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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR AWLA MEMBERS

Join the ABA House of Delegates – SBA Bar Delegate (no deadline posted)

The State Bar of Arizona is seeking an active lawyer to serve as a State Bar Representative in the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates.

The ABA House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the association. As an SBA Bar Delegate, you will represent the State Bar of Arizona on a national level, participating in debates and voting on resolutions that shape the legal profession, ethical codes, and ABA policy. Delegates are expected to attend the ABA's Midyear and Annual Meetings. Please visit the State Bar of Arizona Appointments Committee page here or the ABA website for additional information. To be considered for the vacant position, applicants must apply through the State Bar of Arizona's website using the application form below.

Openings: One (1) lawyer opening

Candidate Criteria/Qualifications: Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona

Term: Two (2) years

Apply here.

Questions? Contact Board@staff.azbar.org 

Join the Commission on Trial Court Appointments, Maricopa County – Attorney Members for Dist. II, IV, and V (no deadline posted)

The Special Constitutional Appointments Committee is seeking attorneys to serve as Attorney Members on the Commission on Trial Court Appointments for Maricopa County (Districts 1, II, IV, and V).

The Commission on Trial Court Appointments is responsible for evaluating applicants and recommending qualified candidates to the Governor for judicial vacancies. As an Attorney Member, you will participate in vetting candidates, conducting public interviews, and voting on nominees to help shape the Maricopa County judiciary. Please visit https://www.azcourts.gov/jnc/AbouttheCommissionMembers.aspx for more information or find the full list at https://bc.azgovernor.gov/. To be considered for the vacant positions, applicants must apply through the Special Constitutional Appointments Committee using the standard application form below.
Openings: Attorney openings for Supervisorial Districts II, IV, and V

Candidate Criteria/Qualifications: Active Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. Applicants shall have resided in the state and shall have been admitted to practice law before the Arizona Supreme Court for not less than five (5) years and shall have resided in their respective Supervisorial District for at least one year before being nominated. Any political party affiliation. None of the attorney or non-attorney members of the commission shall hold any governmental office, elective or appointive, for profit and no attorney member is eligible for appointment to any judicial office of this state until one year after membership in the commission terminates.

Apply here.

Questions? For additional information contact Genna Barela at 602.340.7201 or Genna.Barela@staff.azbar.org.

Weekly Inspiration

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." — Lucille Ball
Family Promise of Greater Phoenix - ongoing

Family Promise is a national organization which fights to prevent and end homelessness for families with children and helps them achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix supports the entire family, including children through daycare assistance, school, and playtime; parents who, knowing their children are safe and cared for, can focus on their goals to secure employment, save money, and search for next-step housing; and pets, who receive their food and shelter, so that families do not have to experience the trauma of losing a beloved member of the family by seeking shelter and assistance.

Volunteers are an important part of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. Whether you have a few hours to give, want to volunteer with a group, or are looking for an ongoing opportunity, there are many ways to get involved.

For more information about volunteering, click here.

Click here for more information about Board Member opportunities: 

AZ Leaders On Board - ongoing

AZ Leaders On Board, a program of HandsOn Greater Phoenix, connects civic-minded professionals with meaningful board service opportunities for Arizona nonprofits. They match Arizona's best and brightest leaders with high performing nonprofit organizations to build a stronger Arizona.

AZ Leaders On Board is an initiative under HandsOn Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to serve where they are needed most. With a focus on volunteerism and civic engagement, they recognize that board service is one of the most impactful ways individuals can contribute to their communities. They match qualified board prospects with nonprofits that can benefit from their skills, experience, and passion for creating positive change.

For more information, click here. 

State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors (Nomination Packages Due December 4th)

The State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors oversees the State Bar of Arizona's policy-making and operations. The Board is comprised of 29 people: four non-attorney, public members; three at-large members and three district governors appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court; 16 attorney members elected by fellow Bar members in their district; and three ex-officio members (immediate past president/board advisor and the deans of Arizona's two law schools).

Four of the Eight Bar Districts will hold elections in 2027:

● District 2: Yavapai County – 1 board seat available

● District 5: Pima and Santa Cruz Counties – 1 board seat available

● District 6: Maricopa County – 2 board seats available

● District 7: La Paz and Yuma Counties- 1 board seat available

Candidates' nominating petitions and materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2026, at either of the State Bar's offices (4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016-6266, or 270 N. Church Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701-1113), or emailed directly to Board@staff.azbar.org.

