Westchester County Bar Association

“The organization has the following classifications of membership: 1. Active members: any member of the bar of the state of new york, in good standing, who resides in or has an office in the county of westchester may become an active member of the association upon election to active membership and payment of dues. 2. Associate members: any member of the bar of the state of new york, or of the bar of any other state or territory, in good standing, who is not qualified for active membership may become an associate member upon election to associate membership and payment of dues. Associate members are not entitled to hold office or vote, but have all other privileges of active membership except as specifically provided in the by-laws. 3. Non-lawyer affiliate: any person residing in westchester county, meeting the following description is eligible to apply to be a non-lawyer affiliate member: a. A paralegal employed or seeking employment as a paralegal b. A law office administrator employed by a law firm or other entity c. A title company agent, licensed private investigator, banker, licensed insurance broker, agent, licensed real estate broker or salesperson, or member of another law-related occupation as approved by the board of directors a non-lawyer affiliate may join a section or committee but not be an officer thereof, and have all powers and privileges of a full association member except those of voting and holding office, or otherwise as provided in the by-laws. 4. Law student members: any law student in good standing in any accredited law school in westchester county, or any westchester county resident who is a student in an accredited law school outside of westchester county may become a law student member of the association. Law student members may join a section or committee but not be an officer thereof, and have all powers and privileges of a full association member except those of voting and holding office, or otherwise as provided in the by-laws.”

“Each year, the board of directors nominates 7 active members of the association, who are not officers, elected directors, or representative directors of the association, for election to the nominating committee. The nominating committee is elected at the annual meeting. Any 25 members of the association in good standing may nominate additional active members for membership on the nominating committee. The 7 candidates receiving the highest votes at the annual meeting constitute the nominating committee. The nominating committee designates candidates for all offices and for membership as members-at-large on the board of directors, to be elected at the annual meeting. Elections of officers and members of the board of directors, nominated as described, takes place at the annual meeting. A majority vote of the active members present shall be necessary to an election.”

“The board of directors is responsible for the care and management of the property of the association and directs its affairs. They have the power and authority to enforce the by-laws, and may make rules and regulations not in conflict with the by-laws, as needed to conduct the business and care for and maintain the property of the association. The board of directors has the power and authority to employ an executive director of the association, and other employees as necessary, none of whom need be members of the association.”

“The executive director reviews the form 990 once the preparation is complete. The executive director then sends each member of the governing board a copy of the form 990 electronically or by hand for review and approval prior to filing. The board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the review and approval of the form 990 tax return.”

“Conflicts may arise in situations where a board member may have the opportunity to influence the wcba's business decisions in ways that could lead to personal gain or give improper advantage to the board member. Full disclosure of all actual and potential conflicts, and a determination by the disinterested board members with the interested board member recused from participating in debates and voting on the matter are required. Such disclosure shall be disclosed through the annual disclosure form and/or whenever a conflict arises. The disinterested members of the wcba executive committee shall make a determination as to whether a conflict exists and what subsequent action is appropriate. The executive committee shall inform the board of such determination and action. The board shall retain the right to modify or reverse such determination and action, and shall retain the ultimate enforcement authority with respect to the interpretation and application of this policy.”

“The organization's governing documents, form 990 and financial statements are made available upon request during normal business hours. The name, phone number and address of the executive director is listed on the wcba's website. The conflict of interest policy is also located on the wcba's website and can be viewed by the public at any time. The form 990 can also be found on guidestar.”

“The organization has a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the review of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. This process did not change from the prior year.”