Every year in June, KCBA’s president writes a farewell article, recapping the year’s main events and thanking the many volunteers and staff who have contributed to the Association. I will honor that tradition, if for no other reason than to share with you the renewed pride in our profession that I have experienced as a result of my involvement with this outstanding voluntary Bar Association.
Please, don’t turn the page. Spend a couple of minutes with me reviewing KCBA’s Mission Statement and a few of the many projects, events, programs and committees that have contributed to a very successful and rewarding year:
“KCBA provides support to its diverse membership; promotes a just, collegial and accessible legal system and profession; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence in the administration of justice; strives to benefit the community through its own efforts and those of its Foundation; and offers opportunities for public service and input into matters of public policy.”
The Judicial Selection Coalition: This multi-disciplinary group addresses issues relating to several steps in our judges’ lives including: campaign financing limits; accessible voter information; ensuring that our judiciary remains “independent” (and is perceived by the public as “independent”); commission appointment systems; and performance evaluations. KCBA received two coveted national awards as a result of the Coalition’s Web site, www.votingforjudges.org: the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association and the Justice Award from the Foundation for Improvement of Justice.
The Judicial Screening Committee: This dedicated committee of more than 70 volunteers reviews detailed applications, contacts references and “rates” judicial candidates based upon dozens of colleagues’ comments. The Committee’s comprehensive screening process is well respected for its thoroughness and objectivity.
The Bench/Bar Committee: This committee meets regularly with the Superior Court presiding judge, other judges and members of the court’s administrative staff. Topics include: judicial and commissioner appointments and evaluations, the November Bench/Bar Conference, court funding, access to justice, local rules revisions, facilities planning and filing options.
The Drug Policy Project: The DPP Committee continues its nationally acclaimed work, which analyzes drug offenders in the context of our courts, penal institutions and communities. Its mission is “to bring about meaningful reform of drug policy in order to reduce crime and public disorder, improve public health, ensure better protection of children and make wiser use of scarce public resources.” The Committee’s innovative and objective approaches to criminalization issues and drug use are the cornerstones for pilot projects around the country.
King County Bar Foundation: KCBF’s mission is to ensure access to the legal system and to encourage diversity in the legal profession. The Foundation provides scholarships for minority law students at local law schools and pro bono legal services to the poor through Community Legal Services volunteer attorney programs managed by the KCBA. Every year, some 1,700 volunteers provide 25,000 hours of free legal services to nearly 10,000 members of the community.
Diversity-Related Projects: KCBF’s nationally recognized Future of the Law Institute again introduced 75 diverse high school students to the legal profession in a two-day workshop attended by dozens of judges and lawyers. The Committee on Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession continued to collaborate with local law schools in their outreach to minority students in order to ensure greater diversification in our profession.
Access to Justice: KCBA assists low-income residents with civil legal matters through nine legal service/pro bono programs: VLS – Volunteer Legal Services; VAPWA – Volunteer Attorneys for Persons with AIDS/HIV; Neighborhood Legal Clinics; Legal Services for the Homeless; the Newcomers Resource Project; the Kinship Care Solutions Project; the Housing Justice Project; the Family Law Mentor Program; and Self Help Plus. The CENTS program helps consumers to improve their financial situation and prevent or overcome serious financial issues.
Young Lawyers Division: YLD continued to expand its services and solidify its membership. Some of YLD’s activities this year included: a comprehensive retreat in September; two law school outreach programs during the winter; an “Outstanding Mentor” celebration at Benaroya Hall in February; and a Fun Run at Seward Park in early March.
2007-08 Projects/Events
Superior Court Bench Evaluations: Every two years, the KCBA disseminates questionnaires to public- and private-sector attorneys in order to compile performance information for our Superior and District Court judges. This year, Superior Court judges were evaluated using a revised, efficient, easy-to-use online survey. Only lawyers who appeared before a judge on a substantive matter were eligible to comment on that judge’s abilities and demeanor. The new survey and response process received universal praise for convenience, objectivity and thoroughness.
Relevant Legislation and Lobbyist Efforts: For the first time in our history, KCBA retained a full-time lobbyist to assist the Board in identifying and timely responding to relevant legislation. A “rapid response team,” consisting of the president and four trustees/officers, met with the lobbyist once a week during session. Representatives from the Legislation Committee, Family Law Section, Drug Policy Project Committee and other constituent groups also participated in legislation-related discussions and decisions.
Statewide Justice Organizations: The KCBA and Foundation boards met with several of Washington’s justice organizations to discuss our mutual programs on behalf of “access to justice.”
Membership Committee and Task Force: KCBA continued to review and expand the breadth and depth of membership benefits and services, which this year increased significantly. To determine ongoing and new interests of members, KCBA conducted member-based focus groups this spring. We also formed a Membership Task Force whose directive is to recommend and implement improvements in all aspects of KCBA membership services in the coming year.
ABA Call To Action – Crisis in Pakistan: In November, KCBA responded to ABA President Bill Neukom’s request to mobilize and rally on behalf of the detained Pakistan judges and lawyers and to protest President Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution. On less than 24 hours’ notice, approximately 250 local lawyers convened. KCBA’s march received extensive media coverage including National Public Radio (at the national level), the National Law Journal, Seattle Times, Seattle P.I. and Washington Law & Politics. In December, KCBA sponsored a panel discussion with three esteemed Pakistani lawyers. In February, KCBA co-presented a forum that featured, among others, former ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlain.
Prosecutors’ Debate: In October, KCBA co-sponsored prosecutor candidate debates in Seattle and Bellevue in collaboration with City Club and the League of Women Voters. The forums were televised several times by local media.
Public Defense Contracts: KCBA assisted the Mayor’s Office and County Council with issues related to new contracts for public defense.
Collaborative Law Section: In response to the evolution of collaborative law in our profession, KCBA added a new section to its successful roster of more than 20 sections and 15 committees.
Executive Director Replacement: After 19 years as our association’s executive director, Alice Paine retired in January. Over a six-month period, an executive search firm and dedicated group of volunteers provided KCBA with a slate of excellent candidates to fill this critical position. Andy Prazuch, former executive director of the American Immigration Law Foundation in Washington, D.C., has successfully transitioned to Seattle and to KCBA as our new executive director.
A special thank you to our trustees who are rotating off the Board after three years of service: Carl Forsberg, Andy Maron, Loretta Story and Mark Weiss. Your unique contributions to KCBA are acknowledged and very much appreciated. On behalf of the entire Board I want to thank Andy Prazuch, Alice Paine, KCBA’s dedicated staff and the hundreds of volunteers who collectively contributed to our many accomplishments this year. And, on a personal note, I want to thank the entire Board and KCBA’s staff for your support, respect and confidence in me and in each other. It has been an honor serving as your President.
Eileen M. Concannon is a principal at Riddell Williams P.S., specializing in commercial litigation, mediation and arbitration. For references or comments, please contact her at econcannon@riddellwilliams.com.
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