And the Winner Is … 2025 Award Recipients Announced!
As I sat down to write this column, I found myself reflecting on my time at the King County Bar Association and, in particular, my very first responsibilities as Associate Executive Director. A glance through my archived emails revealed that one of my earliest assignments — dating all the way back to February 2007 — was to serve as the staff liaison to the KCBA Awards Committee. Nineteen years and a position change later, I’m still honored to support this dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom return year after year to thoughtfully select the recipients of the Association’s annual awards.
To everyone who currently serves or has served on the committee, thank you! Your commitment to recognizing our members and volunteers for their distinguished and meritorious service — to the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public — ensures we continue to shine a well-deserved light on those who exemplify excellence in our community.
This year, the Awards Committee reviewed an impressive slate of nominees, and those selected truly embody the values and mission of KCBA. I’m honored to introduce this year’s deserving award recipients:
James F. Williams – Outstanding Lawyer Award: James is a distinguished litigator who has garnered landmark decisions and is the Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Seattle office. With over 30 years of success in courtrooms, arbitrations, and mediations, James consistently protects his clients by resolving complex disputes and minimizing legal risks. His leadership spans national, regional, and local levels. James is a long-serving member representing Washington in the American Bar Association House of Delegates and, from 2014 to 2017, served as KCBA’s ABA Delegate. He served six years as a Trustee on the King County Bar Foundation Board, and has devoted decades of service and work to issues that are aligned with the core values of KCBA.
Hon. Patrick H. Oishi – Outstanding Judge Award: Judge Oishi began his legal career as a prosecuting attorney, trying over 100 jury trials to verdict before moving into civil litigation across a wide range of practice areas. He currently serves in the Unified Family Court Department of the King County Superior Court and has held numerous leadership roles, including Presiding Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge, Chief Judge of the Maleng Regional Justice Center, Chief Criminal Judge, Assistant Chief Criminal Judge, and Lead Dependency Judge. Judge Oishi assumed the role of Presiding Judge during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a critical role in maintaining court operations through unprecedented challenges. In addition to his judicial leadership, he has also served the legal community and KCBA including nine years of service as Chair or Co-Chair of the KCBA Diversity Committee.
Thomas J. Tobin – Outstanding New Lawyer Award: Tommy is a rising star in the legal field, with an impressive record for a new lawyer. A leader in the area of Food Law, he edited Food Law: A Practical Guide for the ABA, now used in law schools nationwide. He publishes widely in both legal and public forums — including Bloomberg Law, Forbes, and JAMA Pediatrics — and is often quoted in national media. Despite being early in his career, he’s held leadership roles within the ABA and was named a Top Young Lawyer in 2022. He teaches at UCLA and the University of Washington, serves on state and national boards, and led a successful class action benefiting 3,000 Navy veterans — demonstrating a deep commitment to justice and public service.
Kathryn M. Battuello – Helen M. Geisness Award: Kate’s career spanned private practice, academia, and public service and focused on ethics, health law, and public interest. After earning her law degree from Duke University, she practiced at Karr Tuttle Campbell for 10 years, becoming a partner. She later earned a master’s in public health and became a University of Washington research professor, coauthoring a casebook, “Genetic Technologies and the Law.” She culminated her career at the Washington Attorney General’s Office, where she litigated in the Torts Division and led the Health Care Practice Team. A longtime KCBA leader, Kate served as President in 2016-17 and spent nearly a decade on the KCBF Board, including a term as President, during which she helped the 125th Anniversary Endowment Campaign surpass its $1 million goal. As KCBA President, she launched the Juvenile Reform Task Force, strengthened ties with minority and specialty bar groups, and championed diversity, pro bono work, and member engagement.
The Federal Civil Rights Legal Clinic – Pro Bono Award: The Federal Civil Rights Legal Clinic, a partnership between KCBA’s Neighborhood Legal Clinics and the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, plays a crucial role in expanding access to justice for underserved individuals in the federal legal system. Founded in 2006 under the leadership of Executive Director Tracy M. Morris, the clinic was created in response to a gap in support for pro se litigants, especially in civil rights cases involving employment and prisoner rights. Staffed by dedicated volunteer attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff, the clinic provides legal advice to Washington residents with limited access to legal help — assisting with court documents, advising on legal rights, and connecting clients with additional resources. In today’s climate, where civil rights are increasingly at risk, the clinic exemplifies KCBA’s and FBA-WDWA’s enduring commitments to pro bono service and equity in the legal system.
Please join us as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s honorees at the Annual Awards Reception on Thursday, June 26, at the Washington Athletic Club. This special evening is a chance for us to come together, reflect on the impact of our colleagues, and celebrate those who demonstrate the highest ideals of our profession. For information and to register, please visit kcba.org/awards.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Kathleen Jensen is KCBA’s Executive Director. She can be reached by email at (kathleenj@kcba.org) or phone (206-267-7053).
