By Michelle Pham
The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meetings held on December 13, convened by KCBA President Karen Orehoski. After President Karen Orehoski called the meeting to order, the Board approved the minutes for the Board meeting held November 15, 2023.
President Orehoski updated the Board about the New Lawyers Division on behalf of NLD Chair Alyssa Nevala. NLD hosted several events, including an event at Flatstick Pub on November 30th and an event to assemble care packages for Westside Baby at KCBA’s offices on December 7th. A representative from Westside Baby shared details about the organization at the event. NLD is looking forward to hosting a table at KCBA’s MLK Luncheon and a CLE focused on artificial intelligence in January.
Treasurer Theresa Wang provided a financial update, noting KCBA is within budget. Membership numbers are currently low, and our Member Services Director, Bridget Schuster, discussed plans to expand outreach to help increase membership.
President Orehoski reflected on her attendance at the National Adoption Day event, welcomed guests in attendance at the Board meeting and incoming Trustee Rory O’Sullivan. She also remarked on ensuring quorum at meetings and invited trustees to attend her table at the MLK Luncheon.
Executive Director Coad and Pro Bono Services Director Judy Lin presented highlights from their reports as submitted. Notably, KCBA’s Neighborhood Legal Clinics program is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024! More details about planning and fundraising for the celebration can be found in the Bar Bulletin.
The Judiciary & Litigation Committee Chairs, Colin Mieling and Katie Comstock, presented a draft “Resolution Approving KCBA Judiciary & Litigation Committee Authority to Communicate Public Positions.” The Trustees discussed the scope of the resolution and some potential ways to keep the Board informed as to the considerations and positions the Committee takes to be included in the resolution. President Orehoski subsequently circulated the resolution via email for Trustees to provide comments, questions, and concerns regarding the resolution, and she thanked Ms. Comstock and Mr. Mieling for their hard work and dedication to KCBA.
The Housing Justice Project Spinoff Taskforce Chair, Neal Black, updated the Board on the timeline, issues, and information being evaluated, including the fiscal model for both KCBA and HJP. The Board will have the opportunity to ask additional questions and review documents through February 2024 to be able to make an informed decision in April 2024. The Board thanked Mr. Black and the taskforce for their time and hard work.
Public Policy Committee Chair and Trustee, Rory O’Sullivan, presented revisions to the FY24 Legislative Advocacy Policy that incorporated input from the Board. The Board unanimously approved the Resolution Approving FY24 Legislative Advocacy Policy as submitted.
President Orehoski tabled the executive session in the interest of time and adjourned the meeting.
