The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held April 15, 2026, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The Board of Trustees convened with President Sidney Tribe presiding. Trustees, officers, staff, and guests received updates on recent member engagement events, budget planning, governance initiatives, and ongoing developments related to the Housing Justice Project (HJP) spin-off process.
Leadership Remarks and Organizational Updates
President Tribe opened the meeting by recognizing the success of the recent NLD Soirée and thanking trustees for their support of the event auction. She also encouraged trustees to attend the upcoming Breakfast With Champions and pre-event reception.
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen announced that Lauren Rosenthal, a graduate student in the UW Communications Leadership Program, will serve as the new Bar Bulletin editor. She also highlighted the Minority Law Scholars reception and outlined the upcoming KCBA and KCBF budget process timeline, noting that trustees will review the proposed FY27 budget in May ahead of a June approval vote.
Financial Report
Treasurer Neal Black reported that KCBA is currently operating with a year-to-date revenue surplus driven primarily by increased reimbursable grant funding and lower-than-expected expenses. He also emphasized the importance of filling key staff positions to avoid long-term operational impacts.
NLD and Membership Updates
NLD Chair Ray Williams shared highlights from the NLD Soirée, which raised more than $4,000, and thanked trustees for their support throughout his term.
Membership updates included upcoming programs such as Speak Up for Justice, a homelessness-focused book club discussion, a Title 11 event, Breakfast With Champions, and the May Swearing-In Ceremony. Staff also provided updates on the ongoing “15 months for 12” membership renewal campaign and outreach efforts to larger firms in Seattle.
Pro Bono Funding and HJP Updates
Pro Bono Director Judy Lin briefed trustees on anticipated reductions to the OCLA RTC Grant for FY27 and the potential operational impact on HJP staffing and services. She noted continued efforts to pursue additional funding opportunities, including the upcoming Seattle Right to Counsel RFP process, to help offset anticipated reductions and support growing community needs amid rising eviction rates.
Additional updates included progress on the HJP spin-off process, including work on the Administrative Services Agreement, plans to hire an executive director, and the transition to monthly HJP Board meetings to support the increasing workload.
Governance and Board Actions
The Board unanimously approved a Governance Committee resolution following recommendations from the task force committee. Trustees interested in serving on the newly established committee were invited to contact President Tribe and First Vice President Mary Sakaguchi. The task force members were recognized and thanked for their contributions.
Trustees also finalized the FY2026–2027 board nomination process, noting that the supplemental slate was unanimously approved and no additional petitions were received by the filing deadline.
Advocacy and Community Response Efforts
President Tribe informed trustees that KCBA signed onto an amicus brief in the Perkins Coie case through the organization’s rapid response protocol. She also provided an update on a newly formed working group focused on identifying actions lawyers, judges, and community members can take to support immigrant communities impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions. The group is expected to report recommendations back to the Board in the coming months.
With no further business before the Board, President Tribe adjourned the meeting, concluding a session focused on organizational planning, pro bono sustainability, governance initiatives, and continued efforts to strengthen KCBA’s impact and community engagement.
