Meet the ABA's newest leaders
The ABA’s newly nominated officers and members of the Board of Governors will begin their terms in office after the association’s annual meeting in August. In the months before the meeting, we asked these nominees the same four questions:
• What positive experiences have you had with the ABA?
• What would you like to accomplish during your term?
• What is something not a lot of other ABA members know about you?
• Why would you encourage other lawyers to join the association?
Here are their responses, which have been edited for length and clarity. An abbreviated version of this article ran in the June-July 2025 print edition.
Andrew M. Schpak
Treasurer-elect
Co-managing partner, Barran Liebman
Portland, Oregon
Positive experiences with the ABA: I have had so many positive experiences with the ABA that it is hard to know where to start. First, I met quite a few of my closest friends through the ABA. The ABA has provided me with the opportunity to travel to cities (and countries) I might not have otherwise visited.
Perhaps what stands out most as I reflect was a Rule of Law Initiative trip I took to Tunisia shortly after the Arab Spring. I had the opportunity to meet the vice president and attend the Tunisian Bar Association board’s retreat in order to share insights about how bar associations operate here in the United States and the way that democracy filters through not just our political institutions but also our bar associations.
I met lawyers and judges who literally put their lives on the line to advocate for democracy. My view of the impact and reach of the ABA changed forever as a result of that trip.
Plans for term: I hope to serve as a resource and source of information for members who have questions about the association’s financial position, threats and opportunities. I also intend to try to structure my reports to focus on highlighting important trends; what we as an association can be doing to guide our association to a more sustainable place; and external factors that currently or in the future might present a threat to our association’s success. I am hopeful that I can help identify opportunities within the association to secure small victories that, taken together, help improve our financial position.
Something most members don’t know: I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. My parents kept a creative writing project I wrote in middle school in which I indicated I wanted to become “the world’s best bilingual corporate lawyer.” For extra credit, we could draw a picture, and I drew a picture of myself arguing before a jury.
In college, I thought I wanted to focus on constitutional law, but the commerce clause threw me off. I ended up picking employment law because each case has a human element that helps ensure that no two cases are the same, and the cases and questions I get challenge me and keep me sharp. I’ve been fortunate to be at the same firm, practicing the same area of law, for my entire legal career (over 20 years).
Reason to join: There is no better way to invest in yourself and your career than to join the ABA (and volunteer). Whether you are honing your expertise through involvement in a section, division or forum; developing your leadership skills through bar participation and involvement; advocating for a legal or policy issue about which you care deeply; or broadening your network by meeting people from a wide variety of practice settings and parts of the world, the time that you invest in volunteering with the ABA will have the effect of making you a better, more well-connected lawyer.
If you dream of designing your own career trajectory within the law, there is no better place to see how your career can look if you put in the time; connect with mentors who have achieved the goals that you have set for yourself; and identify the tools and opportunities that will bring you closer to your goals. While I don’t think that many of us join the ABA to get clients, I can’t think of anyone I know who has been active in the ABA for some time who has not yet received referrals from ABA contacts, so there is a business case for involvement too.
David H. Lefton
District 7
Partner, Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer
Cincinnati
Positive experiences with the ABA: My involvement with the ABA has been transformative—shaping my leadership skills, advancing my career and establishing me as a recognized leader in my profession and community. Through the years, I’ve been given countless opportunities to grow, learn and connect with like-minded professionals, all of which have contributed to my personal and professional development.
A significant milestone was being elected and serving as president of the Ohio State Bar Association in 2021-2022—an achievement, in great part, made possible by the leadership experience I previously gained through the ABA. Chairing the GPSolo Division in 2016-2017 and attending Section Officers Conferences played a crucial role in developing the skills and reputation needed for such a prestigious position and my new role on the ABA Board of Governors.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building on my experience and to contribute to the profession in new and innovative ways.
Plans for term: The ABA is a prestigious organization with a rich history and offers valuable benefits to its members. While it faces challenges and is at a critical juncture, it remains a vital resource for the legal profession.
As I begin my term on the Board of Governors, my goal is to build on the ABA’s strengths, ensuring it not only regains its momentum but thrives in a way that makes it more relevant, accessible and impactful. I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow Board members to address the challenges ahead while fostering growth, inclusivity and innovation. Together, we can revitalize the ABA, ensuring it continues to serve and lead the legal community for years to come.
Something most members don’t know: My wife Karen and I love to travel. Over the last decade, we’ve made a point of going somewhere every two to three months, even if only for a quick getaway. These mini-adventures have become our favorite way to reconnect, escape the daily grind, recharge and rebalance.
