The Ultimate Leadership Flex: KCBA Committees
By Bridget Schuster, Member Services Director
Are you a mid-career attorney looking for ways to build your leadership skills, do good work, and meet a variety of dynamic attorneys and judges? Are you a newer attorney looking to meet new people and potentially find a mentor? How about a retired attorney with time to give back to your profession? If so, join a committee!
We have several committees, all of which do important work for KCBA and the community. If you’re interested in finding out more, email bridgets@kcba.org or visit . Here are some of the committees most in need of your involvement:
Anti-Racism & Equity Committee: We’ve consciously decided not to back down on our anti-racism and equity efforts at KCBA, and you can make that statement along with us by participating in the ARE Committee. This committee works on projects such as selecting recipients for our Bar Exam Prep Grant, drafting an anti-racism statement for the organization, and brainstorming ways KCBA can partner with affinity bar associations to increase and strengthen diversity within our local legal profession.
Public Policy Committee: This committee watches local and state legislation and considers whether KCBA should speak out or make statements on particular bills. The committee creates a legislative agenda for each membership year, outlining priorities and ensuring Board approval for future advocacy. Particular priorities have included work to eliminate barriers for formerly incarcerated people to reenter society, housing issues, and funding for our courts.
Lawyer Referral Service Committee: Our Lawyer Referral Service Committee ensures that all member attorneys are treated fairly, that all attorneys possess the requisite experience to serve on our panels, and that the service is adequately providing access to justice for the public. The committee recently worked to add an appeals process to its Rules & Procedures, ensuring that an attorney denied membership into LRS, or an LRS member asked to leave the service, is afforded due process.
Judiciary & Litigation Committee: Help decide on KCBA’s stance with regard to new or revised court rules. Participate in discussions between the presiding judges and KCBA leadership. Consider other topics relevant to litigation practice and/or the courts and whether KCBA should make statements on each. This committee also helps plan and execute the annual Bench Bar Conference that takes place each fall.
Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee: Be part of the team that evaluates potential future judges. Our KCBA Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee is highly regarded in the community and makes determinations that can impact an individual’s standing in the appointment and election processes. Committee members make reference calls for candidates and participate in interviews with the candidates themselves. This vital work helps our public stay informed and able to vote with confidence in judicial races. Our recommendations are also reported directly to the Governor’s Office for use in making appointment decisions.
Governance Committee: This is a new committee that was recently created by our Board of Trustees. The committee will consider the mechanisms KCBA uses for making particular decisions, how the Board functions, and whether adjustments to protocol need to be made. Be on the ground floor as we assess the inner workings of the Board, the committees, and the Association itself!
Member Services Committee: Are you excited about member benefits and arguing for the value of KCBA membership? Do you enjoy brainstorming how to retain student members following their graduation? This committee has done some exciting things recently, including adding a brand-new membership type for law school graduates who decide not to become barred (JD-Only Membership). This group also considers changes to dues, ways to grow membership despite (or due to) the tide of larger, national firms coming to Seattle, and what member-only events should be added to our rotation. Join this fun and creative committee to make a difference in KCBA membership!
Join a committee now! You can add a committee to your MyKCBA profile for free at any time. Or email bridgets@kcba.org to express your interest. We’d be thrilled to have you!