Click here for more information, click here.

State Bar of Arizona - Veteran Spotlight (Due October 30th)

The State Bar of Arizona is seeking individuals who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military to honor and highlight on their social media accounts. To be featured, email a picture of yourself, service branch, rank, and years of service to kenzie.tkach@azbar.org by 10/30 to be included.

Volunteer to be a Judge for Mock Mediation Tournament in Chandler (November 20)

The Arizona Bar Foundation is looking for attorneys to volunteer as judges for its upcoming 2026 Arizona Mock Mediation Tournament on Friday, November 20, in Chandler.

The tournament gives students an opportunity to strengthen their communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills through simulated mediation proceedings. Volunteer judges play an important role in providing feedback and making the competition a meaningful learning experience for participating students.

The Arizona Bar Foundation would love to have you join us as a volunteer judge. It is also looking for non-attorney volunteer room hosts to help ensure the tournament runs smoothly.

If you are interested and available, you can learn more and register here.

Please also consider sharing this opportunity with colleagues or others in your network who may be interested in volunteering. We would especially appreciate your help connecting with legal professionals in the Chandler area!

If you have any questions, contact marie.ehlers@azflse.org.
AZBar Mentor Connection (Seeking Mentors and Mentees!) – CLE credit available

The Mentor Program was developed through research, exploring mentor principles and practices across the country and experiences of legal mentor work of other states.

The State Bar of Arizona is seeking attorneys to join its AZBar Mentor Connection Program. The mentor program pairs mentors and mentees based on practice area, geographic location, and preference. There is a 6-month or 12-month program and pairs cover a different topic each month. After the pairs meets for the first time, they can choose what order to cover the subjects such as: Practice Management, Introduction to the Legal Community, Professionalism, Law Office Management, Ethics, Well Being, Professional Development.

The One-to-One Mentor Program offers free CLE credit to mentors and mentees upon their successful completion of the 6-month or 12-month curriculum.

Click here for more information.

City of Phoenix – Ethics Commission (1 vacancy)

The Ethics Commission is authorized to receive allegations of ethical violations, investigation, take testimony, and engage in any other action to the extent permitted and established by law to oversee the investigation and enforcement of the gift policy and conflicts of interest pursuant to Phoenix City Charter XI, Sec. 1 (Title 38, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes) related to elected officials and board and commission members.

For more information contact Melanie G. Hagedoorn at (602) 262-7684 or visit here.
ABA 2027 James L. Schwartz Mentoring Award (Application due by 12/1/2026)

Do you know an ABA member that has demonstrated outstanding mentoring and made significant contributions to the legal profession? Submit a nomination for the ABA 2027 James L. Schwartz Mentoring Award. The award will be presented during a luncheon as part of the 2027 Joint Spring Meeting in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 17, 2027.

Qualifications

The award nominees shall be ABA members who have attained the age of 55 years; must be a lawyer or judge; shall have demonstrated outstanding mentoring and have made significant contributions to individual attorneys and the legal profession generally.

Nominations from historically underrepresented groups, specifically people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Nominations can be completed online or emailed. Due December 1, 2026. Click here for more information.

New Pathways for Youth seeks mentors to make a difference in the lives of teens navigating adversity

Since 1989, New Pathways for Youth as matched mentors to Phoenix-area teens who are navigating adversity. As a mentor through the Caminos initiative, you will guide a teen facing adversity by sharing your personal experiences, cultural heritage and values.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Click here for more information. Attend a virtual info session to learn about the program and your commitment.

Arizona State Board of Education (2 Vacancies)

The Arizona State Board of education is an eleven-member board that exercises supervision over the public school system and adopts rules and policies necessary to support students, teachers, and other school staff. A.R.S. § 15-203. This includes recommending statutory changes to the legislature and updating the student handbook for use in Arizona. Id.

The Board meets once a month, usually on the fourth Monday of each month. Members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor. Please visit here to see agendas and other board meeting materials to see the Board at work!

To apply for a vacancy, use the application available here or contact bc@az.gov for more information.

