2022 Appointment Process for ABA House of Delegates: Alternate Delegate

The California Lawyers Association is soliciting applications to fill the Alternate Delegate role for CLA’s Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates.  Once appointed, the Alternate Delegate will serve for a 2-year term which will begin at the conclusion of ABA Annual Meeting 2022 and will conclude at the conclusion of ABA Annual Meeting 2024. The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the ABA.  Members serve up to three two-year terms and no person may serve as a delegate for more than six consecutive years.  

The President of the California Lawyers Association shall review applications in nominating the alternates, the President shall consult with the Chair of the Board of Representatives, the C.E.O., the Delegate for California to the American Bar Association House of Delegates and as appropriate the Vice-President and the Chair of the New Lawyers Section. 

The goal of this process is to select delegates and alternates from diverse backgrounds, firms, geographic areas, and practice areas so that the delegates and alternates will be reflective of the membership of the California Lawyers Association.  Prior leadership experience in the California Lawyers Association and/or the American Bar Association is required.  Prior experience in the American Bar Association House of Delegates is helpful, though not required.   Membership in the California Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association is required.  

Alternate Delegates are invited to participate in all meetings among CLA’s Delegation and are encouraged to contribute to the work of CLA’s Delegation including but not limited to the preparation and review of resolutions. Unlike Delegates, Alternate Delegates are not certified with the ABA and only attend House of Delegates meetings when a certified CLA Delegate is not able to do so.  Travel to House of Delegates meetings is not required for this position.  Should an Alternate Delegate be asked to attend in place of a CLA Delegate, delegation members receive reimbursement for expenses up to $1500.00 to cover travel expenses and the cost to register for ABA meetings.

If you are interested in being selected to be the Alternate Delegate, please send via email the items outlined below to CLA Initiatives Manager, Lauren Oakley, no later than May 6, 2022. 

• A cover letter which includes:
  • An explanation of why you want to serve as a delegate or an alternate and can effectively represent the California Lawyers Association in the House; 
  • Your basic demographic information; 
  • Your California State Bar number; and
  • Your American Bar Association membership number. 
• A resume highlighting your experience with the California Lawyers Association and/or the American Bar Association, and 
• Up to three letters of recommendation—of which one must be from a member of the American Bar Association, to:
  
  Lauren Oakley, Initiatives Manager
  California Lawyers Association
  400 Capitol Mall, Suite 650
  Sacramento, California 95814
  Lauren.Oakley@calawyers.org