The King County Bar Association is a nationally recognized organization that provides opportunities to enhance your legal career through discounted continuing education credits, lawyer referral service, professional and social networking events and activities, and access to legal publications. KCBA also provides opportunities to affect legislation that may be critical for your practice area; collaborate with the courts to improve the justice system; participate in judicial evaluation and screening; oversee fair campaign practices; address local civil rules; and improve voter information about judicial candidates through the award-winning website, www.votingforjudges.org.

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) was established as a committee of the KCBA in 1949 and was formalized as a division with a separate board to oversee its activities in 1988. The YLD has active committees that provide services and programs to lawyers who have been in practice for five years or less or who are 36 years old and under. YLD delivers law-related services to the general public through 26 Neighborhood Legal Clinics and numerous informational publications.

The King County Bar Foundation was established in 1979 and is dedicated to ensuring access to the legal system and encouraging diversity in the legal profession.

KCBF raises money to support pro bono legal services through Community Legal Services programs managed by KCBA, scholarships for minority law students at UW and SU law schools and other diversity programs.

Be a leader and gain a professional edge in today’s competitive market. Increase your leadership skills by participating as a board member of the KCBA, KCBF or the YLD, or shape your position in your practice area by chairing a section or committee. KCBA membership also creates savings for your practice. Enjoy more than 50% off the Lawyer Referral Service registration fee, receive reduced member rates on our top-rated CLE programs, enjoy savings on health and insurance benefits, travel discounts and business discounts such as registered e-mail, office supplies, payroll services and more. These savings can more than cover the cost of your KCBA membership dues.

Learn what’s new in the legal profession with our monthly publication, the Bar Bulletin. Receive up-to-date member only information with our “News & Events” emails. Search for other KCBA members in our online pictorial membership directory. For news specific to your practice area and interest, attend a section or committee meeting. Follow issues on KCBA’s section listservs or e-communities without leaving your office.

Contribute to your community, promote equal justice for all and improve the profession. Collaborate with members of the judiciary to improve the courts and the administration of justice. Volunteer to help low-income residents of King County with civil legal matters through nine legal service/pro bono programs. Consider mentoring minority high school students, helping to raise funds for minority Law Student Scholarships or collaborating with law firm leadership to increase diversity in the legal profession.

KCBA offers a wide range of activities that will help you develop your professional network. Attend one of KCBA’s special events such as the KCBA Fun Run, Evenings at the Theatre, and the I Love Coffee, Chocolate, Cabernet and Cheese Celebration. You can also join a section or committee where you can meet and interact with fellow attorneys in your practice area or who have similar goals and interests. With 15 Sections and over 24 Committees there are numerous opportunities to get involved, meet new friends and colleagues and enhance your professional network.

The King County Bar Association (KCBA) was founded in 1886, incorporated in 1906 and is the largest voluntary bar association in Washington, serving the needs of approximately 6000 members.

Today the mission of the King County Bar Association is to provide support to its diverse membership; promote a just, collegial and accessible legal system and profession; work with the judiciary to achieve excellence in the administration of justice; strive to benefit the community through its own efforts and those of its Foundation; and offer opportunities for public service and input into matters of public policy.

“If you want to give back to your community,your legal profession, or change public policy to benefit the masses, then become a member of this great organization. The KCBA is one of the few organizations that truly lives and breathes its mission statement. Simply put, I love what this organization is all about because it changes lives and gives hope to many.”
-Karen W. Murray

“I joined the KCBA because of its commitment to bettering the community in King County. The KCBA offers critical CLE programs for young lawyers, top-notch legal assistance for those in need, and policy projects designed to make King County a better place to practice law.”
-Robert Hyde