Washington Lawyers Choose New Leadership as Brad Bondi Faces Landslide Defeat in Historic Bar Election

In one of the most closely followed and record-breaking elections in recent history, the legal community of Washington D.C. made a resounding decision in selecting its next bar association president. Brad Bondi, a prominent white-collar defense attorney and brother of a high-profile federal official, suffered a sweeping defeat, signaling a clear shift in the values and priorities of the capital's legal professionals.

A Historic Turnout Reflects Rising Legal Engagement

This year’s election for the presidency of the District of Columbia Bar Association drew unprecedented engagement from the city’s legal community. More than 38,000 ballots were cast — a staggering increase from just 7,500 in the previous cycle — showcasing how deeply lawyers across the region were invested in the future of their professional association.

This surge in participation was largely attributed to growing concerns over political interference in legal processes and the desire for leadership that upholds independence, integrity, and accountability in the practice of law.

The Race and the Result

Brad Bondi, a seasoned legal partner known for his work in investigations and corporate defense, launched his campaign with experience and connections on his side. However, despite his credentials and name recognition, he lost by a wide margin to employment attorney Diane Seltzer.

Seltzer, a seasoned advocate for workplace rights and legal transparency, secured over 90 percent of the vote — a landslide by any measure. Her campaign focused on strengthening the ethical backbone of the legal community, promoting inclusivity, and defending the rule of law amid political headwinds.

A Candid Response and a Call for Reflection

In a statement following the announcement of results, Bondi expressed both gratitude and frustration. While he thanked his supporters, he also criticized what he called a “descent into partisanship,” lamenting that the election had been tainted by political rhetoric and personal attacks. He warned of a troubling politicization of what should remain a nonpartisan legal institution.

Seltzer, on the other hand, interpreted the results as a mandate from D.C.’s legal professionals to protect the sanctity of the law. She emphasized that the legal community had voted for experience, transparency, and the right to practice without fear of political backlash.

The Broader Political Backdrop

This election did not unfold in a vacuum. Recent months have seen intensified scrutiny on the legal profession, particularly following executive actions aimed at disciplining attorneys accused of political bias or misconduct. These actions included controversial directives that some in the legal world viewed as attempts to intimidate or punish attorneys associated with opposing political views.

While the D.C. Bar Association plays no role in directly investigating misconduct — a responsibility that falls under the Office of Disciplinary Counsel — the political climate added weight to this year’s race. For many attorneys, the outcome was not just about leadership style, but about protecting the core values of their profession from external influence.

What Lies Ahead for the D.C. Bar

With Diane Seltzer at the helm, the D.C. Bar is expected to focus on rebuilding trust within the legal community, strengthening member engagement, and shielding its governance from partisan pressure. Her overwhelming victory signals strong support for these priorities.

As Washington D.C. continues to be a battleground not just in politics but in legal ethics and professional standards, the bar’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping how the legal system responds to both internal and external challenges.

In the end, the message from the capital’s attorneys was loud and clear — the law must remain above politics, and those who lead it must do so with integrity, not influence.