President’s Corner > Shepherding Change: A Year of Collective Vision and Bold Progress

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BY SUNITHA ANJILVEL

When I stepped into the role of acting president in April 2024, it felt like trial by fire. But by the time I officially began my term in October 2024, I felt confident in my commitment to my theme of collaboration, consensus, and community in the legal profession. Over the past year, I have come to understand the depth and reach of the Washington State Bar Association in terms of its work to make the practice of law better for everyone in an ever-changing world. So, for those who are wondering, “What does the State Bar actually do?” this column will provide specific answers.

The accomplishments of the past year reflect teamwork. It has been my privilege to shepherd these initiatives alongside passionate, thoughtful colleagues and WSBA staff whose commitment to professional excellence is remarkable. Here are just a few highlights that I believe demonstrate how the WSBA is leading the nation in reimagining what a modern bar association can and should be.

A Bold Equity & Justice Plan, Unanimously Approved

In May 2025, our Board of Governors unanimously adopted the WSBA’s 2025 Equity and Justice Action Plan—a landmark accomplishment that grew from a year of hard work, listening sessions, data analysis, and community engagement. This plan centers belonging, equity, and access as institutional imperatives and provides a clear framework for implementation across all levels of the WSBA’s work.

That we arrived at a unanimous vote reflects not just shared values, but deep collaboration between members, the Equity & Justice Plan Subcommittee, the DEI Council (read more about the DEI Council’s work from the fantastic outgoing chair, Raina Wagner, here), WSBA staff, and the Board. The plan is not just aspirational—it is actionable, measurable, and built to last.

Technology Task Force: Preparing the Profession for What’s Next

Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, we launched the WSBA Legal Technology Task Force. This forward-looking group of appointed volunteers represents a cross section of legal professionals (including a judge) that is charged with examining the role of artificial intelligence, legal automation, and emerging technologies in Washington’s legal landscape. Their work ensures that we are not just reacting to disruption, but anticipating it—with ethics, equity, and public service at the center. Stay tuned for reports from this important task force.

Defending the Rule of Law: Launch of the Ambassador Program

At a time when trust in democratic institutions is under strain, the WSBA took a principled stand by launching a Rule of Law Ambassador Program—kicking off on Law Day 2025 with 13 events across the state allowing lawyers to retake their oath in a symbolic commitment to the rule of law. It was a proud moment to watch this new program take shape, with support from across the political and professional spectrum. This program is developing, and it empowers members to engage the public, educate communities, and defend foundational principles such as judicial independence, due process, and equal protection. Check out www.wsba.org/about-wsba/ambassadors to see how you can get involved and become an ambassador. 

Reimagining Governance: Two New Committees Chart the Way

Good governance is essential to building a credible and responsive Bar. In that spirit, we created a dedicated Governance Committee to review and strengthen the WSBA’s internal structures and processes and assess our governing bylaws for contradictions, ensuring transparency and long-term sustainability.

We also are in the process of convening an Oath Review & Drafting Task Force—a thoughtful group tasked with evaluating whether our oath reflects the evolving values and responsibilities of legal professionals today. This is about more than words; it’s about aligning our spoken words with our collective mission in a way that is less anachronistic than our current oath. 

Innovating Attorney Regulation: The Entity Regulation Pilot

We took a bold step by launching the Entity Regulation Pilot Program—a forward-thinking project that explores the regulation of entities providing legal services (rather than just individual attorneys) with a view toward improving accountability, compliance, and client outcomes. This places Washington at the forefront of regulatory innovation, learning from global models while tailoring reforms to our own landscape (Read more on page 38.).

Developing Real Solutions for Geographically Underserved Communities

Our Small Town and Rural (STAR) Council has been hard at work developing initiatives to combat the issue of lawyer and legal professional shortages in less populated areas across the state. STAR held its second annual summit at Heritage University on the Yakama Reservation near the town of Toppenish and is continuing its mission to address these critical gaps in access to justice.

Bar Licensure Reform: From Vision to Implementation

The WSBA has played a key role in supporting the implementation of multiple pathways to bar licensure, following the Supreme Court’s adoption of these alternatives in 2024. Our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to build out systems and criteria to support and adopt these new pathways—including the NextGen Bar Exam and supervised practice models—broadening access to the profession while maintaining protection of the public.

A Thank You to Team Players

Every one of the accomplishments listed above was made possible through the dedication of the WSBA’s many volunteers, professional staff, section leaders, affinity bar members, and governors. To the many volunteers, please know how much you matter. To my Board members past and present, it has been a joy and a privilege to work alongside you. I also want to recognize a group of folks who are the lifeblood of our work and our mission: our incredible Bar Association staff, who work hard and smart and who truly care. Executive Director Terra Nevitt’s leadership is exercised with a rare combination of intelligence, insight, compassion, and love for her work and the people involved. Last, but not least, I want to acknowledge that our Washington Supreme Court is truly modeling a culture of collaboration as it leads and supports us in our initiatives, which is inspiring to me.  

Looking Forward

I am proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s next. The Equity & Justice Plan will now move into the implementation phase. The Legal Technology Task Force will soon share initial findings. Our governance committees are setting the foundation for lasting reform. The STAR Council continues its problem-solving work. And the Rule of Law Ambassadors are already engaging communities across Washington. 

We are not just keeping pace with change—we are leading it.

I’m especially excited to pass the torch to my friend and colleague, President-Elect Francis Adewale, whose long-standing commitment to public service, community engagement, and legal innovation make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the WSBA into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting him and watching the Bar continue to evolve under his thoughtful and principled leadership. 

Go Francis! 

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