American Bar Association House of Delegates

Purpose

The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the American Bar Association (ABA) and meets twice a year, at the ABA Midyear and ABA Annual Meetings. The State Bar appoints a total of four delegates. State Bar delegates are part of the California delegation, headed by the elected State Delegate. Other delegates of the California delegation include those appointed by local bar associations, ABA sections and divisions, and former officers and ABA board members.

State Bar delegates:

serve staggered two-year terms, beginning and ending upon adjournment of the ABA Annual Meeting in August;
are eligible for reappointment to no more than three consecutive two-year appointments or a maximum of six consecutive years of service with the delegation. Delegates who have completed such service may reapply after a period of no less than two years from the expiration date of their last term of service with the State Bar;
will be reimbursed for their travel expenses;
are expected to attend the House of Delegates meetings at the ABA Midyear and Annual Meetings and on occasion, participate in conference calls; and
must be ABA members in good standing throughout their tenure as delegates.

In addition to the annual delegate appointments, the State Bar may also select one or more alternates to serve in place of any appointed delegate who is unable to attend the midyear or annual meetings.

State Bar alternates:

remain in the alternate pool for one year and may be contacted on short notice to fill-in for delegates at either the ABA Midyear or Annual Meetings;
must be members in good standing of the ABA in order to be certified and serve as replacement delegates; and
have no official standing with the ABA unless certified by the State Bar to replace a delegate at the midyear or annual meetings.

For additional information on the ABA House of Delegates, please visit the ABA website at www.americanbar.org.