We’ve explored many corners of the United States and ventured overseas, but our hearts belong to Hilton Head Island, where we share many great memories together and with our family. Up next? A trip TBD in celebration of our 35th anniversary. Plus, for me, I look forward to traveling for my role on the Board of Governors and the privilege to serve ABA members.
Reason to join: Joining the ABA offers attorneys invaluable opportunities for leadership, career advancement and personal growth through programs and resources often led by or provided by national experts. It provides a platform to develop essential skills, as it did for me in shaping my leadership abilities and providing the experience I needed to serve as president of the Ohio State Bar Association and on the ABA Board of Governors. The ABA also fosters a dynamic community of legal professionals, offering a chance to drive meaningful change in the profession. While the ABA faces challenges, it offers attorneys the opportunity to shape its future and ensure its continued growth and relevance.
Lacy L. Durham
District 8
Assistant general counsel, Constellation
Dallas
Positive experiences with the ABA: I have had countless positive experiences with the ABA. I have honed my leadership skills by serving in many capacities, ultimately ascending to chair of the Young Lawyers Division and the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice. These meaningful roles allowed me to lead from the front to advocate for critical legal issues and sharpen other skills, such as strategic decision-making, governance, collaboration and cultivating others.
In addition, I find incredible value in the ABA’s networking opportunities and deep connections with professionals across various legal specialties and practice areas. I have had great experiences in increasing the visibility of my professional profile, and being active in the ABA has opened doors to career advancement. I have a profound sense of belonging and purpose while working alongside colleagues toward shared goals and improvements to the legal profession.
Plans for term: During my term with the Board of Governors, I aim to support the strategic direction of the ABA. I want to leave a legacy that makes the profession better for future generations by developing and executing plans to advance the ABA’s mission and goals. Some priorities that I hope to accomplish include advancing initiatives that strengthen the rule of law, ensuring access to justice for all, advocating for a sound financial and practical infrastructure that supports the professional development of lawyers at all stages of their careers, and helping amplify the voice of the ABA to the general public.
Something most members don’t know: A fun fact that I have kept secret to myself is that I am an avid cinephile. Everything about cinema deeply moves me and fills me with passion. I regularly attend film festivals to discover rising artists, and I possess a near-obsession with storytelling techniques, hidden meanings and character development in films. Private access to premieres and exclusive screenings combined with discussions among filmmakers and industry leaders gives me insight into the creative filmmaking process that excites me. Major motion pictures, shorts and documentaries capture my attention because I enjoy every type of film genre.
I love cinema as an art form. I appreciate the visual presentation and the emotional impact, which were also great entertainment. I love observing the creative methods of telling hidden stories and understanding presentations from unique cultural and historical perspectives while appreciating diverse experiences and viewpoints.
Reason to join: Joining the ABA provides lawyers with a national home base and numerous opportunities to advance their careers and make a meaningful difference. There is something for everyone because the ABA offers a vast platform to connect with fellow lawyers and find mentors and industry leaders to foster meaningful relationships and collaboration. Lawyers can also gain access to valuable resources like continuing education, award-winning publications, leadership training and a massive think tank to stay ahead and navigate emerging legal issues. Membership is a great personal investment in yourself and a professional commitment to growing professionally.
Dona Playton
District 10
Professor, University of Wyoming College of Law
Laramie, Wyoming
Positive experiences with the ABA: The ABA has been integral in shaping my career and commitment to the legal profession. As a member of several sections and divisions, I have taken full advantage of the ABA’s professional development opportunities, expanding my knowledge and engaging in meaningful discussions with colleagues across the country. These experiences have made me a better lawyer, professor and judge, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in our field.
Serving as the Wyoming State Bar delegate to the House of Delegates has further strengthened my understanding of how vital the legal profession is in upholding democracy and the rule of law. Through the ABA, I have witnessed firsthand the power of a united legal community advocating for justice, integrity and access to legal services. I am honored to continue this work as a member of the Board of Governors, ensuring that our collective voice remains strong and impactful.
Plans for term: During my term with the Board of Governors, I want to ensure that our profession remains a steadfast guardian of democracy and the rule of law. Now, more than ever, we must use our collective voice to uphold public trust in our justice system and legal institutions. I am committed to addressing the pressing issues facing the legal profession and bringing together diverse perspectives, ensuring our profession reflects the people and communities we serve.
Central to this effort is fostering a culture of belonging—where all lawyers feel valued, supported and empowered to lead. By strengthening our profession’s unity and engagement, we can more effectively advocate for policies that promote fairness and the integrity of our legal system.
