Updated: May 21, 2026

Board of Governors Liaisons


The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors is the governing body responsible for setting policy and approving the WSBA budget. Each governor is appointed to serve as a liaison to a WSBA committee, council, section, task force, or other group, as well as certain external legal organizations, such as county and affinity bar associations.

Board liaisons strengthen collaboration between WSBA leadership and the entities they support. Liaisons help ensure the Board remains informed about the needs, work, and perspectives of the legal community, while keeping entities connected to WSBA governance and priorities.

Role and Responsibilities

Board liaisons serve as connectors between WSBA leadership and the groups they support.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Communicating Board discussions, decisions, and priorities, and gathering input to bring back to the Board.
  • Attending entity meetings when possible, or providing updates and requests for feedback through email.
  • Clarifying when they are sharing personal viewpoints versus official Board positions.
  • Including the assigned WSBA staff liaison in relevant communications.
  • Serving as a point of contact regarding Board-related issues.
  • Participating in volunteer recruitment and reviewing volunteer applications for WSBA entities.

Additional ways liaisons may support entities:

  • Attending events or meetings upon request.
  • Requesting brief agenda time to share updates or gather perspectives.
  • Assisting entities that wish to raise issues or submit formal input for Board consideration.

Liaisons do not vote on entity matters and do not participate in executive sessions unless specifically invited as a resource. Reimbursement for liaison activities is considered a Board expense.

Entities Eligible for a Board Liaison

The WSBA president appoints povernors (and occasionally Officers) to serve as liaisons to most WSBA entities. External legal organizations, such as affinity bar associations, may also request a liaison.

Appointment and Term

Liaison appointments run for one year, aligned with the Board’s term beginning at the end of the September Board meeting. Appointments are made by the incoming President and administered by the Office of the Executive Director. Entities may provide input during the appointment process at any time.

The list of liaisons is typically published by Sept. 1 each year and shared with entity leaders.

Requesting a Liaison

Entities seeking to have a liaison appointed for the coming year must submit their request by completing the Participation Form by May 1 each year. 

External organizations currently assigned a liaison will receive an annual request to confirm their ongoing participation through this online form by May 1 each year. Completing the form is encouraged to ensure accurate contacts and allow WSBA to understand the organization’s work for the coming year. Organizations may also opt out or provide input for the WSBA president’s consideration by email to boardfeedback@wsba.org.

Criteria for Liaison Requests

When evaluating requests from external entities, the WSBA considers:

    Alignment with the WSBA mission, including:

    • advancing the legal profession
    • supporting the WSBA’s public‑protection mandate
    • promoting access to justice
    • improving equity, inclusion, and representation

    Statewide or broad professional impact, including county bar associations, affinity bars, and specialty bars with established reach.

    Clear governance and stability with a structured leadership with etablished bylaws or governance framework, regular meetings, and meaningful engagement with the Board of Governors. The number of liaisons assigned should be relative to organizational workload.

    Opportunities for meaningful two‑way engagement that demonstrates value to both the organization and the WSBA Board.

    Demand and capacity for liaison support. The enitity should have a need for ongoing communication and  coordination with WSBA and an ability to engage with the Board of Governors.

    Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations. The WSBA president may prioritize entities that amplify voices historically underrepresented in the legal profession, support diversity, and broaden representation in governance roles. 

    Historical collaboration with WSBA. Entities should have a record of partnership, shared programming, or participation in WSBA efforts.

Read the full Liaison Policy & Guide in downloadable PDF.


For additional information, please email barleaders@wsba.org.