City of Mesa Library Advisory Board (1 Vacancy)

The Library Advisory Board advises the Mesa City Council on matters pertaining to Library Services in the city. The new Gateway Public Library was just voted one of the best libraries in the world! The Board advises the City Council on issues like the Summer Reading Program and resources available through the Workforce and Education Development Office, among other vital services provided by public libraries.

Additional information is available on the Mesa Public Library website here. 

Meetings are held once every two months in the Board Room at the Main Library in downtown Mesa from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Go to the following website to apply: click here. 

Chamber of Mothers Phoenix/Gilbert Chapter – Join today!

Chamber of Mothers is a national nonpartisan nonprofit fueled by passionate activism, advocacy, and community of local chapters nationwide. Join Chamber of Mothers Phoenix / Gilbert Chapter and help advocate for meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels.

COM welcomes mothers, caregivers, women, and allies who are passionate about creating a better future for families. Whether you want to keep tabs just via e-mail, join in-person at chapter meetings, have a few hours to give, or are ready to take on a leadership role, your involvement can make a difference. This chapter is recruiting volunteers for the following committees: (a) Membership Engagement; (b) Maternal Health; (c) Policy & Advocacy; (d) Fundraising & Donations; (e) Communications, as well as for general ad hoc volunteers.

Learn more at chamberofmothers.com or contact phoenixgilbertchapter@chamberofmothers.com for more information. JOIN HERE. 

Citizens Clean Elections Commission – Applications Open Until Filled

The Citizens Clean Elections Act, passed by voters in 1998, is administered by a five-member, non-partisan Commission. The Commission is committed to upholding public confidence in the integrity, honesty and impartiality of the electoral system. No more than two members of the Commission shall be of the same political party and no more than two members shall be of the same county.
Please visit https://www.azcleanelections.gov/about-us or contact bc@az.gov for more information.

Additional vacancies for attorneys on various Arizona Boards and Commissions include, among others:

Able Act Oversight Committee (Attorney Member);

Commission on Appellate Court Appointments (Attorney Member);
(apply through the Special Constitutional Appointments Committee)
Click here for more information.

Commission on Trial Court Appointments, Maricopa County (Attorney Members for Dist. II, IV, and V). (apply through the Special Constitutional Appointments Committee)
Click here for more information.

Please find the full list here.
Applications are now being accepted through the standard application available here https://bc.azgovernor.gov/boards-and-commissions-application.
Scottsdale Judicial Appointments Advisory Board

The is an opening for a lawyer to serve on the Scottsdale Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. Applicants must be residents of the City of Scottsdale and will serve for a 3 year term beginning October 2026. The Board makes advisory recommendations to City Council regarding the appointment and reappointment of full-time city judges. The Board will use merit-based criteria to recommend the best-qualified persons to become city judges and to advise the City Council about retaining city judges. For more information visit here. 

To be considered for the vacant position, applicants must apply through the State Bar of Arizona's website using the application form here.

Questions may be directed to: Board@staff.azbar.org

State Bar Technology Section Executive Council

The State Bar is still seeking a few members to serve on the Technology Section Executive Council. Wondering about the time commitment? Council members are asked to:

• Attend a one-hour council meeting each month
• Suggest and help develop technology-focused seminar and educational programming topics
• Support section networking events
• Assist with convention programming and activities
• Participate in section social events and member engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with fellow council members to help advance the section's goals and priorities

If you are interested or need more information, please contact Betty.Flores@staff.azbar.org or the current section chair Courtney Adams at courtney@abramslawaz.com.

State Bar Peer Support Volunteer Network

Peer volunteers are the foundation of the State Bar's efforts to provide support for lawyers, judges and law students experiencing addiction, alcohol or substance abuse, mental health challenges and/or problems with stress or work/life balance. Peer Support volunteers are lawyers who are there to receive calls, provide support and encourage the use of professional help, and provide information about resources available to lawyers facing difficulties in their professional or personal life. The State Bar is accepting applications for peer support volunteers. There will be a training on October 6, 2026 for accepted applicants. For more information on the application/training please visit here or contact jennifer.fite@staff.azbar.org.
AWLA State Board and Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee seek nominations for new members in October

Have you wanted to get more involved with AWLA? Was there something that you wished AWLA did? AWLA is a volunteer organization. We can do more if we have more members working together. In October, AWLA will invite members to join both its State Board here and the Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee here.  If you have the time to do a little more for AWLA, talk to a steering committee member or state board member to learn more about these opportunities to get more engaged.
Letters of interest will be requested in an email in October.

