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    ABA House of Delegates

    The ABA House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the association. The House meets twice each year, at ABA Annual and Midyear Meetings. At the Midyear Meeting, the Nominating Committee nominates officers and members of the Board of Governors.

    Jonathan Cole, Chair 2024-2026

    Jonathan is a Shareholder with Baker Donelson in its Nashville office. He served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services (2020-2023), following three years as a Member (2017-2020). Jonathan is a Past President of the Nashville Bar Association (2010) and the National Conference of Bar Presidents (2016-2017), after serving as its Diversity Chair (2011-2013). Jonathan served as Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division (2003-2004). He served on the Board of Directors of the American Bar Endowment (2012-2022), the final four years of which he chaired its Grants Committee.

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    What is the House of Delegates?

    The Work of the House

    The House of Delegates drafts, debates and votes on resolutions that establish Association policy on professional and public issues. It represents not only various groups within the Association, but also the legal profession as a whole, and includes delegates from state, local and specialty bars. It is the ultimate governing body of the Association.

    House - Resources

    The Impact of the House

    Through the House of Delegates, the ABA works to improve the profession by addressing issues that matter to the legal community and the law. The ABA has active policies on diverse issues of interest to the legal profession, many of which have been a focus of the Association’s advocacy for decades.

    Learn More - ABA Policy

    House of Delegates Orientation

    Documents and videos for Delegates on the policies, procedures, and practices of the House of Delegates.

    Additional - Resources

    Calendar & Meetings

    Resolutions with Reports

    Election Notices and Results

    Webinar on Preparing a Resolution with Report

    Tips for Drafting, Submitting, and Revising Resolutions

    This webinar offers suggestions and gives an introduction on tips for drafting, submitting and revising a Resolution with Report. Guest Speakers include the Chair of the Committee on Rules and Calendar and the Chair of the Drafting Committee.

    Additional Resources

    Policy and Planning Division

    The Policy and Planning Division provides the highest quality service and information concerning policy and governance issues to the leadership, membership and staff of the Association and the general public. The Division staffs the Board of Governors, the House of Delegates and the Secretary of the Association.

    Contact - Staff