BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
1871
YEAR FOUNDED
The Bar Association of the District of Columbia (“BADC”) is a non-profit voluntary bar association that seeks to promote civility, justice, and collegiality among members of the legal profession as well as access to legal services for all residents of the nation’s capital. The BADC is the first bar association founded in the District of Columbia in 1871, the same year that the US Department of Justice was established. It is a zealous proponent of the Rule of Law, and the independence of the Judiciary, law firms and lawyers.
Message From BADC President
Welcome to The Bar Association of the District of Columbia (BADC) home page. As the 138th President of this esteemed association, I am continually impressed by the progress our profession has made over the past 154 years towards fostering a more inclusive environment. I am especially privileged and honored to be the first Asian American to hold the title of president, following my tenure as the first Asian American president of the D.C. Bar in 2003.
During my 2025-2026 term, the BADC will focus on upholding the rule of law through amicus briefs, public statements of support, and advocacy. We aim to strengthen our membership roster and engage past and present leadership to ensure our organization remains effective and efficient in serving the public, the judiciary, and the broader legal community.
I extend my sincere thanks to my predecessor, Rawle Andrews Jr., for his outstanding leadership and collegiality. Rawle has a unique ability to unite and energize people, and we achieved a great deal under his administration. I am grateful for his continued support. I plan to follow Rawle’s lead to reignite the BADC’s reputation as a trusted voice of the D.C. legal community and grow our membership through our sections, signature awards, committees and programs.
I also want to congratulate Craig Leen of K&L Gates on his election as BADC President-Elect! As a partner focusing his practice on Labor, Employment & Workplace Safety, Craig is a recognized leader in promoting workplace inclusion.
I frequently emphasize the critical need to support our judiciary. The federal and local judges in the District of Columbia are truly among the best in the country. My experiences traveling and meeting judges from other jurisdictions consistently reinforce that our legal community is top tier. It is vital that the BADC supports our judiciary and actively seeks ways to ensure they have the necessary resources to perform their essential duties effectively.
With gratitude,
Shirley Ann Higuchi, JD
President
Craig E. Leen
President-Elect
The Bar Association of the District of Columbia
Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Banquet & Awards Gala Sponsors
Thank You to Our 2025 Judicial Reception Sponsors
Rawle Andrews Jr. and Shirley Ann Higuchi Elected to Lead BADC
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NETWORK. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. SERVICE
152nd Anniversary Gala
December 1, 2023
2023 Judicial Reception
November 1, 2023
150th Anniversary Gala
December 3, 2022
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