In a significant turn of events within the legal community, Bradley Bondi, brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced a substantial defeat in his campaign for the presidency of the D.C. Bar. Bondi garnered only 3,490 votes while his opponent, Diane Seltzer, an employment lawyer, received a commanding 34,982 votes. This election outcome underscores the preferences of the D.C. Bar members during a time marked by political and legal turmoil.
Following the announcement of the election results on Monday, Seltzer attributed her victory to the engagement of the D.C. Bar's members, who clearly expressed their desire for effective leadership. "We've got to make sure that we hang on to the rule of law and that we can practice law safely,” Seltzer emphasized in an interview with NBC News. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that legal representatives can advocate for their clients without fear of retaliation and that judges can deliver fair and impartial rulings without the threat of intimidation.
This election takes place against the backdrop of the Trump administration's contentious relationship with the judiciary, particularly regarding judges who have ruled against its policies. Notably, federal judges recently declared several executive orders issued by Trump unconstitutional, particularly those targeting law firms like Jenner & Block and Perkins Coie, which have represented causes contrary to the administration’s interests.
Seltzer acknowledges the significant challenges facing the D.C. Bar, but she remains optimistic about fostering a sense of community among its members. She described the association as a "bright, vibrant, engaged, energetic" group and expressed her intentions to organize events that would enhance community building within the Bar.
In addition to Bondi's loss, another notable election outcome involved Alicia Long, who served as deputy to former interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin. Long lost her bid for the position of treasurer to Amanda Molina, with the vote tally reflecting an 8,854 to 26,380 margin. The election saw a turnout of 43% from over 89,000 eligible D.C. Bar members.
The D.C. Bar plays a crucial role in the legal profession, influencing who can practice law and addressing misconduct allegations. Given its proximity to federal institutions, the D.C. Bar is a pivotal licensing body for many federal attorneys. Furthermore, the Trump administration's ongoing tensions with the legal community also extend to the American Bar Association (ABA), as the Justice Department has withdrawn grants that previously supported legal assistance for victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as ceased cooperation with the ABA's vetting processes for judicial nominees.
Diane Seltzer's term as president of the D.C. Bar will commence on July 1, and her leadership will be closely watched as she navigates the complexities of the current political climate and works to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
