Call for Nominations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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).

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.

Delegates are elected to 2-year terms, with no limit on the number of terms served. The term begins after the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting which takes place in August.

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.