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BY KARI PETRASEK
More than 1,500 volunteers help the Washington State Bar Association advance its mission and strengthen the legal profession. Behind their service is Paris Eriksen, the WSBA’s manager of volunteer engagement. I recently interviewed Paris and asked her how the WSBA recruits and supports volunteers, how volunteerism is evolving, and why there is a place for every member to contribute.
Q. What does the manager of volunteer engagement do, and why is this role uncommon among bar associations?
A. My role focuses on designing, coordinating, and supporting an entire ecosystem around volunteerism—from recruitment and onboarding to training, recognition, and long-term commitment. The WSBA made a deliberate choice to create a dedicated position focused on strengthening all aspects of volunteerism at the WSBA.
Q. Why did the WSBA feel it was important to invest in a dedicated role focused on volunteer engagement?
A. The organization relies on volunteer time, expertise, and leadership to deliver much of its mission. As volunteer structures grew more complex, the WSBA recognized that a centralized, strategic approach was needed. In most bar associations, this work is fragmented across departments; the WSBA chose instead to treat volunteer engagement as a core organizational function.
Q. How does your position reflect the WSBA’s long-term commitment to supporting and strengthening volunteer involvement?
A. The organization acknowledges and values volunteers as core to the WSBA’s mission. In order for that important relationship (between organization and volunteer) to function optimally, volunteers must never be thought of as “extra” but as a foundational part of how the WSBA functions and delivers value to members and the public.
Q. Can you share an example of how having someone in your role has transformed the volunteer experience for members?
A. I think where we’ve really had an impact is to set clear expectations around volunteer roles and create a supportive and welcoming onboarding process to get all new volunteers up to speed. This volunteer work is open to all and it’s really important that we meet volunteers where they are at in their level of engagement with the WSBA. This is clearly seen in our new volunteer trainings, which are well attended and serve as a great jumping off point to start the journey as a WSBA volunteer.
Q. What do you believe motivates people to volunteer with the WSBA and how do you support that motivation?
A. I believe our volunteers choose to work with us because they want to give back to their profession and connect with their community in a positive, collaborative way—especially since legal work can often feel adversarial.
Q. What are some lesser-known ways volunteers contribute to the justice system through WSBA programs and boards?
A. As the organization evolves to serve its mission and meet the needs of the public and the members, so do our volunteer opportunities—and that’s a good thing. In addition to our term-based volunteer opportunities, we call upon members to serve as mentors at the MentorLink Mixers, participate in the Lawyers in a Classroom Program, and help draft new policies, procedures, guidelines, or public education resources. I recommend the best way to stay engaged is to pay attention, read the emails, check out Bar News, and find a way to connect with the organization that works for you!
Q. How is the WSBA modernizing or reimagining volunteerism for today’s legal community?
A. Volunteerism looks different in the post-COVID world. Much of our work now happens online through Zoom, and we’re continually focused on creating opportunities that are specific, relevant, and manageable for volunteers. Like many organizations, we know that meaningful change takes time. Expectations are shifting, and volunteers increasingly want smaller, well-defined commitments with visible impact—and we understand that.
I’m always looking for ways to engage volunteers with varying levels of availability while also recognizing that some of our work is best supported through longer-term commitments. It’s a balance, and one we are intentionally navigating with care and awareness.
Q. What have you learned about the culture of volunteerism within the WSBA since taking on this role?
A. Although I’ve been at the WSBA for more than 17 years, I stepped into this specific role during the pandemic—admittedly not the easiest time to be recruiting volunteers. Even so, our volunteer community continued to show up, stay engaged, and juggle the demands of work, life, and service. Their resilience has only grown since then, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Our volunteers are informed, welcoming, and unafraid to challenge the organization to be better—which is exactly what we need. It isn’t always tidy, but ultimately we’re all working toward the same goal and on the same team.
Q. What excites you most about the future of volunteer engagement at the WSBA?
A. I’m looking forward to engaging members and the public in new ways throughout the organization. I think the future of volunteer engagement at the WSBA is one in which volunteers are even more involved in helping shape the profession to best serve the public.
Q. If you could share one message with WSBA members about volunteering, what would it be?
A. I want to encourage all members to volunteer—whether that’s with the WSBA or not—get out there! Volunteering has been known to relieve stress and anxiety, help foster a sense of belonging, and provide a purpose outside of day-to-day work. No matter your background, experience level, or the time you have available—there is a volunteer opportunity for you; there’s a place for you.
Thank you, Paris, for sharing your insights. Your message is clear: Volunteering offers a meaningful way to connect, serve, and strengthen both the legal profession and the communities it supports. Thank you to everyone who already volunteers. If you are not currently volunteering, explore the many opportunities available through the WSBA or in your community and consider choosing one that interests you.
About the authorS
Kari Petrasek is the 2026-2027 WSBA president. She can be reached at:
Paris Eriksen can be reached at: