By Heather Maloney
Did you know? The KCBA New Lawyers Division (NLD) board is seeking attorneys licensed in Washington for 10 years or less to join the 2026-2027 NLD Board term. Trustee positions are available! The term begins July 1, 2026 although the first board event is not held until mid-August. The board meets monthly on the first Tuesday, over the lunch hour, via Zoom. In addition to attending Board meetings, Board members form small committees to provide NLD members with various opportunities, including CLE programs, community involvement opportunities and social events.
Board membership is a great way to meet and grow relationships with other attorneys in KCBA while having fun and giving back! Self-nominations are welcome. Please scan the handy QR code in this article to apply or to nominate another attorney for a board position.
Happenings: The NLD hosted its annual Spring Soiree on Apr. 9th at ArtLove Salon, raising an impressive $4,010 in support of KCBA’s pro bono partner, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP). This year’s event continued the cherished tradition of celebrating leadership within the legal community by honoring the nominees for Mentor of the Year. Congratulations to the 2026 Mentor of the Year, Jenica Cassidy and to all the other nominees!
On Apr. 17, the NLD hosted a CLE on “Ethics, Fees and the New Lawyer.” Over 80 participants registered to attend via Zoom and attendance was complimentary for all NLD members. The NLD Services Committee looks forward to continuing to provide quality CLEs for NLD members and the greater KCBA community.
Coming Up: May and June offer many opportunities for NLD members to get involved! The NLD Community Involvement Committee is hosting a business professional clothing drive from May 4–15 to benefit the Haitian Christian United Church. This initiative honors Haitian Flag Day on May 18, and we encourage you to spread the word throughout your offices!
What to Donate: Business professional attire (suits, blazers, dress shirts, etc.).
Drop-off Location: Please bring your donations to the KCBA Office.
Inquiries: For more information, please contact Janelle Elysee at janelle.elysee@stoel.com.
The New Lawyers Division (NLD) cordially invites all NLD members to attend the 2026 Spring Swearing-In Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6. This event is a significant milestone for new admittees, featuring the administration of the Oath of Attorney by a judicial officer. Registration begins at 4:30 PM, with the program running until 5:30 PM in Room E-942 at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. This year’s ceremony features Washington Supreme Court Justice Colleen M. Melody as the keynote speaker. This is an in-person only event; no Zoom streaming will be available for this specific ceremony. We look forward to seeing you there to welcome our newest colleagues to the bar!
Heather Maloney is a member of the NLD Board of Trustees and an Associate Attorney at the Dellino Family Law Group. If you have questions about NLD activities, Heather can be reached at hmaloney@dellinolaw.com.
