Welcome to the second part of this three-part series where I get the pleasure of telling you about the hard work that our volunteer members do in our KCBA Sections to provide valuable learning opportunities and engaging special events for Section members.
There are many benefits to joining a Section. For one, every Section has a designated listserv, where Section members can email their colleagues with questions, suggestions, and cross-referrals. Another benefit of Section membership is access to all Section CLEs through our KCBA CLE Video Library. And perhaps, best of all, most of our Sections put on monthly one-hour lunchtime CLEs from September through June. Many of the Sections also host special events such as receptions, happy hours, and other networking opportunities.
We currently have 18 Sections. In this issue, I will highlight six of them, with six more to come in next month’s Bar Bulletin!
Bankruptcy Law Section
This Section offers monthly CLEs addressing debtor-creditor and bankruptcy law issues and hot topics. This year, the Section hosted Judge Gary Spraker from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Alaska for a presentation on “The Nuts and Bolts of How to File for a Bankruptcy in Alaska.” Additionally, the Section hosted presentations by the U.S. Trustees office and other experts in the field. This Section currently meets in a hybrid format on the second Tuesday of each month.
Collaborative Law Section
This small, yet mighty, Section contains 51 members made up of attorneys, mediators, mental health practitioners, and other Collaborative Law professionals. This group leads engaging discussions on the future of the law. The Section meets virtually on the third Friday of every month and welcomes guests to join. Some of this year’s CLE presentations have been on topics such as:
- “Streamlined Flat Fee Process — A Model for the Middle Class”
- “Why Collaborative Professionals Should Be LGBTQIA Allies”
- “Considerations in Working with Poly Families”
Family Law Section
The Family Law Section is the 2nd largest KCBA Section. It hosts monthly lunchtime CLEs and helps plan KCBA’s annual (and ever-popular) Family Law Hot Topics day-long CLE program in the fall. Some of the Section’s recent lunchtime CLEs have included:
- “Taking Over a Terminated Collaborative Case — What You Need to Know”
- “Professional Parenting Input and Evaluation in Family Law Matters”
- “Navigating and Surviving the Bar Grievance and Hearing Process”
This Section provides an invaluable resource for practitioners in family law and is one of the few Sections that also allows paralegals and legal assistants to join!
Immigration Law Section
In the upcoming membership year, this brand-new Section plans to host CLEs, special events, and take on special projects regarding advocacy and accessibility. If you’re interested in joining this Section, membership is complimentary through June 30, 2025. Email sections@kcba.org for more information on leadership opportunities.
Litigation Section
This new Section has hit the ground running since their beginning in February 2024. Thanks to the interim leadership, this group has hosted three 1-hour CLEs over the last three months, including:
- “Fraud and the Role of Certified Fraud Examiners and Forensic Accountants”
- “What You Need to Know About Depositions”
- “Make the Most of Jury Instructions — Even Before the End of Trial”
This Section meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month and hopes to see you at a future CLE or special event.
Solo and Small Firms Section
Of all 18 KCBA Sections, this group’s listserv is by far the most active as these solo and small firm practitioners rely heavily on their fellow members for cross-referrals and other resources. This Section hosts monthly CLEs on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and this year, they have hosted CLEs focusing on topics such as:
- “Big Picture Mediation Issues for Solo & Small Firms”
- “From Shingle to Gavel: A Solo/Small Firm Transition to the Bench”
- “What Solo and Small Firm Legal Practitioners Need to Know About Cyber Security”
All KCBA Sections invite guests (non-Section members) to join for 1 complimentary CLE per membership year. If you haven’t already, use this free CLE to see if Section membership is for you. If you have any questions regarding KCBA Sections, please email sections@kcba.org.
Jordan Brock is a KCBA Member Services Coordinator who is responsible for supporting our KCBA Sections. Jordan can be reached as sections@kcba.org.
