Communities Steering Committee Position Descriptions
Overview
Every D.C. Bar Community will have a five-person steering committee, comprised of members with subject-matter expertise in the Community’s practice area. The steering committee is responsible for planning and presenting the content for programs, hosting and attending receptions to represent the Community, and offering publications of professional interest to Community members. The steering committee also coordinates the Community’s participation in an annual review and update of the D.C. Practice Manual, develops partnerships within the legal community and with other organizations and institutions serving the residents of the District of Columbia, and communicates to the public about matters within the Community’s expertise.
Of the eight leadership positions listed below, the following must be filled by steering committee members: Chairs, Public Statement Designee, Practice Manual Coordinator, and Nominating Chair. Non-steering committee members of the Community at-large may serve as Community Outreach Coordinator, Lawyer to Lawyer Coordinator, and the Connect Coordinator.
Steering committee members must be an active member of the D.C. Bar and a member of the Communities in which they serve.
Steering Committee Position Descriptions
Chair
Leads the steering committee to achieve the Community’s stated objective by overseeing the implementation of applicable programs/events and education about the offerings of the Community. Delegates and assigns tasks to steering committee and subcommittee members. Presides over steering committee meetings. Communicates with Communities staff on logistics and planning or delegates such tasks. Attends annual Connect Reception at Bar headquarters to promote upcoming Community events and network with members. Presides over a monthly planning meeting with the steering committee to facilitate the various objectives of the committee.
Vice-chair
Supports the Chair in leadership duties related to overseeing the steering committee and subcommittees. Assumes Chair’s roles and responsibilities in the event the Chair is unable or unwilling. Attends annual Connect Reception at Bar headquarters to promote upcoming Community events and network with members.
Co-chairs
Act as dual leads within the steering committee. Manages all of the responsibilities outlined above for the Chair and Vice-chair.
Public Statement Designee
Responsible for leading the initiative to research, write, and submit public statements or amicus briefs on behalf of the Community, if necessary. Reviews statements and briefs proffered by other Communities and communicates with fellow steering committee members about whether to join as a cosponsor or issue opposition regarding the proposed document.
Practice Manual Coordinator
Coordinates the review and editing process of the Community’s practice area section of the annual D.C. Practice Manual. Secures authors and reviewers as well as assists with the collection of publishing releases. Communicates with Bar staff to meet internal and external deadlines for publication.
Nominating Committee Chair
Recruits and evaluates potential steering committee nominees for the general election and special interim appointments. Works with Communities staff to determine nominee eligibility, diversity criteria, and other qualifications. Ensures timely steering committee feedback and involvement throughout the process.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Works to plan events and activities that enhance and serve the local D.C. community and/or legal community, other than pro bono services. Collaborates with other Communities, Bar staff, or outside organizations to support philanthropic goals and initiatives.
Lawyer to Lawyer Coordinator (formerly Lunch with a Lawyer)
Selects the date and confirms advising attorneys for the Lawyer to Lawyer sessions. Publicizes event to network and recruits interested attendees.
Connect Coordinator
​Promotes usage of the Communities Connect listservs. Manages communications threads. Responsible for ensuring there are weekly postings, including asking questions, sending out valuable content pieces and/or asking people to contribute to the discussion.