The Commission consists of seven members; two lay persons, four attorneys, and one federal judge.

The following authorities appoint members:

• President of the United States (1)
• Board of Governors of the District of Columbia Bar (2)
• Mayor of the District of Columbia (2)
• City Council of the District of Columbia (1)
• Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (1).

All Commissioner terms are for six years, except for the presidential appointment which is a five-year term. Commission members do not receive a salary. Commission members elect a Chairperson annually who may designate a Vice Chairperson or other officer as she or he deems appropriate. The Commission conducts regular meetings once a month and special meetings, as deemed necessary by the Chairperson. Absent special circumstances, the Commission does not meet in August.

Commission Members and Terms

The Commissioners are:

Amy L. Bess, Esq. Chairperson
Attorney
Appointed by the DC Bar Board of Governors on September 15, 2022
Reappointed November 3, 2023
Term Ends January 1, 2030
*Appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jeannine C. Sanford, Esq.

Hon. Diane M. Brenneman (Ret.), Vice Chairperson
Attorney and Retired Magistrate Judge
Appointed by the DC Bar Board of Governors on February 10, 2021
Term Ends January 1, 2026

Thomas Fitton
Non-Lawyer
Appointed by the President of the United States on November 10, 2020
Term Ends November 9, 2025

Hon. Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, Chairperson
Judge
US District Court for the District of Columbia
Appointed by the Chief Judge, US District Court on January 1, 2017
Term Ends December 31, 2022
Reappointed December 2, 2022
Term Ends December 31, 2028

William P. Lightfoot, Esq.
Attorney
Appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia on December 30, 2000
Reappointed March 4, 2002
Reappointed March 28, 2008
Reappointed February 24, 2015
Reappointed September 3, 2020
Term Ends February 24, 2026

Nikki Sertsu
Non-Lawyer
Appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia on February 2, 2017
Term Ends February 24, 2022
Reappointed March 21, 2022
Term Ends February 24, 2028

*The Commissioner seat appointed by the Council of the District of Columbia is temporarily vacant.