Updated: March 17, 2025

Governors Manual

The Governor Manual is a collection of information curated for members of the WSBA Board of Governors. This web-format manual is particularly helpful for new governors but may be used as a valuable resource for all governors throughout your service. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serve the Bar and its  mission to serve the public and the members of the Bar, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

Information has been curated for members of the WSBA Board of Governors. This web-format manual is particularly helpful for new governors but may be used as a valuable resource for all governors throughout their service. 

Information below will be updated throughout the year. If you think something should be included, please contact Paris Eriksen, Volunteer Engagement Advisor. More Information can also be found by visiting the Volunteer Toolbox.

On this Page

Welcome to the Board of Governors

The WSBA operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court to license the state’s nearly 40,000 lawyers and other legal professionals. In furtherance of its obligation to protect and serve the public, the WSBA both regulates lawyers and other legal professionals and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding.

As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the professional discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA also provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-services and opportunities to advance professionally.

Governance

Governors are asked to fulfill their fiduciary duty. As a guiding best practice, the ABA Division of Bar Services describes fiduciary duty as:

Duty of Care: Act in the best interest of the organization.

Duty of Loyalty: Speak with one voice.

Duty of Obedience: Adhere to governing documents, rules, regulations and laws.

Sources: boardsource.org

In furtherance of this best practice, governors are asked to be aware of and routinely refer to the WSBA Policy Index; an online compilation of all current WSBA policies approved by the Board of Governors. Where a policy is listed below, please refer to the WSBA Policy Index.

Governing Documents

Authority and Responsibility
(Policy Index)

Board Operations
(Policy Index)

Entities
(Policy Index)

Culture & Norms
(Policy Index)

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
(Policy Index)

Legislative Process
(Policy Index)

WSBA Organizational Structure, Departments & Staff

WSBA employees over 120 staff across 10 departments. WSBA offices are located in Seattle but many staff work remotely.