“Open,” as in “open to everyone.”

In the grand game of politics, some candidates “get” to run for elected office because these candidates are often chosen by party leaders as part of their preferred slate.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with this. It’s just how party politics work. Believe it or not, many bar associations across the country run their elections the same way, with currently elected leaders or a slating committee essentially choosing who “gets” to run for seats at the table.

It’s one of the reasons why I’m so proud to be president of the Illinois State Bar Association, which encourages all members to run for ISBA offices with minimum barriers to entry. To compete for a seat on the ISBA’s Assembly, for example, a member must only obtain a very modest 10 signatures on their nominating petition.

The ISBA, in other words, keeps its doors open to anyone who wants to be involved. If you want to run for an ISBA office, no permission from “power brokers” is necessary. Placing your name on an ISBA ballot is nearly as easy as your decision to do so.

Please consider taking a few moments and learning the names of your fellow members who are running for positions in our 2022 elections this spring. Yes, some candidates have risen through our leadership ranks and may be well-known and supported by many. But you’ll also find newcomers and grassroot candidates who decided to give it a shot and jumped right in.

With that in mind, I’d like to highlight a few important facts about our elections this year:

What’s up for election. ISBA members will be voting to elect one of two candidates as the third-vice president. For the Board of Governors, seven candidates are seeking five seats in Cook County and two candidates are competing for one seat in Area 5.

Dates. Printed and electronic ballots will be sent to members starting March 31. If you’re voting electronically (i.e., online), you must do so by 4:30 p.m. on April 29. Paper ballots must arrive at the ISBA’s Bar Center in Springfield by that time to be counted.

For more information. Visit the ISBA Election page to learn about 2022 election dates, candidates, candidate presentations, and information about voting. A Candidate Presentation for candidates outside Cook County and third-vice president will be held at noon on March 29. A Candidate Presentation for Cook County and third vice-president candidates will be held at noon on March 30.

International Women’s Day

Speaking of blazing a trail by pursuing elected office within the ISBA, the ISBA carries forth many traditions honoring other trail blazers in our profession.

One great example is the Standing Committee on Women & the Law’s International Women’s Day event, to be held virtually this year from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8. Come join us via Zoom to hear from a diverse collection of successful women who will discuss their goals and accomplishments (often in male-dominated settings). Speakers include Hon. Carole Bellows (ret.); Megan Mathias, Loop Mathias Law; Rinku Patel, CEO, OptioRx; and U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois). As a point of pride, Judge Bellows, a past ISBA president, was also the first ever female state bar association president.

Register for this wonderful program and find out more information about it.