeting is for the committee to discuss, deliberate, and take potential final action regarding the following agenda items:

Agenda

• Welcome and introductions
• Minutes,  action
• At Large Governor Elections: Proposed Changes for Bylaws, action
• WSBA Governor Update, report
• Pro Tem CLE Scholarship Selection Workgroup, discussion
• Committee Visioning and Strategic Follow Up, discussion 
  • Pipeline (e.g., undergrad and law student support, Youth and Law Forums)
  • DEI CLEs
  • Communications (e.g., Bar News "What Lawyers Look Like," NW Sidebar)
  • Updated Diversity and Inclusion Plan 
  • New Ideas 
• Proposed agenda items for next meeting, discussion 

Meeting Materials

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please email diversity@wsba.org or call 206-733-5934.

Meeting Minutes

Committee Members

Help advance WSBA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Learn more about joining the WSBA Diversity Committee by emailing diversity@wsba.org.