Become a Leader

Looking for a chance to lead? To grow? To make a difference in the Illinois State Bar Association and the legal profession? Find out more about the opportunities at the ISBA.

For rosters, governing documents and policies, and more information, please visit the ISBA Leadership and Governance page.

Elected Leadership

The ISBA is governed and administered by an elected president, a 27-member Board of Governors, and a 203-member Assembly. Each year the ISBA holds an election, where members vote for their representatives in the Assembly and Board of Governors, as well as the third vice president, who will eventually ascend to be the ISBA president.

But how does one get on the ballot? In October the ISBA announces its notice of election and provides candidate packets that explain the process on its website. The packets also contain a nominating petition, which requires the signatures of members who are eligible to vote. The filing period for the nomination and biographical information takes place during the month of January.

Voting begins no earlier than March 25 and no later than April 1, and runs through the month of April. The results are announced in early May.

Visit our Election page

Section Councils & Committees

Much of the Association’s work on behalf of its members is carried out by its substantive law section councils and numerous working committees. These groups provide practice area information, continuing legal education, and forums for professional discussion. These groups also have the benefit of serving as an incubator for ISBA involvement and elected leadership.

Ever wonder how ISBA committees and section councils are chosen? They’re appointed each spring by the ISBA president-elect. If you’re an ISBA member, you’re encouraged to nominate yourself for council or committee service. The nomination process is open October through January, and you may select up to three councils or committees for which you wish to be considered.

For more information, please read Council/Committee Appointment Information and Inside tips on section council and committee self-nomination and service.

Moving Up in the ISBA: Women in Leadership Roles

Do you want to run for a leadership position in ISBA, but confused as to how? This panel of esteemed ISBA leaders will give insight as to strategy, networking, and how to navigate the ISBA and its opportunities in order to achieve successful appointment and election goals.