SFTLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPLICATION PROCESS AND APPLICATION

The Board of Directors (BOD) of SFTLA is looking for qualified members interested in helping to lead the organization in the future.

Board applications are accepted annually pursuant to the following schedule[1]

May 1:  Application submission window opens.

June 1:  Deadline for submission of applications. Application window closes.

June 15: SFTLA Committee on Directors (“COD”) will issue notice of receipt of the application, any deficiencies in the application, information concerning the timeline for consideration of the application, and dates of any mandatory appearances at Board meetings.  If the applicant does not meet the requirements for Board membership, SFTLA COD shall inform the applicant that he or she is not currently eligible and of the basis for ineligibility. 

June 21: SFTLA COD shall transmit the applications to the Board of Directors and request comments, letters in support of or in opposition to the applicants.  These submissions shall be deemed confidential.

July 7: Deadline for comments and letters about applicants from members of the Board of Directors.  The window for such comments shall be closed.

SFTLA COD will notify the Board of Directors of the date, time and location for the meeting to discuss the applicants.

July 7 through August 30: SFTLA COD members shall complete their investigation of the application, references, and reasonable inquiry about the applicant.

August 30:  Meeting to discuss the applicants.  At the end of the meeting, the Chair of the SFTLA COD shall prepare a Summary of its recommendations, explaining reasons for its support of and/or objection to each applicant.  The summary shall be deemed confidential.

One Week Before September Board Meeting: SFTLA COD shall transmit a copy of the applications and the Summary of its recommendations to the Board of Directors.

September Board Meeting:  The Board of Directors will vote yea or nay on those applicants who have been vetted by the SFTLA COD via this application process.  Election of an applicant shall be based upon majority vote.

Those elected to the BOD shall be immediately informed by letter signed by the President, President Elect and Chair of the COD.

[1] If any of the following dates fall on a weekend, the applicable deadlines or dates shall fall on the following Monday.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Article III, Section 1 of SFTLA’s Bylaws provides that “Any person applying for membership in this organization, a member of the State Bar of California, in good standing, and who is of good moral character, and not disapproved by the Board of Directors, shall be eligible for membership in the Association.”

In attempting to have a well-rounded diverse Board, with enough members to cover the full range of responsibilities needed, we will not only consider the above requirements, but also take into consideration the following items when evaluating each applicant:

• Member is to primarily represent Plaintiffs and not represent or advise the defense in civil tort actions on behalf of any of the following: (a) insurers, (b) insureds, (c) independent adjusting firms, (d) employers in employment litigation, (e) product manufacturers, distributors, or sellers, (f) pharmaceutical companies, (g) transportation companies, and (h) government entities.[2]
• Five (5) years of litigation experience;
• Previous substantial involvement in at least 2 SFTLA Committees;
• Participation as an author in SFTLA publications and/or as a speaker at SFTLA educational seminars;
• Other Board/Trial Lawyer Association/etc. experience;
• Community service to both legal and outside organizations;
• Ability to meet expectations of board membership as set forth in SFTLA’s BOD Point System for Board Participation AND ACCOUNTABILITY,  included herein, including financial commitments to the organization and its activities and events];Reputation in legal community; and
• Demonstrated commitment to Plaintiff’s Bar.

If you are interested in becoming more active in the organization and become part of the BOD, please take a few moments to fill out the attached application. Submit your completed form, CV and other materials as instructed in the application. A copy of this form will be kept on file.