KCBA and KCBF Past Presidents Gather for Annual Reception
One of my favorite traditions of our Bar is the annual gathering of past presidents from both the King County Bar Association and the King County Bar Foundation. What began years ago as an annual breakfast meeting has evolved into a cherished fall reception, blending food, fellowship, and reflection on the history and future of our organizations.
For many years, the past board presidents convened for early-morning breakfasts at the Women’s University Club. After the pandemic disrupted the tradition for several years, Scott Smith, a KCBA past president, graciously offered his home as the new venue. This change of setting has given the gathering a more relaxed atmosphere while preserving the spirit of mentorship and shared wisdom that makes the event so meaningful.
Although the reception does not follow a formal program, it serves as an invaluable opportunity for KCBA leadership to brief past presidents on pressing issues and initiatives. Each year, the current KCBA president updates the group, inviting insights from those who have navigated their own challenges and triumphs in the role. This collective experience has proven invaluable, creating a forum where candid discussions and thoughtful guidance flow naturally.
This year’s reception was held on Sept. 4 and drew more than a dozen past presidents whose terms ranged from Nancy Gibbs (KCBF 1981-82 and KCBA 1985-86) to the most recent, Erin Overbey (2024-25). The group was joined by KCBA staff and KCBA President Sidney Tribe, who shared updates on the Housing Justice Project transition, progress toward finalizing a collective bargaining agreement with union employees, and KCBA’s support of law firms Perkins Coie and Susman Godfrey following recent executive orders issued against them.
The conversations extended to topics of broader importance to the legal community, including civic stewardship, lawyers’ rights to protest, the administration’s deployment of the National Guard, and a discussion about re-instituting the Amicus Committee as a standing committee. A particularly serious discussion centered on threats to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the critical role of KCBA’s Board in navigating these challenges.
As always, the evening was marked not only by camaraderie and shared memories but also by a strong commitment to the future of the profession and the community we serve. Current leaders found inspiration in the wisdom of their predecessors, while the past presidents reaffirmed their dedication to supporting those now carrying the mantle.
We look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations with our past leaders and encourage members who have not yet taken part in KCBA leadership to consider stepping forward. The experiences of this distinguished group show how lessons from the past can guide us in building a stronger, more resilient bar for the future.
Kathleen Jensen is KCBA’s executive director, and she can be reached by email at kathleenj@kcba.org or phone at 206-267-7053.
