Washington Lawyer - March/April 2025 - 6

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Your Vote Is Your Voice
By Shaun M. Snyder
A
s president of the D.C. Bar,
I have the privilege of witnessing
firsthand the incredible
dedication, expertise,
and passion that our more than
119,000 members bring to their
legal practices, communities, and
beyond.
Every one of you represents the strength and
diversity of our profession, and together we
have built a bar that is a national leader. But
one of the cornerstones of any successful institution
is engagement. At the D.C. Bar, our annual
election is one of those important opportunities
to get involved.
Voting is not just a procedural exercise; it is a
meaningful way to shape the future of our organization.
Each year, we vote for presidentelect,
treasurer-elect, members of the Board
of Governors, delegates to the American Bar
Association (ABA), and Communities leaders.
These are not ceremonial positions. The individuals
we choose will play pivotal roles in
guiding the policies, priorities, and programs
that impact not only our members but also the
communities we serve.
Historically, voter turnout in D.C. Bar elections
has hovered between 7,000 and 8,000 votes, a
fraction of our total membership. The participation
of those who vote year after year is commendable,
but I believe we can and should do
better. Imagine the power and legitimacy of
decisions made by our leaders elected by a significantly
larger share of our membership.
Imagine what we could accomplish if every
member took a moment to vote and make
their voice heard.
You might wonder why you should vote in D.C.
Bar elections. After all, we are all busy profes6
WASHINGTON LAWYER
* MARCH/APRIL 2025
sionals with demanding schedules. But consider
this: Voting is not just about selecting
leaders; it is about affirming the values and
vision of the D.C. Bar. When you vote, you:
Shape the Bar's direction. The presidentelect
you choose today will become the president
tomorrow, setting the tone and priorities
for the Bar's future. Similarly, the Board of Governors
members will make critical decisions
about resources, member services, and strategic
initiatives.
Support a stronger profession. The ABA
delegates we elect represent our members in
shaping national legal policies. They advocate
for issues that matter to us, such as access to
justice and the rule of law.
Our elections are more than
just a procedural formality.
They are an opportunity to
ensure that the Bar reflects the
diverse perspectives, needs, and
priorities of our membership.
Elevate member engagement. A robust
voter turnout sends a powerful message
about the active engagement and unity of
our membership. It strengthens the credibility
of our organization and ensures our leaders
have a clear mandate to act on your behalf.
At its core, the D.C. Bar exists to serve its
members and advance the administration of
justice. However, this mission can only be fulfilled
when members take an active role in
the organization's governance. By voting, you
demonstrate your commitment to the Bar
and the legal profession as a whole.
Our elections are more than just a procedural
formality. They are an opportunity to ensure
that the Bar reflects the diverse perspectives,
needs, and priorities of our membership. Every
vote counts, and every voice matters.
This year's election will open on April 15, and I
encourage you to mark your calendar. Voting is
simple, secure, and convenient. You will receive
an email with a personalized link to the ballot,
and the process takes only a few minutes. The
Bar's website provides detailed information
about each candidate and their position on the
issues. As you review the candidates, take the
time to learn about their backgrounds, their priorities,
and their vision for the Bar.
If you believe in a colleague's potential to lead,
nominate them or encourage them to run in future
elections. I am speaking from firsthand experience
when I say leadership within the D.C.
Bar is a rewarding and impactful way to serve
our profession and make a difference.
Let's set a goal this year: raise voter turnout. If
you've voted in the past, thank you - and I urge
you to do so again. If you've never voted, this is
your moment to step up. Talk to your colleagues
about the election, share why you believe it
matters, and encourage others to participate.
Voting is one of the simplest yet most powerful
ways to contribute to the success of the D.C. Bar.
Together, we can ensure that our leadership reflects
the best of our membership and that our
Bar continues to be a beacon of excellence, innovation,
and service.
Thank you for your dedication to our profession
and to the D.C. Bar. I look forward to seeing the
impact we can achieve together through greater
engagement in this year's election.
Your vote matters. Your voice matters. Let's make
them count.
Connect with Shaun at ssnyder@dcbar.org.
Patrice Gilbert Photography
Washington Lawyer - March/April 2025

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