By Caleb O. Bonm, KCBA Board Secretary, and Sophie Petersen, KCBA Marketing & Communications
The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held Sept. 17, 2025, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The KCBA Board of Trustees met on Sept. 17 under the leadership of President Sidney Tribe. Trustees covered a full agenda, including updates on governance, programs, and policy matters that continue to shape KCBA’s service to the legal community.
President’s Remarks
President Tribe noted that committee assignments will be going out by the end of the week and encouraged everyone to sign up for the Bench Bar Conference coming up Nov. 11.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen shared that the Collective Bargaining Agreement is nearly finalized, with legal counsel reviewing a few last edits before it goes to employees for a vote and then, if approved, to the Board for ratification.
She also encouraged trustees to participate in several upcoming events: the Crisis Communications Media Training on Sept. 22, the New Admittee Swearing-In Ceremonies on Sept. 24, and the New Member Mixer on Sept. 30. Regarding facilities, Jensen announced that the tech upgrade in Conference Room 1 is wrapping up, which is great news for anyone holding future meetings that might exceed the capacity of Conference Room 2.
Financial Overview
Treasurer Neal Black reminded trustees that financials are included in the meeting materials and that a formal treasurer’s report will now be presented quarterly or as needed.
Supporting Access to Justice
The Board approved a resolution supporting the Eastside Legal Assistance Program and its upcoming grant application to the Legal Foundation of Washington. The resolution was approved by voice vote, continuing KCBA’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to justice across the region.
Housing Justice Project Update
President Tribe shared progress from the Housing Justice Project Board, which recently adopted its bylaws and policies and is now preparing applications with the Secretary of State and the IRS for official nonprofit status.
Judicial Survey Discussion
Guest Daniel Weiskopf, Chair of the Judicial Survey Committee, joined the meeting to discuss concerns about the survey’s current methodology. After a thoughtful conversation, the Board voted to pause the survey for this year and instead seek an outside research proposal to assess its future direction. The motion passed by voice vote.
Policy and Funding Concerns
The Board discussed the Attorney General’s memorandum and potential ripple effects on federal and state funding. While KCBA’s own funding sources come primarily from local and state channels, there may still be downstream impacts, particularly to Victims of Crime Act funding. The King County Bar Foundation plans to explore the Attorney General’s memorandum and how it relates to the Minority Law Scholarships and the LSAT Prep Program at its Sept. 19 meeting.
NLD and Membership Updates
New Lawyers Division Chair Ray Williams encouraged trustees to connect him with potential new participants who could benefit from NLD engagement.
KCBA Member Services Director Bridget Schuster reported that membership numbers are slightly lower than last year; staff will be following up with members who haven’t yet renewed. She also highlighted the new Civics Stewardship Program, which invites lawyers and judges to partner in bringing civic education to community groups. Interested members can sign up through the KCBA website.
