When the votes finally came in for the D.C. Bar president-elect race in June 2025, the legal community didn't just see a winner—they saw a landslide. Diane Seltzer, a veteran employment attorney who has been grinding away in the District’s legal trenches for over 30 years, didn't just win. She obliterated the previous turnout records.
Honestly, bar elections are usually sleepy affairs. You get a few thousand votes, a polite handshake, and everyone moves on. Not this time. Diane Seltzer secured a staggering 90.9% of the vote. To put that in perspective, about 43% of the eligible D.C. Bar members actually showed up to vote. That is roughly five times the usual participation rate.
People weren't just checking a box. They were sending a message.
The Diane Seltzer DC Bar Victory: Why It Caught Everyone Off Guard
So, why did a standard professional election turn into a high-stakes drama? It basically came down to experience versus "parachuting in." Seltzer’s opponent was Brad Bondi, a high-profile litigator and the brother of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The race became a proxy battle for the soul of the D.C. Bar. While Bondi campaigned on a platform of keeping the Bar "apolitical," Seltzer leaned heavily into her decades of service. She wasn’t a newcomer. She had already served as the Bar’s Secretary, sat on the Board of Governors for years, and chaired the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee multiple times.
You've probably heard people say that experience is overrated, but in the world of the D.C. Bar, which is the largest unified bar in the United States with over 121,000 members, knowing how the machine works actually matters.
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A Record-Breaking Mandate
- Total Votes for Seltzer: 34,982
- Percentage of Vote: 90.9%
- Voter Participation: 43% (Historic high)
Seltzer's term as President-Elect started on July 1, 2025. She is set to take the reins as President on July 1, 2026. This isn't just a title; it’s a massive responsibility. She’s also leading the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, which is arguably the most critical wing of the organization for the actual residents of Washington, D.C.
Who is Diane Seltzer Cohen (and why does she care about firefighters?)
If you look at the name on her law firm, you’ll see The Seltzer Law Firm. If you look at her academic credits, you might see Diane Seltzer Torre. Regardless of the name, the focus has always been the same: employment law.
But there’s a personal side to her practice that most people miss. She’s the granddaughter of an FDNY Lieutenant. That's not just a fun fact for a bio. It actually explains why she spent years as a certified Maryland Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) and volunteered with the Glen Echo Fire Department.
She often represents the "backbone" workers—firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. She specializes in getting these first responders reinstated when they’ve been pushed out due to disabilities, religious beliefs, or EEO activity. It’s a niche, but it’s a powerful one. It shows a level of "boots on the ground" empathy that you don't always find in high-level bar leadership.
The Professional Pedigree
She didn't just wake up one day and decide to run the Bar. Look at this track record:
- Adjunct Professor: She taught at American University Washington College of Law for nearly 20 years (2003–2021).
- Specialized Training: She provides annual employment discrimination training to federal judicial law clerks.
- Peer Recognition: Peer-rated as a "Super Lawyer" in both Maryland and D.C. for consecutive years, including 2025 and 2026.
What Most People Get Wrong About the President-Elect Role
There’s a common misconception that the D.C. Bar President is just a figurehead who gives speeches at fancy dinners. That's kinda far from the truth.
The D.C. Bar is a "unified" bar. This means it’s mandatory. If you want to practice law in D.C., you have to be a member. Because of this, the Bar has a massive budget and a massive influence on the "rule of law" in the nation’s capital.
During her campaign, Seltzer was vocal about the "uncertainty and transition" facing lawyers today. We're talking about a post-pandemic legal landscape where AI is threatening to automate junior associates out of existence and the political climate is... let's just say, "tense."
Seltzer’s focus is on maintaining the rule of law. It sounds like a buzzword, but for federal employees in D.C., it’s a survival mechanism. She recently noted that she had advised dozens of federal employees who felt their procedural protections were being pulled out from under them. They were panicking. Seltzer sees the Bar as a shield for those professionals.
The "Seltzer Method" in Employment Law
If you ever find yourself in her office at The Seltzer Law Firm, don't expect a lot of corporate fluff. Her practice is built on being "Attentive, Practical, and Strategic."
She handles the heavy hitters:
- Internal Investigations: When a company has a harassment claim, they call her to do the digging.
- Restrictive Covenants: The messy world of non-competes and non-solicitation agreements.
- Wrongful Discharge: Representing those who were let go for the wrong reasons.
She's also one of the few lawyers who has successfully navigated both sides of the aisle—representing both employers and employees. That gives her a "360-degree" view of a case. She knows exactly what the other side is thinking because she’s been in their chair.
Why 2026 is the Year to Watch
As Seltzer moves from President-Elect to President in July 2026, she’s stepping into a spotlight that is brighter than any of her predecessors. The record-breaking turnout of 2025 means she has a massive mandate, but it also means she has a lot of eyes on her.
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People want to see if she can bridge the gap between the various factions of the D.C. legal community. Can she keep the Bar "apolitical" while still being "fierce" for her members?
Actionable Insights for D.C. Lawyers
If you are a member of the D.C. Bar, or looking to enter the D.C. legal market, here is what the Seltzer era likely means for you:
- Renewed Focus on CLE: Given her history as Chair of the CLE Committee, expect more robust, practical training sessions—likely focused on AI ethics and employment shifts.
- Pro Bono Push: With her role as President-Elect of the Pro Bono Center, there will be increased pressure (and opportunities) for D.C. firms to step up their volunteer hours.
- Rule of Law Protection: If you are a federal employee or work in the public sector, Seltzer has signaled she is an ally in protecting procedural rights.
Diane Seltzer didn't just win a race; she sparked a level of engagement the D.C. legal community hasn't seen in decades. Whether you're a first-year associate or a seasoned partner, her leadership is going to define the next two years of practice in the District.
Next Steps for Legal Professionals:
If you're following the Diane Seltzer DC Bar transition, your best bet is to stay active in the D.C. Bar Communities (formerly Sections). Seltzer has a history of working closely with these groups, and they will likely be the primary vehicle for the changes she plans to implement before her official presidency begins in mid-2026.
Check the D.C. Bar’s official website for upcoming CLE sessions led by Seltzer herself—they are often the best way to understand her "practical" approach to the law firsthand.