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

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

Hon. Loren L. AliKhan, Vice Chairperson
Judge
US District Court for the District of Columbia
Appointed by the Chief Judge, US District Court on September 26, 2025

Thomas Fitton
Non-Lawyer
Appointed by the President of the United States on November 10, 2020
Term Expires November 9, 2030

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

Maria Vallecca, Ph.D
Non-Lawyer
Appointed by the DC Council November 5, 2025
Term Expires May 5, 2029
*Appointed to fill the unexpired term of Patrick Jackson which began on November 21,2023

Lloyd Liu, Esq.
Attorney
Appointed by the DC Bar Board of Governors January 1, 2026
Term Expires December 31, 2032