Something most members don’t know: One of the things I’m most proud of—but many ABA members may not know—is that I have two incredible sons who have both dedicated their careers to helping others. One is a new lawyer, and the other is a resident physician. More than their professional achievements, I’m proud of the kind, considerate people they’ve become. Their dedication inspires me every day and reinforces my own commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Reason to join: The ABA is the cornerstone of our profession, ensuring integrity and excellence in the legal field while providing an essential platform for lawyers to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of the law. Beyond its role in shaping the legal landscape, the ABA fosters a community of legal professionals who share a dedication to justice, democracy and the rule of law. For any lawyer committed to upholding these principles, the ABA provides an invaluable network of support, resources and professional development.
Engaging with this community through the ABA not only strengthens our collective voice but also recharges my own commitment to the profession. It reminds me why I chose this path and reinforces my responsibility to be a role model for the next generation of lawyers. I encourage every legal professional to be part of this dynamic organization—it’s an investment in both your own career and the future of the legal profession.
George C. Chen
District 11
Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Phoenix
Positive experiences with the ABA: I have had the opportunity to meet and work with not only dedicated ABA staff but also lawyers from all across the United States who are legal experts and successful businesspeople, and who also are compassionate individuals that care deeply about our legal profession, the rule of law and our country.
Plans for term: It is particularly important to me to focus on the ABA’s Goal IV to advance the rule of law, including (a) preserving the independence of the legal profession—and specifically the judiciary—and (b) assuring meaningful access to justice for all persons, whether at home in the United States or outside of the United States.
Something most members don’t know: Here are five little known facts about me. (1) I have trekked across the Himalayan mountains in Nepal. (2) I used to play keyboards and sing vocals in a cover band that played songs from the 1960s through the 1980s. (3) The legal profession is my second career; I worked as a semiconductor engineer for several years before attending law school. (4) I have spent my entire post-law school career of 26 years at my law firm, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. (5) I’m the first Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) to have served on the global board of directors for my law firm in its 152-year history.
Reason to join: Join the ABA to meet and learn from the most accomplished and respected litigators, deal lawyers, in-house counsel, judges, legal scholars and other legal professionals. At the ABA, you also will have an opportunity to work with legal luminaries to make a difference in our legal profession and in our communities.
Erica R. Grinde
District 13
Chief people and risk officer, Missoula County
Missoula, Montana
Positive experiences with the ABA: Fortunately, I engaged in the ABA very early on in my career. In 2009, I started attending Young Lawyers Division meetings as the district representative for Montana and Idaho. The welcome I received at my first annual meeting in Chicago is indescribable. I embraced the YLD and the friendships formed in those years of service. I was honored to serve in various leadership roles, which led to being the young lawyer delegate to the Board of Governors from 2015-2018.
My career and life are better for the friendships made, skills developed and leadership opportunities presented as a result of my engagement in this professional organization.
Plans for term: I look forward to engaging with my colleagues on the Board of Governors as we face alarming attacks on the legal profession and the rule of law. The ABA, through its leadership and the Board of Governors, must continue to fight for the rule of law to ensure a society where no one is above the law and opportunities are in reach for all.
I look forward to ensuring the ABA continues to advocate for the rule of law, thereby ensuring the independence of the judiciary and guaranteed human rights for all. This must be at the forefront of the decisions made by the Board in the coming years.
Tantamount to this work is continuing to focus on membership retention. The ABA must continue to keep its members engaged by ensuring the organization is relevant and provides meaningful opportunities and benefits.
Something most members don’t know: Like many of my fellow attorneys who are balancing work and parenting loads, I spend most of my time away from the office supporting my three children in all of their extracurricular activities. My weekends are spent at the football field, in wrestling and gymnastics gyms, at the dance studios, at the baseball diamond, and occasionally on the ski hill when we get a free moment to enjoy my favorite activity!
Reason to join: The ABA provides opportunities for all. There truly is a home for all attorneys within the ABA, and once you find your home, you will always want to return. While the resources and tools the association provides are top-notch, it is the relationships you can build with colleagues that will ensure you continue to send in your dues each year.
James F. Williams
District 18
Seattle office managing partner, Perkins Coie
Seattle
Positive experiences with the ABA: At the 2023 Midyear Meeting in New Orleans, I was the lead advocate for Resolution 400, which passed and was the first time the ABA ever asked the U.S. Supreme Court to adopt a binding code of ethics. That resolution probably inspired the court to actually create its first nonbinding statement of ethics.