For questions about joining either the AWLA State Board or Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee, contact Paige Martin paigemartinesq@aol.com.

Volunteer for a Sisters Cities in Arizona

This is the 70th anniversary of Sisters Cities International, of which Maricopa County has three participating cities: Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

Each city is unique in their relationships with cities around the world. The mission of Sisters Cities International is to be ambassadors of international friendship and goodwill.

For more information about these sister cities, contact the following:

Glendale AZ Sister Cities (membership required)
https://www.glendaleazsistercities.org/

Scottsdale Sister Cities (membership required)
info@scottsdalesistercities.com
City of Scottsdale 
Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) Opening

Purpose: The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) makes advisory recommendations to the City Council regarding the appointment and reappointment of full-time city judges. The JAAB will use merit-based criteria to recommend the best-qualified persons to become city judges and to advise the City Council about retaining city judges. The seven-member JAAB will consist of two active judges, one representative from both the State Bar and the Scottsdale Bar associations, and three citizens appointed by the City Council, who are not judges in any official capacity, nor retired judges, nor members of the State Bar of Arizona. Please visit the City of Scottsdale's website for additional information. To be considered for the vacant position, applicants must apply through the State Bar of Arizona's website using the application form below.

Openings: One (1) lawyer opening

Candidate Criteria/Qualifications:

Resident of City of Scottsdale
Term: Three (3) years. Term Begins October 2026

Deadline: Applications are due by DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED. Questions? Contact Board@staff.azbar.org
Information from a current SBA and JAAB Board Member:

The responsibilities are not too onerous. For judicial reappointments, it’s 4-5 hours over the course of a month (some due diligence + the reappointment meeting). This may happen once or twice during a 3-year term. Filling vacancies takes longer – usually 3 hours of due diligence and a full-day meeting. We’ve done this twice during my 6 years on the JAAB.
For more information, please click here.
Girls on The Run Coaching Position - Applications Due October 1, 2026

Girls on the Run is seeking Coaches for the 10-week season that begins in late January/early February through April 17, 2027. Each season, program participants in 3rd-8th grade develop essential emotional, social and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Practices typically begin between 2-4pm Monday-Friday and Finish by 5:30 p.m. Coaches are required to coach at least once a week.

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

Click here for more information.

South Phoenix Legal Clinic - Saturday, August 29, 2026

The South Phoenix Legal Clinic is looking for attorneys to provide free, one-off legal consultations to community members who need clear direction in the areas of family, landlord/tenant, employment, and estate planning. The clinic is on Saturday, August 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Mountain Community Library, 7050 S 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Consultations are limited to 30 minutes with no obligation for ongoing representation.

Email PSC@staff.azbar.org to sign up.

State Bar - Constitution Week - September 14-18

The Arizona Bar Foundation invites attorneys and judges to participate in its Constitution Week initiative by presenting in a K–12 classroom in your community or across the state. Your real-world experience and perspective can help students better understand the Constitution, the rule of law and the important role our legal system plays in their daily lives.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer here.

City of Apache Junction Boards and Commissions – Applications Due September 15, 2026

The City of Apache Junction is currently accepting applications for vacancies on several boards and commissions. This is a great opportunity for attorneys and other professionals interested in civic leadership, public service, and community engagement.

About the opportunity: Current openings include the Sewer District, Board of Adjustment, Construction Board of Appeals, Health and Human Services Commission, Industrial Development Authority, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Public Art Commission, and Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board. Board and commission members help advise the City Council and contribute to important decisions affecting the community. Most positions require Apache Junction residency, though there are some exceptions for certain boards.

Applications are due Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The City Council is expected to conduct interviews in October. For additional information and to access the application, please visit the City of Apache Junction’s Boards and Commissions page here. 

National Association of Women Lawyers Rising and Impact Lists – Nominations Due September 8, 2026

The National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) is currently accepting nominations for its Rising List and Impact List. Both recognize attorneys who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in the legal profession or advocating for women under the law.

