The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held Nov. 19, 2025, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The KCBA Board of Trustees met on Nov. 19 under the leadership of President Sidney Tribe. Trustees, officers, staff, and guests gathered to receive updates on recent programs, operational priorities, and key governance actions.
President’s Remarks
President Tribe shared positive feedback from the recent Bench Bar Conference, and the traveling Washington Supreme Court reception. She also encouraged Board members to participate in, and promote, the Civics Stewardship Program, highlighting its purpose and benefits.
Executive Director’s Update
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen reported that interviews for the development director position are progressing well, with three strong candidates advancing to second-round interviews undertaken by both KCBA and KCBF leadership. She also noted work by the Leadership Development and Nominations Committee to develop a slate for upcoming trustee and officer vacancies has begun, and invited Board members to submit potential candidates.
Board Actions and Financials
The Trustees approved the minutes from their Oct. 19, 2025, meeting. Treasurer Neal Black reported no new developments beyond the October 2025 financials included in that meeting packet.
Committee and Program Reports
- New Lawyers Division: NLD Chairperson Ray Williams reported strong interest and enthusiasm among prospective members. He also said that proposed amendments to NLD operating procedures will be brought to the Board in coming months.
- Membership: Staff shared appreciation for Board members’ participation in recent events and reported that recruitment is underway for an events coordinator, with the goal of filling the position before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon on Jan. 16, 2026.
- Pro Bono: Judy Lin highlighted significant program successes, including new and renewed rental assistance funding for the Housing Justice Project programs in Spokane and Seattle, progress on the City of Seattle right-to-counsel grant application, an appellate win for DV LEAD, and recognition of the LAARK program as an Exemplary Kinship Program.
Governance and Policy Updates
- LRS Rules and Procedures:
Proposed revisions were reviewed, including the addition of an appeals process for removal from the LRS panel to promote fairness and consistency. An ad hoc committee will finalize revisions for consideration at the next meeting.
- Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee: Trustee Colin Mieling outlined proposed updates to JCEC rules and procedures, including clarified scope, enhanced training standards, and strengthened attendance and diligence requirements for committee members.
- Public Policy: The Board received an overview of the Public Policy Committee’s 2026 legislative priorities, emphasizing housing, technology, removal of barriers to reentry, and full funding for the courts.
Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Board entered executive session to conclude discussion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Upon returning to regular session, the Board unanimously approved the CBA as previously reviewed.
Housing Justice Project Update
Lisa Stone reported that the HJP Transitional Board formally adopted updated bylaws and conflict-of-interest policies following approval of the new HJP entity by the Secretary of State. The meeting also included operational updates and a presentation on the 501(c)(3) application process.
ABA Annual Meeting Highlights
Guest Kathleen Hopkins shared highlights from the ABA Annual Meeting, including governance changes such as a reduction in Board size and ongoing challenges related to membership and representative governance.
Key Takeaways: The meeting reflected continued momentum across KCBA programs, governance initiatives, and advocacy priorities as the organization looks ahead to 2026.
