For the first time, the state of Washington has its own chapter within the Federal Bar Association (FBA).
In November 2020, the Washington State Chapter of the Federal Bar Association was incorporated as a nonprofit entity, becoming the newest FBA national affiliate chapter. The FBA authorized and chartered the creation of a national affiliate chapter in the jurisdiction of Washington state, since there was not an existing national FBA Washington State Chapter.
Washington’s new FBA chapter was initiated by Susan D. Pitchford and Diane Butler. Pitchford previously served as president of the FBA Oregon State Chapter, and Butler has experience with such nonprofit organizations as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, and the FBA.
FBA is dedicated to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of attorneys and judges involved in federal law. The FBA national chapter affiliate provides the connection for Washington attorneys who value the many benefits of national FBA membership, in addition to greater contact and networking opportunities with other Washington state chapter members.
The purpose of the chapter is to advance the science of jurisprudence and to promote the welfare, interests, education, and professional growth and development of members of the federal legal profession.
The chapter was formed and continues to operate with the goals of promoting and supporting equal access and full participation by all members, and promoting diverse and inclusive membership. Recently, the FBA announced it was awarding the Washington chapter with a “Chapter Activity Award for Presidential Achievement” at the upcoming FBA Annual Meeting and Convention in Miami.
Membership is open to any person admitted to the practice of law before a federal court or a court of record in any of the several states, commonwealths, territories, or possessions of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Some benefits to joining the FBA and designating a local chapter as an affiliate include technical information, advocacy, and professional networking opportunities to help advance your legal career. Additional member benefits to joining the Washington State Chapter are:
- Member Plus Program—savings and discounts from program partners.
- Access to the online membership directory.
- Discounted rates for CLEs, networking events, publications, and other services.
- Educational and chapter leadership opportunities, practice area sections, and career divisions.
- Monthly updates on advocacy and recent government-relations developments.
- News and substantive articles in The Federal Lawyer magazine, the FBA eNewsletter, and section and division newsletters.
Through Oct. 31, the FBA is offering a 30 percent membership discount for new members who join and designate the Washington State Chapter as their regional national affiliate. (There is no additional fee associated with designating the Washington chapter as a regional affiliate.)
To learn more , visit www.fedbar.org/join. If you would like to join, complete the Washington State Chapter-Join Form and submit via fax at 571-481-9090, or call the Membership Department at 571-481-9100 to join by phone.
Susan D. Pitchford. Pitchford, is a partner at Chernoff Vilhauer, LLP, and an active member of the Federal Bar Association. Pitchford is an attorney with substantial litigation experience, representing clients in patent and technology law in both state and federal courts, and at appeals to the Ninth Circuit and the Federal Circuit. As an active member of the Federal Bar Association, Pitchford served as Oregon Chapter president from 2011 to 2012, as an executive team member of the National FBA Litigation Section Board, and currently serves as president of the Federal Bar Association, Washington State Chapter. Pitchford was recognized in “The 2015 Best Lawyers in America” in the areas of litigation, patent, and trademark law, in addition to recognition by Super Lawyers, every year since 2009.
Diane Butler. Diane is a Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP. Diane practices law in the areas of immigration and employment, with a focus on temporary, nonimmigrant work and employment-based permanent resident status, including investor visas. Diane’s experience includes matters of company compliance with immigration laws, handling numerous worksite enforcement investigations, and audits. Diane is recognized as an outstanding leading lawyer by Chambers and Partners USA’s Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Diane’s experience with nonprofits includes membership and working with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, and the Federal Bar Association, currently serving as president-elect of the Federal Bar Association’s Washington State Chapter.
