COLUMN
BY NAM NGUYEN AND TIFFANY LYNCH
Nam Nguyen, District 10 Governor and Treasurer
My duties as WSBA treasurer are to chair the Budget and Audit Committee, the group that oversees the WSBA budget and finances, and to advise the WSBA Board of Governors and officers about the finances of the Bar so that they can make informed decisions about budgetary policies.
I have a background in organization budgeting and finance. I served as the board treasurer for the Family Support Center of South Sound and the Judicial Institute, and the bulk of my legal career was as an assistant attorney general in the Revenue and Finance Division. However, I view my role as WSBA treasurer as more of a facilitator of conversations and discussions about the WSBA budget and how that information flows from the Budget and Audit Committee to the Board of Governors, rather than having any direct control over the WSBA budget. I will also strive to keep WSBA members informed on the budget and financial health of the WSBA through articles in Bar News and the WSBA’s other outlets.
And, as my first act as WSBA treasurer, I am acknowledging those who are really responsible for keeping the WSBA in good financial condition—the WSBA finance team.
Tiffany Lynch, Director of Finance
I am a certified public accountant with over 20 years of finance and accounting experience focusing on government and nonprofit organizations. I started my career as an auditor and over time moved to focus on budgeting, financial forecasting and planning, and operational leadership.
I am honored to collaborate with our outstanding finance team, comprised of six dedicated individuals who collectively possess 75 years of service at the WSBA. The team includes our controller, Maggie Yu; senior accountant & budget analyst, Darshita Patel; accountant, Danielle Tuanquin; and bookkeeping specialists, Mui Bounyavong, Maris Mabunga, and Nhan Vien. They bring a comprehensive range of expertise in finance and accounting from various sectors including public, private, government, and nonprofit organizations. The team plays a crucial role in supporting the WSBA’s mission by ensuring fiscal responsibility through precise budgeting, financial reporting, and processing all financial transactions. I deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of the team, whose commitment and professionalism are the backbone of our success.
FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET
General Fund Expenses by WSBA Programs & Services
A. Licensing and Admissions Services.
16% > Costs to administer admissions and annual licensing processes for just over 40,000 WSBA members including lawyers, LPOs, and LLLTs; to maintain and respond to questions about members and their public information; and to support the Supreme Court-mandated MCLE Board, which adjudicates issues involving continuing legal education requirements. $4,009,431
B. Outreach and Engagement.
4% > Supports WSBA outreach to the public, legal professionals, bar associations, policymakers, and others in order to enhance volunteer recruitment, raise awareness and understanding of WSBA programs and priorities, and create a sustainable network. $930,116
C. Management and Operations.
27% > Includes costs associated with the WSBA Board of Governors, leadership, management, and internal support (finance, technology, human resources, etc.). $6,611,368
D. General Counsel.
5% > Legal representation and support to the WSBA, the Board of Governors, and other boards, task forces, and committees; records requests and litigation management; and oversight, interpretation, and analysis of WSBA Bylaws and other legal issues. $1,143,522
E. Legislative and Law Improvement Efforts.
1% > Supports work with WSBA leadership and sections to formulate positions on legislation, track relevant legislation during session, and provide technical advice on bills and existing statutes to the Legislature. $295,591
F. Discipline and Disability Systems.
29% > Costs to handle consumer inquiries; to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate written grievances about lawyers, LPOs, and LLLTs (e.g., costs associated with disciplinary counsel, hearing officers, and the Supreme Court-mandated Disciplinary Board); to administer the WSBA audit program; and to educate members and law students about legal ethics, trust account compliance, and the discipline system. $7,146,472
G. Publications.
3% > This category includes costs to develop, design, produce, and distribute WSBA print media and publications, including Washington State Bar News, the WSBA’s official publication. $843,676
H. Supreme Court-Mandated Boards and Programs.
3% > Costs to support four of six boards and programs mandated by the Supreme Court: (1) Access to Justice Board; (2) Limited License Legal Technician Board; (3) Limited Practice Officer Board; and (4) Practice of Law Board. Costs associated with the Disciplinary Board and MCLE Board, which adjudicate regulatory issues, are included in the Licensing and Admissions Services and Discipline and Disability Systems categories. $698,471
I. Member Benefits.
3% > Includes costs of programs benefiting the WSBA’s membership as a part of their annual license fee: (1) legal research tool (Fastcase); (2) monthly CLE programs (Legal Lunchbox™ Series); (3) the Professional Responsibility Program; (4) the Member Wellness Program; and (5) a confidential 24/7 member assistance program. $797,051
J. Public Service, Diversity, and Washington State Bar Foundation Support.
4% > Costs to support: (1) WSBA public service programs (including the Powerful Communities Project and the Pro Bono WA portal); (2) work to advance diversity and inclusion in the legal profession; and (3) administrative costs of the Washington State Bar Foundation, which provides grant funding for these activities. $911,419
K. Sections Administration.
1% > Includes staffing and administrative costs to support 29 sections, and to help sections develop “mini-CLEs” that are not offset by per-member charge revenues. $325,343
L. Member Services and Engagement.
3% > Includes costs of outreach, education, training, and support to newly admitted WSBA members. Also includes funding for the WSBA’s mentor programming. $690,383
About the authorS
Nam Nguyen is the WSBA treasurer and District 10 governor and can be reached at:
Tiffany Lynch is the WSBA director of finance and can be reached at: