The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on January 22, 2025, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey.
The KCBA Board of Trustees held their Board meeting on January 22, 2025. After President Erin Overbey called the meeting to order, she welcomed the Trustees, guests, and staff to the first meeting of the new calendar year.
Business
The Board approved the meeting minutes for the December 18, 2024, Board meeting and a Bank Resolution to add Len Roden, HR and Payroll Administrator to the list of authorized signatories to step in when needed.
The Board also approved the revised ABA Resolution on SCOTUS ethics reform and the 2024 Audit of the Association’s financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2024. According to Matt Smith of Greenwood Ohlund, the association received a clean audit, citing that no material modifications were identified.
Updates
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen remarked on the highlights of the MLK event, having raised over $23,000 for minority law school scholarships with over 660 people in attendance. She is busy with the recent changes, with a focus on KCBA and HJP finances.
NLD Chair Amanda Simantov reported on current activities, including board recruitment for the upcoming fiscal year and nominations for both the Mentor of the Year and Outstanding New Lawyer awards. She also mentioned that the CLE for service dogs is planned for March, and it will be open to all members.
Treasurer Neal Black presented the financial report for the period ending December 31, 2024, stating that revenue and expenses continue to trail behind budget, and we can expect to land a balanced budget in June.
Member Services Director Bridget Schuster provided an update on membership renewal efforts by implementing a 50 percent discount off dues starting January 1st for new and renewing-members. She also provided updates on a successful MLK event, upcoming NLD Spring Soiree and Breakfast with Champions events, the recent restructuring of her team due to staff changes, and the Lawyer Referral Service program.
Pro Bono Service Director Judy Lin provided an update on pro bono services, including upcoming training on assisting families facing deportation threats and a new platform called Paladin being explored. The Board discussed facilitating more big law firm involvement on Paladin.
The Board reviewed the proposed changes to the membership bylaws regarding expanding the number of categories for membership opportunities and the Leadership Development and Nominations Committee member nomination procedures.
President Overbey briefed the trustees on the suspension letter received from the HJP Board. The Board moved to executive session to discuss more on this matter.Â
