The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held Feb. 18, 2026, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The Board of Trustees convened on February 18, 2026, with President Sidney Tribe presiding. Trustees, officers, staff, and guests received updates on leadership transitions, member engagement, financial performance, pro bono impact, and several key governance actions.
Leadership and Executive Updates
President Tribe shared a letter from Judge Rothrock written in appreciation of KCBA’s support of the King County Volunteer Settlement Conference Program. She also updated the Board on the status of an amicus brief previously approved for participation, noting that a draft is expected for Board review at an upcoming meeting.
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen reported on continued progress in the judicial survey evaluation project. She also informed the Board of adjustments to the upcoming Breakfast With Champions event due to a change in speaker and encouraged trustee attendance at the King County Bar Foundation Minority Law School Scholarship reception in April.
Governance and Financial Oversight
The Board approved the January 21, 2026 meeting minutes. Treasurer Neal Black reported that, as of the end of February, both revenues and expenses remain below projections, consistent with trends observed in prior months.
The Board unanimously approved the Association’s 2025 audit as previously presented.
Member Engagement and Programming
The New Lawyers Division Chair, Ray Williams, reported that NLD continues to provide engagement opportunities, including a recent speed networking event and a CLE focused on artificial intelligence. He also confirmed that the award recipient for Mentor of the Year has been selected and will be recognized at the Spring Soirée on April 9.
On membership initiatives, Ms. Jensen highlighted early planning for the upcoming membership cycle, including a successful student outreach campaign and the introduction of a new “Coffee with KCBA” networking event. She also outlined a robust slate of upcoming programming, including multiple Law Day events, an estate planning CLE, and a collaborative “Speak Up” seminar involving the Washington State Bar Association and several partner organizations statewide.
Pro Bono and Foundation Impact
The Board received an update on KCBA’s Pro Bono Services, which currently include participation from 518 volunteer attorneys and 291 community volunteers. The Legal Foundation of Washington report emphasized the tangible outcomes of this work, including successful efforts in vacating convictions and providing support for kinship caregivers.
Policy and Public Engagement
President Tribe introduced a proposed KCBA statement addressing recent events in Minnesota. Board discussion recognized that most Trustees present agreed that a statement should be issued, especially considering FIFA coming to Seattle in summer 2026. The Board authorized the Executive Committee to finalize the language for publication in the Bar Bulletin and on the KCBA website. Trustees also discussed forming a working group to identify concrete action items, volunteer opportunities, and resources for members seeking to respond to related community needs.
Separately, Scott Smith, chair of the Public Policy Committee’s Removing Barriers Subcommittee, presented a forthcoming resolution aimed at reducing occupational licensing barriers for individuals with prior convictions. The Board is expected to vote on the resolution at a future meeting.
Organizational Developments
An update was provided on the Housing Justice Project spinoff, including the submission of IRS Form 1023 and continued development of leadership and personnel structures. The transition board is scheduled to meet again to advance these efforts.
Kathleen Hopkins shared highlights from the ABA Mid-Year Meeting, with a full report to be distributed to trustees.
With no further business, President Tribe adjourned the meeting, concluding a session marked by active member engagement, meaningful pro bono impact, and continued progress on key governance and policy initiatives for the Association.