Plans for term: While on the Board, I would like to: (a) improve our messaging to the public and the profession about who we are and what we do; (b) improve our processes for growing the membership and reclaiming those who have turned away from the ABA; and (c) improve the ways in which the ABA has meaning for and value to our members.
Something most members don’t know: I grew up on a farm in rural South Carolina and spent my early years (ages 11-16) picking cotton, pulling weeds and driving tractors.
Reason to join: It is the only organization that can legitimately speak for the entire profession; it is the only organization that will go to Congress to champion policies that are important to the profession; and it is the only organization with people who immediately get what you do.
Michael G. Bergmann
Goal III member-at-large (LGBTQ+)
Executive director, Public Interest Law Initiative
Chicago
Positive experiences with the ABA: My involvement with the ABA began early in my career through the Young Lawyers Division and its public service work. As a public interest lawyer, my commitment to service was a driving force behind my engagement with the YLD. Over my many years of involvement with the ABA, I have developed lasting friendships and invaluable professional connections that continue to benefit me today. The ABA has provided me with opportunities to build a national network, grow as a lawyer and gain enriching leadership experiences. I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve cultivated as well as the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced through the ABA.
Plans for term: Ensuring the continued strength and stability of the ABA and the legal profession is essential—not only for today but for future generations of lawyers. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board of Governors to ensure that the ABA is responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the changing landscape of legal practice.
Something most members don’t know: As an escape from law school and early post-law school life, I took fiddle lessons, returned to taking French lessons and had a brief stint as an actor in a local theater production.
Reason to join: Whatever your background and at whatever stage you may be at in your career, the ABA has something for everyone! And through your active engagement and participation, you will be presented with a wide range of opportunities to grow personally and professionally while building a national network of colleagues and friends.
Margaret Kuroda Masunaga
Goal III member-at-large (Woman)
Retired judge, District Court of the Third Circuit, State of Hawaii
Captain Cook, Hawaii
Positive experiences with the ABA: Interviewing U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer for the ABA Judicial Division’s Judges’ Journal on Aug. 12, 2022.
Plans for term: Fight for [diversity, equity, inclusion] and eliminating bias, which is the ABA’s Goal III; and stand up for the rule of law, ABA’s Goal IV.
Something most members don’t know: I graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School 50 years ago in Sacramento, California. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and former Supreme Court of California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye are also alumni of CKM. I live on a Kona coffee farm in Captain Cook, Hawaii.
Reason to join: You will make lifelong friends from all over the United States; get tips from the Judicial Division, Young Lawyers Division and Commission on Women in the Profession on how to be a better judge or lawyer; and participate in public service projects and mentoring programs.
Joseph L. Raia
Section member-at-large (International Law)
Shareholder, Gunster
Miami
Positive experiences with the ABA: The ABA and the International Law Section are my professional home outside my firm. The substantive legal expertise is world-class and makes me a better lawyer. I have developed a network of colleagues throughout the United States and the world who provide invaluable assistance, professional opportunities and cherished friendships. I have had the privilege of serving as a section leader—an ABA leader—and of working with the leaders of bar associations outside the United States in support of the rule of law and the independence of judges and lawyers.
Plans for term: I hope to see the ABA identify its priorities, establish the goals that will accomplish and sustain those priorities, and implement plans to attain those goals. For example, I hope to see the ABA identify priorities that align with a sustainable budget. I hope to see the ABA sustain its role as the national bar association and the voice of the American lawyer by leveraging the leading expertise and experience of its members; by extolling the virtues of independent judges and lawyers; and by explaining over and over and over again why we are a nation of laws.
Something most members don’t know: I am an avid cyclist—on weekends find me anywhere between Key Biscayne and Fort Lauderdale on an Italian road bike.
Reason to join: To find what I have found—to have what I have.
Orlando Lucero
Section member-at-large (Real Property, Trust and Estate Law)
Vice president and regional counsel, Fidelity National Financial Family of Companies
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Positive experiences with the ABA: I joined the ABA in 1983 upon graduation from law school and have been actively engaged since the late 1980s. My first leadership roles arose from my work in the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section. RPTE has been my main ABA home, and I currently serve as one of its delegates to the House of Delegates. I now join the Board as a section member from RPTE.
I have enjoyed leadership roles in the ABA diversity, equity and inclusion space, and I currently serve as chair of the council of the ABA Fund for Justice and Education and as the chair of the House Committee on Scope and Correlation of Work. Throughout my ABA career, I have worked with some of the most talented lawyers I know, have worked on substantive law and professional development issues that I care about deeply, and have made lifelong friends. The ABA is my second family.
