K&L Gates Washington, DC Partner Elected President of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Global law firm K&L Gates congratulates Washington, DC partner Craig Leen on his election as the 139th President of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia (BADC). The BADC, founded in 1871, is the third oldest bar association in the United States and the oldest in Washington, DC. 

Leen’s election marks a significant milestone in his career and reflects his longstanding commitment to public service and leadership within the legal profession. As a partner in the firm’s Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, Leen brings extensive experience across federal, state, and local government, as well as the private sector. 

In his inaugural address, Leen emphasized his goal of fostering a more inclusive legal profession, noting that his presidency will be dedicated to enhancing disability inclusion and accessibility across the profession and in the court system. 

Leen stated: “It is a true honor for me to serve as the 139th President of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, and I am grateful for the support of K&L Gates as I undertake this important office. As I noted in my inaugural address, I look forward to working with the BADC and the broader legal community to advance a profession that is more accessible and fully inclusive of people with disabilities.” 

David Wochner, office managing partner of K&L Gates’ Washington, DC office, said: “Craig’s election to lead one of the nation’s oldest bar associations is a meaningful recognition of his leadership and service to the Washington, DC legal community. We are proud to see him take on this important role and continue advancing accessibility and inclusion across the profession from here in the nation’s capital.” 

Leen is a partner in K&L Gates’ Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, where he co-leads the firm’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Affirmative Action Compliance area of focus and serves as the Washington, DC office’s Pro Bono Coordinator. Before joining the firm, Leen served as Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs at the US Department of Labor, where he reported directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor and helped guide the agency’s enforcement and compliance assistance efforts. His prior public service also includes serving as City Attorney for the City of Coral Gables and as Chief of the Appeals Section and Chief of the Federal Litigation Section at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office.