Call for Nominations

  • Print Page

Call for Nominations for the 2023-2024 Board of Governors is Now Closed

The D.C. Bar Board of Governors is a select group of volunteer leaders whose expertise, diverse perspectives, and spheres of influence help advance our position as the nation’s preeminent bar.

As of January 27, 2023, the call for nominations for the 2023-2024 Board of Governors is now closed.
Please contact Crystal White, Board and Committee Liaison, at [email protected] with any questions.

 


Why Serve

Serving on the D.C. Bar Board of Governors or as an ABA Delegate provides the unique opportunity to directly shape the future of the nation’s largest unified bar while also benefiting your own career.

As a self-governed association, the Bar depends on the commitment of dedicated and experienced leaders like you who are willing to serve and help advance our steadfast values of integrity, ethics, and legal excellence.

Lend your skills and expertise to help the D.C. Bar advance its mission to:

  • Carry out and improve the administration of justice
  • Expand access to justice and the delivery of legal services to those in need
  • Foster and maintain high ideals of integrity, competence, and the highest standards of conduct
  • Safeguard the professional interests of our members
  • Lead within the legal profession

Board of Governors Testimonials

Hear what current and past D.C. Bar Board of Governors members have to say about their Board service, how it has impacted them, and their advice for prospective nominees.

Learn More

What is the D.C. Bar Board of Governors?

The Board of Governors (BOG) provides strategic oversight and general charge of the affairs and activities of the Bar. The Board is composed of the following members:

  • President
  • President-Elect
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Treasurer-Elect
  • Immediate Past President
  • Fourteen (14) Lawyer Members
  • Three (3) Non-Lawyer Members (non-voting)

All officers and voting members also serve as the Board of Directors (BOD) of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and are elected by active Bar members. Non-lawyer members are recommended by the Nominations Committee and approved by the Board of Governors.

I have a lot of work and personal commitments – what is the estimated time commitment for Board service?

While there is no fixed or minimum number of hours required for Board service, the monthly time commitment for a Member could range from 5-15 hours depending on the number of meetings, preparation time and necessary follow up. Regular Board meetings last approximately 2-3 hours each.  Board committee meetings are held 2-6 times per year, depending upon the committee.

The time commitment required for Officers is generally greater, as they typically sit on multiple committees and have additional responsibilities with regard to additional meetings, reviewing meeting materials, and coordinating with Bar staff.

I’ve never served on a board. Will this preclude me from running for or being elected to the Board?

No. The Bar welcomes all active members who are interested in serving the membership and the D.C. legal community and have a vision for the Bar’s future. Though prior leadership or relevant volunteer experience is highly desirable, past board experience is not required.

I don’t live or practice in the District of Columbia. Can I still serve on the Board?

Yes! All active D.C. Bar members are eligible to serve, even if they do not reside or practice in the District. Members will be able to attend Board meetings in person (conditions permitting) or virtually.

Will I be expected to travel for Board service?

In general, Board members are not expected to travel, with the exception of local events when circumstances allow.
View All

What is the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates?

The ABA House of Delegates (House) is the body charged with the control and administration of the ABA and it is the policy-making body of the association. It is comprised of approximately 600 members, two-thirds of whom represent state, local and special-focus bars. The House meets twice each year, at ABA Annual and Midyear Meetings. The D.C. Bar’s delegates are elected by its members to serve as liaisons between the Bar and the ABA.

What are the prerequisites for ABA House of Delegates Service?

  • Delegates must be active members of the D.C. Bar and a member of the ABA.
     
  • One delegate must be either: under the age of 36 at the beginning of his or her term or have been admitted to practice in his or her first bar within the past 5 years (elected every other year).

What are ABA Delegates’ roles and responsibilities?

Delegates to the ABA House of Delegates are expected to:

  • attend each meeting of the House, participate fully in its proceedings, and discharge the responsibilities of the House as described on the ABA website;
  • review all of the House of Delegates meeting materials, including resolutions, before the meetings;
  • participate in a House Caucus or serve on a House Committee, if desired; and
  • draft, debate, and vote on resolutions.

How long is the ABA House of Delegates term?

Delegates are elected to 2-year terms, with no limit on the number of terms served.

Are Delegates required to attend meetings? If so, are they reimbursed for travel-related expenses?

ABA delegates are expected to attend 2 meetings per year: the ABA Annual Meeting (usually held in August), and the ABA Midyear Meeting (usually held in February/March.)

Reimbursement for travel-related expenses varies, depending on the meeting:

  • Midyear Meetings: Roundtrip air/ground transportation is reimbursable, provided the delegate is present at the end of the meeting.
     
  • Annual Meetings: Travel reimbursement is not available.
     
  • House Committee Meetings (held during Midyear and Annual Meetings): Per diem reimbursement only.
View All
Skyline