In recent times, the significance of public policy and its pervasive influence in every aspect of our lives have become increasingly evident. Public policies, whether developed at the local, state, or national level, shape our communities and daily experiences. A recent example is the current administration’s aggressive policy agenda in the White House, which has deepened economic inequality by benefiting the wealthiest 1% while diminishing support for the remaining 99%. This shift has occurred as checks and balances have weakened, leaving vulnerable populations without essential government protection.
KCBA’s Public Policy Committee: Why It Matters
So, what is the relevance of the King County Bar Association’s Public Policy Committee, and why should we care about its work? The answer is straightforward: Those in positions of authority can choose to champion policies that strengthen the most vulnerable by challenging the status quo. It is crucial for bar leaders, legislators, law firms, and organizations — both public and private — to support initiatives that promote fairness, justice, and equity, regardless of political affiliation. This leads to the next important question: What role does the KCBA Public Policy Committee play in advancing these goals?
Defining Public Policy
Public policy consists of the principles and actions undertaken by governments and organizations to address societal challenges and achieve positive outcomes. It encompasses a broad spectrum of decisions, including laws, regulations, and programs aimed at solving problems and advancing the public good. Public policy involves not only governmental actions but also their impact on society.
Mission and History of the Public Policy Committee
The KCBA Public Policy Committee is dedicated to formulating positions on pressing public policy issues and developing effective advocacy strategies. Understanding its current direction requires reflecting on its historical journey. The KCBA website provides valuable resources, including two articles by former KCBA Executive Director Christina Entrekin Coad. These articles offer an overview of the Association’s longstanding commitment to addressing inequities and injustices by supporting policies that foster equity and justice through advocacy, community partnerships, resolutions, and testimonials.
Since its founding in 1886, KCBA has been a leading voice for the legal profession in Seattle, King County, Olympia, and at the national level. The Association has championed access to justice, promoted fair administration of justice, and advocated for policies benefiting the community.
KCBA led the way on these milestones: creating a statewide legal aid system in 1939; assessing judicial performance, beginning in 1948; establishing a public defender office in Seattle in 1969; advocating for drug policy reform in 2001; promoting same-sex marriage in 2005; and providing ongoing legislative testimony. KCBA’s policy positions have addressed a range of issues, including marijuana regulation, assisted-suicide measures in 1991, limits on law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement, and advocacy against legislation targeting individuals based on skin color, ethnicity, or national origin. The Association has also called for the abolition of the death penalty and urged the American Bar Association to adopt a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court.
Recent Resolutions and Current Status
The KCBA Board of Trustees continues its commitment to impactful public policy by adopting key resolutions. Recent actions include:
- Supporting improvements to ballot design for competing measures (December 2022).
- Adopting a resolution on the Commission on Judicial Conduct (December 2022).
- Ending the collection of time-barred legal financial obligations (August 2022).
- Supporting Initiative 1870 (March 2022).
- Endorsing the Treatment and Recovery Act (December 2020).
- Restoring voting rights (January 2020).
- Reforming Washington’s landlord-tenant law (February 2019).
- Supporting Initiative 1000 to remedy discrimination and promote equality (January 2019).
- Supporting the De-Escalate Washington initiative (June 2018).
A Call to Action
KCBA’s work in public policy continues and will persist as long as the balance of power is influenced by wealth and authority. The call is now for dedicated attorneys and volunteers to join the KCBA Public Policy Committee. Your analytical, legal, and communication skills are urgently needed to confront injustice, unfairness, and deep-rooted prejudices. We stand at a critical crossroads, with the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged widening. Our democracy and rule of law are at risk, but together, we can make a difference and lighten each other’s burdens to achieve greater impact. Public policy remains a powerful tool that can either uplift or undermine communities. We invite you to join in our efforts to review, challenge, and recommend policies to the legislature, and to introduce resolutions for the Board of Trustees to adopt at this crucial time.
Karen W. Murray is a longtime and active member of KCBA. She currently holds the positions of co-chair emerita of KCBA’s MLK Jr. Luncheon Committee and interim chair of its Public Policy Committee, and she is a member of that committee’s Removing Barriers subcommittee.
Though retired after practicing nearly 30 years as a public defender for the King County Department of Public Defense, she still finds time to volunteer with the Neighborhood Legal Clinic alongside fellow members of the Loren Miller Bar Association, where she previously served as president and remains active.
If you’re interested in joining the Public Policy Committee, please contact Karen at kw51murray@outlook. com.
