Board Reviews Financial Audit and Strategic Matters
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 Jan. 21, 2026, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The Board of Trustees of the King County Bar Association met in January with President Sidney Tribe presiding. Trustees, officers, staff, and guests of the King County Bar Association received updates on leadership initiatives, member programs, financial oversight, and several key governance actions shaping the Association’s work in the year ahead.
MLK Luncheon Highlights
Board leadership reflected on the success of the 2026 MLK Luncheon, which drew the largest attendance since the pandemic, welcoming more than 700 attendees and raising over $35,000 to support minority law school scholarships. Trustees expressed appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, and staff who made the event possible. The Board also congratulated Colleen M. Melody, KCBA Foundation Board Secretary, for her swearing-in as the newest Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court.
Governance Committee Feasibility
The Board received an update on the formation of a task force to explore establishing a Governance Committee. The group will evaluate structure, scope, and implementation considerations and report back with recommendations.
Financial Update
Treasurer Neal Black reported that revenues and expenses remain below projections through December 2025. Based on current trends, the organization anticipates concluding FY26 with a projected surplus of approximately $100,000–$200,000 despite the originally approved deficit budget.
New Lawyers Division & Membership
The New Lawyers Division continues to seek nominations for its Mentor of the Year Award, to be presented at the Spring Soirée on April 9. Membership staff reported strong engagement following the MLK Luncheon and are preparing for upcoming programs, including the Spring Soirée and Breakfast with Champions.
Pro Bono Services
A written report on Pro Bono Services was provided to the Board and included in the meeting materials.
ABA Resolution 702
Discussion ensued on how best to proceed with KCBA’s interests at the forefront and to stay away from overtly political positions. The consensus was to vote against it as it was deemed unnecessary. It was also noted that the same resolution was brought to the ABA Board of Governors two years ago and it did not pass.
Housing Justice Project Update
An update was provided on the Housing Justice Project’s transition toward independent 501(c)(3) status. Work continues on the IRS application, service agreement planning, and related operational structures, with certain funding streams remaining with KCBA pending approval of the new entity.
Amicus Authorization
The Board authorized the Housing Justice Project Appellate attorneys to collaborate with amicus partners in support of a petition for review in a Division II Court of Appeals matter, with leadership to oversee final approval.
Audit Report
Matt Smith from Greenwood Ohlund presented his firm’s independent audit report of the association’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. He reported that the association received a clean audit, citing no material modifications were identified. Formal approval was deferred to the next meeting.
With no further business, President Tribe adjourned the meeting, concluding a session marked by strong program momentum, sound financial outlook, and continued strategic progress for the Association.
