The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on November 20, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey.
The KCBA Board of Trustees met on November 20, 2024. President Overbey called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.
NLD Chair Amanda Simantov reported on the recent NLD events, recruitment efforts for new committee members and upcoming CLE’s. She also mentioned the NLD had an Amazon wish list in case any trustees wanted to contribute to the Toy Drive for Mary’s Place.
ABA Delegate Kathleen Hopkins discussed the current work of the ABA and its recommendations on a code of ethics for SCOTUS—She reported that the NYC Bar is working on a draft resolution and noted that the resolution should be split into three parts: addressing gaps in the code, enforcing a binding code of ethics, and considering congressional intervention if the court does not act within a certain time limit. Once Kathleen receives the NYC Bar’s draft resolution, she will circulate it for input from the Board to determine if they would take a position of co-sponsorship or support for the resolution at the December board meeting.
Treasurer Black remarked briefly on the financials as of October 31, 2024, noting that there are no significant changes since his last report. Revenue and expenses are both below budget mostly due to the timing of events. He added that membership numbers are trailing by 3%.
Membership Director Bridget Schuster briefed trustees on membership numbers, events, upcoming CLEs, the MLK Luncheon, and the potential for a formal mentorship program.
Pro Bono Services Director Judy Lin highlighted the LAARK program’s two-year milestone and the re-establishment of a partner clinic with the Loren Miller Bar to assist clients with non-criminal legal issues. She also informed trustees that two DV Lead staff members were featured in the October 2024 WSBA Bar News.
The Public Policy Committee Chair Rory O’Sullivan presented the 2025 legislative agenda for the board to review and then approve at their upcoming December meeting. The trustees discussed procedures for quickly endorsing or opposing legislation that aligns with their approved agenda during the session. In addition, they also discussed adding a position statement on the legislative agenda to support fully funding the courts to ensure access to justice.
President Overbey reported that funding was approved for development of the 501(C)3 application for HJP to obtain nonprofit status, and that KCBA had a meeting with members from the HJP Board to review the draft administrative services agreement, to receive input and begin next steps.
Before President Overbey moved to executive session, the Board voted unanimously to approve the establishment of a Child Law Section.