Plans for term: The ABA is facing extraordinary challenges. I hope to bring my long knowledge of and experience in the ABA to bear on the difficult decisions that face our association. I want to ensure that the ABA remains a vital and influential force in promoting the rule of law everywhere—in our schools, in our profession, in our courts and in our communities.
The ABA must stand up for what American lawyers believe in—justice for all and respect for the law. We need workable and sustainable solutions to our ongoing issues of recruiting and retaining dues-paying members, and we must address how to sustain our financial position. We will need to prioritize what the ABA can and should do; I recognize that is a difficult task, and that we will likely face some tough choices. Our Board, however, is extraordinarily talented and will rise to the occasion.
Something most members don’t know: I am a first-generation lawyer. My grandparents were subsistence farmers in a village in northern New Mexico without electricity or running water. Only one of my grandparents spoke English. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and the first lawyer in the family. My daughter is now a lawyer. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have lived the American dream, but I worry that this dream is slipping away from more and more of our children.
On a lighter note, I am a big opera fan. I grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and as a high school student had the chance to attend productions of the Santa Fe Opera, a world-renowned company. Standing room tickets then were only $3! Since 1974, I’ve attended the SFO every season and love going to the opera with family and friends, including some of my ABA friends.
Reason to join: By their training, skills and temperament, lawyers have a unique role to play in our society—by being part of the ABA, lawyers amplify their collective voices in support of our system of justice and the rule of law. Through the ABA, you will have the opportunity to bolster access to justice, no matter where your substantive law or professional interests lie.
The ABA offers incredible educational, leadership development, pro bono and networking opportunities in all areas of the law. As a lawyer practicing in a less populated state, my ABA connections referred work from national clients, and the ABA provided an avenue to develop my technical knowledge and skills and leadership abilities so that today I am a recognized leader in my field. I still feel that I get much practical, tangible value from my ABA membership. Equally important, it is also the place where I made wonderful lifelong friends.
Jennifer Bragar
Section member-at-large (State and Local Government Law)
Partner, Tomasi Bragar DuBay
Portland, Oregon
Positive experiences with the ABA: The Section of State and Local Government Law is like a home away from home. Attorney members of the [Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee] and other municipal attorneys are mentors, masters of the universe and people outside my local bar who really understand what I face in my day-to-day practice. Our in-person meetings are the best opportunity to gain practical skills, knowledge and invaluable advice about the practice of law and career development. In addition, these meetings have provided me with the opportunity to present CLEs, write and grow my leadership skills, not to mention market my practice.
Finally, ABA in-person meetings add a layer of fun to the practice of law—whether you’re on the golf course, at the spa, visiting the artist formerly known as Prince’s personal home or wandering through a nighttime jack-o’-lantern park, the ABA has you covered!
Plans for term: I will continue to support the creation of great content to continue to educate newer lawyers as well as seasoned practitioners. The organization’s CLE courses and publications are the best assets of the ABA and are an incredible mechanism to ensure member retention and as a method to solicit new membership. Whether you are a speaker new to the ABA and are given a free section membership, or someone attending a local or online CLE for the first time, those opportunities should feel like a new door opening to further your career and make new connections.
I want to support the CLE and publications areas as avenues for sharing a wide range of viewpoints within the ABA and across practice areas. On the Board of Governors, I will support these endeavors by asking good questions to our staff and leadership about how best to take action to achieve these goals.
Something most members don’t know: I decided to go to law school when I was running my own business, including campaign management. I ran the district attorney’s campaign for Bob Lee in Santa Cruz, California. Bob was willing to go the extra mile to ensure conviction of some of the most violent crimes as he rose through the office’s ranks. During the campaign I met many lawyers from the district attorney’s office who aligned with Bob and saw a range of people who had successfully completed law school and then committed to work in the public interest. Bob won the race on a recount by 289 votes and went on to serve the county for the next 12 years before he passed away too soon. The experience of running that campaign inspired me to go to law school.
Reason to join: The people, the places and the perspective. All of my responses center on the same thing—a support system for the practicing attorney because it takes a wide range of friends and supporters to run the marathon of a legal career. The ABA brings you to places you may never have otherwise planned to go, and that geographic diversity helps you learn where your practice of law fits in with the bigger picture of our society.
Finally, perspective is gained through ABA mentorship—whether all you have time for is to read the ABA Journal at lunch once a month, or you commit to broader opportunities for service to the profession, the perspective you gain and bring to the organization will have a lasting impact on our profession and make us all better lawyers.
Write a letter to the editor, share a story tip or update, or report an error.
