Become a Part of CLA’s Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates!

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is soliciting applications to fill Delegate and Alternate Delegate positions for CLA’s Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates. The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Fulfilling the Position

Once appointed, Delegates and Alternate Delegates will serve a term which will begin December 1, 2024, and at the will conclude at the close of the 2026 ABA Annual Meeting. Although this term is less than a 24-months, it will be considered a two-year term for purposes of the maximum number of two-year terms a Delegate or Alternate Delegate may serve.

The deadline for applying is now October 24th, 2024.

The House of Delegates, the legislative body of the ABA, shall formulate policy for the ABA. It may adopt rules consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws. It is the ultimate governing body of the ABA. It shall elect the officers of the Association and the members of the Board of Governors. It is the judge of the election and qualifications of its members. It has all the powers necessary or incidental to performing those functions.

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 may request reimbursement for up to $1500.00 to cover travel expenses and the cost to register for ABA meetings.

Appointment Process & Requirements

The President of CLA shall review applications for the delegates and alternates. The President shall consult with the Chair of the Board of Representatives, the C.E.O., the Chair of the California Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates and as appropriate the CLA Vice-President and the Chair of the New Lawyers Section. 

The goal of this process is to select delegation members 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.  

If you are interested in applying for the position of Delegate or Alternate Delegate (or both), please complete the application provided no later than October 24, 2024.