About the opportunity: The NAWL Rising List recognizes early- to mid-career attorneys committed to NAWL’s mission through their efforts to advance women in the profession or advocate for women under the law. The NAWL Impact List recognizes mid-level and senior-level lawyers who have achieved a high level of professional accomplishment and demonstrated a positive impact on NAWL’s mission. Recipients of both lists are announced in March.

Nominations are due Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Self-nominations are encouraged, and past honorees are not eligible to receive the same recognition in a subsequent year. Questions may be directed to odafaalla@nawl.org.

For additional information and to submit a nomination, please visit the NAWL Awards page here. 

City of Phoenix Ethics Commission- Applications Due August 24, 2026

The City of Phoenix is looking to fill a vacancy on the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission is authorized to receive allegations of ethical violations, investigation, take testimony, and engage in any other action to the extent permitted and established by law to oversee the investigation and enforcement of the gift policy and conflicts of interest pursuant to Phoenix City Charter XI, Sec. 1 (Title 38, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes) related to elected officials and board and commission members. For more information about the Ethics Commission, please click here.

About the opportunity: The City of Phoenix Ethics Commission will consist of five members recommended by the Phoenix Judicial Selection Advisory Board and approved by seven members of the City Council. The Commission currently has one vacancy for a Republican serving a five-year term. The deadline for the current application cycle for nomination to the Ethics Commission is August 24, 2026. Please email the completed application and additional materials to ethics.commission@phoenix.gov.

If you have any additional questions regarding this opportunity, contact Rebecca McCarthy at (602) 262-7526!

The application information can be found on the City of Phoenix website linked here.

The State Bar of Arizona Appointments Committee

The State Bar Appointments Committee is currently accepting applications from Active Members to various upcoming vacancies. Application forms are due at the State Bar office by the deadlines noted and are located on the website linked below, or by contacting Board@staff.azbar.org.

For additional information visit here. 

Maricopa County Workforce Development Board

The Maricopa County Workforce Development Board is currently accepting membership applications. The application is located on the Maricopa County website linked below.

The Board’s Mission is as follows: The Maricopa Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) shall be established to assist the Board of Supervisors (BOS) as the Chief Local Elected Officials in strategic planning, oversight, and evaluation of the local workforce development area, and shall promote effective outcomes consistent with statewide goals, objectives, and negotiated local performance.

The BOS shall establish the MCWDB to represent a wide variety of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the local area. The MCWDB serves as a strategic convener to promote and broker effective relationships between the County and economic, education, and workforce partners. The MCWDB shall maintain strategic and strong relationships with business organizations, chambers of commerce, labor and trade associations, education providers, and others as needed or required.

For questions or more information contact: MCWDB@maricopa.gov or click here.

MCBA Board of Directors

Six seats are open on the MCBA Board of Directors. Come create the future of the MCBA! Nominations close September 15, 2026. For more information and to apply here. 

ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – Pro Bono Program Attorney Volunteer

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University invites practicing attorneys to volunteer with its student Pro Bono Groups, which partner with legal service agencies across the Phoenix-metro area. This is a rewarding way to mentor the next generation of lawyers, give back to the community, and support access to justice. Deadline: Volunteers are welcomed on a rolling basis. To get involved, complete the Attorney Volunteer Form for the ASU Law Pro Bono Program here or contact asuprobonoboard@gmail.com.

United States District Court, District of Arizona – Federal Court Advice-Only Clinic

The District of Arizona's Federal Court Advice-Only Clinic, operated in partnership with Community Legal Services, connects self-represented civil litigants with volunteer attorneys for brief, no-cost guidance. Volunteers provide scheduled telephonic consultations of roughly 20–30 minutes, answering questions, reviewing filings, and helping pro se litigants navigate matters before the federal court. This is a flexible, high-impact way for experienced federal litigators to expand access to justice without taking on ongoing representation. Deadline: Volunteer attorneys are accepted on a rolling basis. To get involved, complete the volunteer attorney registration form at azd.uscourts.gov (search "Volunteer for Advice-Only Clinic") or contact the clinic at FedCrtClinic@clsaz.org or (602) 258-3434, ext. 3422.