Benes Aldana

Benes Aldana has extensive work experience in the legal field. In 1996, they started their career as a Staff Attorney at the MLCPAC Pacific Legal Division in the U.S. Coast Guard. Benes went on to hold various roles within the Coast Guard, including Appellate Government Counsel and Legal Assistance Program Manager. From 2001 to 2003, Aldana served as the Deputy Chief in the Office of Environmental & Real Property Law. Benes then worked as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice before returning to the Coast Guard as the Deputy District Legal Officer. Benes also served as the Commanding Officer at USCG PSSU Seattle and later as the Executive Officer at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle. Aldana held the position of Chief Counsel in the Legal Engagements Division at the UNITED STATES AFRICA COMMAND from 2011 to 2013. Benes then became the Chair of the American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm, & General Practice Division in 2012. Aldana's career in the U.S. Coast Guard continued as the Staff Judge Advocate and later the Chief Trial Judge. Most recently, they have been the President and Chief Executive Officer of The National Judicial College since 2017.

Benes Aldana attended Seattle University from 1987 to 1991, where they pursued a degree in Political Science through the Honors Program. After that, from 1991 to 1994, they studied at the University of Washington School of Law, earning their JD degree.