Serving on the Rhode Island Bar Association’s House of Delegates is an impactful way to engage with the Bar’s work and understand how decisions are made on behalf of the membership. The House of Delegates meets quarterly, in person at Bar Headquarters, and serves as an important representative body of the Association. Members are appointed from across Rhode Island, and the Nominating Committee is required to fill a set number of seats based on geographical districts so that the House reflects the Bar’s statewide membership. House of Delegates service is also the first step on the Bar’s leadership pathway. To be elected to the Executive Committee, you must first serve as a member of the House of Delegates. Executive Committee members are then eligible for officer positions, and once elected Secretary, an individual moves through the officer roles and ultimately serves as President of the Association.
The Nominating Committee will meet soon to prepare a slate of officers and members for the 2026–2027 House of Delegates. The term of office runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. If you wish to be considered for appointment and have not already done so, please submit a letter of interest no later than February 20, 2026.
Please note: Current members of the House of Delegates who wish to be considered for reappointment must also submit a letter of interest by this date.
Letters of interest should include:
- Your length of membership in the Rhode Island Bar Association.
- Participation in Bar committees and any roles held within those committees.
- Community service to the Bar Association and beyond, including positions held outside the Bar Association.
Testimonials and letters of recommendation are neither required nor encouraged. Direct or indirect informal contact by candidates, or by those wishing to address candidates’ qualifications, with members of the Nominating Committee is prohibited.
Letters may be mailed to:
HOD Nominating Committee Chairperson
Rhode Island Bar Association
41 Sharpe Drive Cranston, RI 02920
Or emailed to Kathleen M. Bridge, Executive Director, at kbridge@ribar.com. The Nominating Committee welcomes letters of interest from all qualified candidates.
The Nominating Committee typically meets in March. Officer candidates customarily appear before the Nominating Committee at this meeting to speak about their candidacy and vision for how they would advance the mission of the bar. Candidates for the House of Delegates are also welcome to attend and speak, but their participation is entirely optional.
Applicants will be notified of the Nominating Committee’s selections by the end of March.
Any member who would like to speak at the Nomination Committee meeting must inform Executive Director Kathleen Bridge in advance by email at kbridge@ribar.com or by phone at (401) 421-5740.
