Lead the Legal Community: 
Apply to Fill a Vacancy on the Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 17, 2026) — The San Diego County Bar Association is currently accepting applications for candidates to be appointed to fill a new vacancy on the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws. Serving on the SDCBA Board is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of our Association while representing the interests of your fellow members. Directors play an important role in guiding the Association's strategic direction, supporting our members, and advancing the legal profession throughout San Diego County.

If selected, the individual will fill the remainder of the vacating Director’s term through December 31, 2027, i.e., this is not a typical three-year term, and it is separate from the annual election that will occur this fall for three-year terms of office from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029. Candidates running in the annual election for one of the open Board seats this fall may apply for this vacancy appointment. If an annual election candidate accepts appointment for the vacant seat, the candidate will be deemed to have withdrawn from the annual election. The annual election deadline to withdraw will not apply to candidates who submit applications for this new vacancy; such candidates must withdraw at a date that will be set by the SDCBA after the vacancy appointment selection is completed.

In general, during the course of a regular three-year term, board members may run for officer positions (Treasurer, Secretary, President-elect). Note that the vacated seat open for appointment applications is for a shortened term, which will not allow for the opportunity for the selected appointee to run for Secretary or Treasurer. In addition, a qualified selected appointee will not be prohibited from running for an open seat in the following election year.

If you are passionate about serving the profession, giving back to the legal community, and interested in this specific vacancy, we encourage you to apply. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have been an SDCBA Attorney Member for at least three of the past five years.
• Have been licensed to practice law for at least seven full years by the time service begins.
• Be currently admitted to practice law in California or another U.S. jurisdiction.
• Meet the remaining eligibility requirements outlined in the SDCBA Bylaws, including (but not limited to) demonstrating leadership through SDCBA service, nonprofit board service, or comparable experience. (See Bylaws excerpt for complete list of qualifications.)

Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026. The Board of Directors is expected to consider the appointment in August, with the appointment becoming effective upon approval by the Board.

Ready to apply? Complete the 2026 Board of Directors Candidate Nomination Form and review the Board Member Responsibilities in the SDCBA Policy Manual before submitting your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The San Diego County Bar Association is the region’s largest law-related organization, dedicated to serving the needs of all attorneys and the legal community in San Diego County. Learn more at www.sdcba.org. 

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