“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
—Alan Watts, philosopher
At the start of this year of service as KCBA President, I am humbled by the opportunity the membership has given me, and the entire Board of Trustees, to lead this organization. I am also aware of both the successes and challenges we face as a voluntary bar association, as lawyers, and as a society.
Collective Progress
KCBA and its community have achieved great things this past year. Housing Justice Project attorneys prevailed at the Washington Supreme Court in their action defending tenants’ statutory rights in unlawful detainer proceedings. The Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project also won a huge victory for a program client seeking enforcement of a domestic violence protection order. KCBA signed onto amicus briefs supporting law firms and their clients targeted in presidential executive orders that attack the independence of the legal profession, constitutional democracy, and the rule of law. Active and dedicated KCBA members organized and founded our new Child Law section with a focus on legal issues affecting children. All this is on top of the everyday successes and victories achieved by our incredible staff, members, and volunteers that are the heartbeat of this association.
Looking ahead, the launch of the Housing Justice Project as its own entity and the implementation of our strategic plan are still works in progress. HJP’s launch will start an exciting new chapter, both for the hardworking folks providing services to HJP clients, and also for the dedicated KCBA staff and its volunteers. With their commitment, KCBA will continue to innovate and provide member benefits, pro bono services, and improvements to the judicial system on behalf of KCBA constituents.
Unprecedented Times
As lawyers, we have seen fierce debates in recent months about the rule of law and the role of the legal profession in achieving justice for all. There is renewed urgency not only to maintain our democratic civil society, but also to constantly work to improve it to meet the needs of the people and protect our Constitution.
As a society, we have seen political and social changes that have been met with approval by some or trepidation and protest by others. Whether peacefully demonstrating support or dissent, the right to speak one’s mind and assemble is a fundamental building block of our social structure that should not be met with violence or suppression by force.
Another unprecedented action poses a challenge to KCBA in particular. In the months ahead, both mandatory and voluntary bar associations will be navigating the President’s executive order that subjects bar associations to special scrutiny in their efforts to improve inclusivity and equity for people of all backgrounds in our profession.
Power in Community
In these challenging times, I am reminded that the way to solve problems peacefully is through organization and solidarity, not division and isolation. In fact, that philosophy was the very basis for the founding of KCBA, by bold Seattle lawyers who organized in 1886 to fight attempts to demonize and expel Chinese immigrant workers. Their solidarity and sense of justice created and passed down the fruits of their efforts in the form of KCBA. This organization that we have inherited is one vessel for community, communication, and action from which we can all benefit.
KCBA is a force for good. Being a member of KCBA supports the organization and its mission, and I thank all our members for their commitment. Yet it is always good to remember that you can get more involved in KCBA in ways large and small. This powerful association can help you improve your own day-to-day work life, help individuals find justice, and work for the betterment of our community and society.
Want to talk to lawyers in your field about the challenges and opportunities in your practice area? Join a section! Interested in commenting on public policy? We have a committee for that! Want to help local people navigate legal issues? Sign up for the Neighborhood Legal Clinics! And don’t forget, you can create your own sub-communities and interest groups simply by reaching out to your fellow members and letting someone at KCBA know how we can help. Take advantage of this organizational structure — you don’t have to start from scratch in building connections.
The year ahead will be challenging, but it too will have its successes and opportunities for joy and strength in community. I have always believed, and continue to believe, that this organization can strive to improve itself, serve our members, and be a force for good throughout this region. But it all starts with members joining together in common cause.
A Moment for Gratitude
I would like to thank departing KCBA Board members: President Erin Overbey, Secretary Michelle Pham, Eastside Trustee Dylan Kilpatric, and Central Trustee Ian Warner. Your service to KCBA has been exemplary.
Thank you also to the King County Bar Foundation Board and leadership, whose tireless efforts provide the resources for much of KCBA’s important work, including pro bono services, minority law student scholarships, and more.
Gratitude also to the New Lawyers Division Board and its leadership, which reflects the excellence of our newest bar members and the bright future of the KCBA.
And I would like to extend special thanks to outgoing Board President Erin Overbey and our new Executive Director, Kathleen Jensen. They steered this ship so admirably, sometimes in rough seas. I look forward to drawing from their wisdom as we pursue KCBA’s mission to serve our members and work to achieve excellence, equity, and accessibility in the administration of justice in our community.
Also, welcome and thank you to our incoming Trustees: Second Vice President Cynthia Jones, Secretary/Central Trustee Johanna Coolbaugh, Central Trustee Peter Talevich, Central Trustee Lindsey Pflugrath, and Eastside Trustee Neeta Saran. It shows massive generosity that you have offered your time and talent to guide and improve KCBA. And a shout-out to incoming First Vice President Mary Sakaguchi, who has been with me and Erin on the same leadership journey and whose brilliance and compassion guide our Board’s work.
Finally, thank you to every single staff member, volunteer, donor, member, and supporter who sustains KCBA and serves its mission. The collective strength and wisdom of this community inspires hope for a brighter future.
