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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 House of Delegates, the legislative body of the Association, shall formulate policy for the Association. It may adopt rules consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws. It is the ultimate governing body of the Association. It shall elect the officers of the Association and the members of the Board of Governors. It is the judge of the election and qualifications of its members. It has all the powers necessary or incidental to performing those functions.

    House - Resources

    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

    Committees of the House

    The House of Delegates contains four Standing Committees and seven Special Committees.

    See the

    House Committees

    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

    Highlight: Resolution of Impact

    Resolution 102

    During the 2022 Annual Meeting, the Resolution and Impact Review Committee highlighted "the Good News" of Resolution 102, adopted at the 2015 Annual Meeting, which urged bar authorities to eliminate questions about prospective lawyers’ mental health history, diagnoses or treatment; and instead urges questions that focus on a bar applicant’s ability to practice law in a competent, ethical and professional manner.

    Highlight Resolution No. 110A

    This video highlights Resolution No. 110A, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Section and adopted by the House at the 2019 Annual Meeting. It supports legislation creating the establishment of a Copyright Small Claims Program, with authority to adjudicate copyright small claims as a lower-cost, less- time-consuming alternative to federal court litigation of copyright claims. This resolution was a significant factor in the enactment of the CASE Act.

    Courtroom Lactation Rooms

    Resolution 101A (2019 Annual) - Courtroom Lactation Rooms
    Shackling of Juveniles

    Resolution 107A (2015 Midyear) - Shackling of Juveniles
    Impact of Resolutions: Military Survivor Benefits

    Resolution 105 (2011 Midyear) - Military Survivor Benefits
    Impact of Resolutions: Access to Rural Justice

    Resolution 10B (2012 Annual) - Access to Rural Justice
    Impact of Resolutions: Violence Against Women Act

    Resolution 115 (2010 Midyear) - Violence Against Women Act
    Impact of Resolutions: Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Disputes

    Resolution 300 (2009 Annual) - Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Disputes
    Impact of Resolutions: Pro Bono Help for Disaster Victims

    Resolution 102B (2009 Annual) - Pro Bono Help for Disaster Victims
    Impact of Resolutions: Veterans Treatment Courts

    Resolution 105A (2010 Midyear) - Veterans Treatment Courts
    Military Spouses (12M108)

    Resolution 108 (2012 Midyear) - Military Spouses

    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