2025 Year in Review: Powered by Our Members and Staff
In 2025, the King County Bar Association demonstrated the power of a committed legal community working together in service of justice, connection, and the rule of law. Thanks to the dedication, expertise, and generosity of our members and staff, this year was marked by meaningful engagement, impactful advocacy, and strong participation across our programs, events, and education.
Bringing the Legal Community Together
KCBA hosted dozens of events throughout the year that strengthened professional relationships and reaffirmed our shared values. The year began with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon, which brought lawyers, judges, and community members together at the Seattle Convention Center. Keynote speaker Dr. Marsha Currin McGriff delivered a powerful call to action, reminding attendees of our responsibility to advance Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice under the law.
That spirit continued at Breakfast with Champions, where keynote speaker Steve Pemberton shared an inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and the need to be a “lighthouse” for others. We are grateful to the many sponsors whose support made both events possible.
In June, the Annual Awards Reception honored seven individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have strengthened our profession and community. Throughout the year, KCBA also welcomed hundreds of new and returning members through a wide range of gatherings, including two New Member Mixers, three Book Club discussions, ten Member Night Out events, and numerous New Lawyers Division (NLD) programs — creating accessible, welcoming opportunities to connect at every stage of practice.
Defending the Rule of Law
One of the most defining moments of 2025 was the National Day of Action on May 1, when 375 lawyers and judges filled King County Superior Court’s largest courtroom to retake the Oath of Attorney. This standing-room-only event reaffirmed the profession’s commitment to constitutional principles and judicial independence.
That momentum inspired the launch of KCBA’s Civics Stewardship Program, a new volunteer initiative empowering lawyers to bring legal knowledge and respect for the rule of law into the public square during a time of deep division and legal misinformation.
Educating, Mentoring, and Engaging
Education remained central to KCBA’s mission. In 2025, KCBA section groups hosted:
- 97 one-hour CLEs,
- 14 networking and happy hour events, and
- 2 multiday conferences.
More than 170 volunteer presenters including judges, legislators, scientists, doctors, and legal professionals shared their expertise across 19 practice sections. Supported by 78 section leaders, these programs contributed to strong growth in section membership, with 52% of all members now belonging to a section, the highest level in more than five years. The year also marked the successful launch of the Child Law Section, which debuted with eight CLEs and a well-attended social event.
Beyond section programming, KCBA and NLD CLEs attracted more than 1,400 registrants, covering topics such as appellate ethics, estate planning, immigration protections, DEI, guardianship, and emerging legal issues. The NLD further energized the community through networking events and volunteer days at Food Lifeline and Marra Farm, all to support professionalism, civility, and service among new attorneys.
In November, KCBA hosted the Annual Bench Bar Conference, featuring remarks from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens, along with timely discussions between judges and attorneys on the rule of law, impacts on tribes and tribal courts, and key issues facing courts at every level.
Supporting New Lawyers and Future Attorneys
KCBA proudly supported lawyers at the start of their careers by hosting two in-person swearing-in ceremonies, where 174 new admittees were welcomed into the profession. In addition, KCBA partnered with King County Superior Court to support monthly hybrid ceremonies, helping to swear in an additional 462 attorneys throughout the year.
KCBA also continued its commitment to civic education by partnering with local courthouses to support Law Day programs throughout May 2025, welcoming middle and high school students to participate in mock trials, learn about the legal profession, and engage in civics. This effort was further strengthened through KCBA’s support of the YMCA Mock Trial Program, with member volunteers helping inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
Advancing Justice Through Service
KCBA’s pro bono programs achieved notable successes in 2025. The Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project (DV LEAD) secured a major victory in Holiwell v. Dela Llana, a result with the potential to influence future surrender cases and improve protections for vulnerable clients. This outcome reflects the dedication of DV LEAD staff and volunteer attorneys. To learn more about the case, please see the Pro Bono Spotlight article on page 22.
The Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care (LAARK) program also earned national recognition, receiving an Exemplary designation from the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network, affirming its statewide impact for kinship caregivers. Together, these efforts underscore KCBA’s ongoing commitment to making justice more accessible to those who need it most.
With Gratitude to Our Staff and Members
Every accomplishment in 2025 was made possible by the combined efforts of KCBA’s dedicated staff and steadfast members. Our staff’s professionalism and tireless work supported every event, CLE, client case, and advocacy initiative. Another important highlight this year was the successful negotiation of KCBA’s first collective bargaining agreement, resulting in a continued commitment to a collaborative and equitable workplace.
Equally essential were our members, whose time, leadership, sponsorship, and participation fueled packed courtrooms, impactful education, and meaningful service.
Thank you all for an extraordinary year. We look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2026!
Kathleen Jensen is KCBA’s executive director, and she can be reached by email at kathleenj@kcba.org or phone at 206-267-7053.
