The practice of law is known for being adversarial, but establishing common ground is often the key to success. Before resolving what is in dispute, lawyers recognize all that is agreed upon: definitions, limitations, evidence, and rules are common ground to which even the most ardent legal adversaries can agree.

The practice of law is known for being adversarial, but establishing common ground is often the key to success. Before resolving what is in dispute, lawyers recognize all that is agreed upon: definitions, limitations, evidence, and rules are common ground to which even the most ardent legal adversaries can agree.

Team-building is an important part of leadership. In any workplace, we must trust each other, communicate effectively and share responsibility for collective outcomes. All members of the team deserve recognition for their contributions and effort to achieve mutual goals. Progress depends on productive relationships between coworkers and colleagues. And, having a positive workplace environment is important to work satisfaction and retention of valuable team members.Thus, we neglect team building at our peril. As leaders, we need to devote time and attention to team building, communicate its value and model the behaviors that will lead to future success.

Team-building is an important part of leadership. In any workplace, we must trust each other, communicate effectively and share responsibility for collective outcomes. All members of the team deserve recognition for their contributions and effort to achieve mutual goals. Progress depends on productive relationships between coworkers and colleagues. And, having a positive workplace environment is important to work satisfaction and retention of valuable team members.Thus, we neglect team building at our peril. As leaders, we need to devote time and attention to team building, communicate its value and model the behaviors that will lead to future success.

A KCBA Mentor of the Year will be announced at the April 9, 2026, New Lawyers Division Spring Soirée, sponsored by the New Lawyers Division. We’re all invited—and you should consider attending.

The evening gives us the opportunity to recognize a colleague who demonstrates, through action, deep respect for our profession and for the role that shared learning, skill development, and experience plays in helping lawyers become the best versions of themselves. Sharing knowledge helps all of us refine our professional paths. Talking with others about the challenges we face—and the career choices we’re navigating—often brings clarity and perspective.

A KCBA Mentor of the Year will be announced at the April 9, 2026, New Lawyers Division Spring Soirée, sponsored by the New Lawyers Division. We’re all invited—and you should consider attending.

The evening gives us the opportunity to recognize a colleague who demonstrates, through action, deep respect for our profession and for the role that shared learning, skill development, and experience plays in helping lawyers become the best versions of themselves. Sharing knowledge helps all of us refine our professional paths. Talking with others about the challenges we face—and the career choices we’re navigating—often brings clarity and perspective.

Aren’t we fortunate in King County to benefit from the work of so many public servants and legal system participants striving to improve the lives of our community members? The efforts of so many in our community inspire me. Every day each of us makes a choice about what kind of community we are—giving to others, thinking of others and considering how our actions impact others. I’ve always loved being part of a profession, as opposed to simply reporting to a job. The law can be imperfect, but it also offers our greatest hope for stability and equality. I am grateful to be part of this community and to work alongside all of you to support and improve the rule of law.

Judge Averil Rothrock reflects on how to honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy through intentional action and describes how the Superior Court tackles systemic racism and embeds diversity, equity, and inclusion into its operations. She outlines what the court has done — including adopting trauma-informed practices and hiring a DEI program manager — to make sustained institutional change.

In this article, Presiding Judge Averil Rothrock introduces her aims and herself as the new presiding judge of King County Superior Court. Judge Rothrock describes how she views the responsibilities of court leadership, including administration, self-governance, and coordination with justice system partners. She also sets priorities through 2028, underscores the importance of judicial independence, and invites ongoing feedback from our community.

As we wind down the year and folks take well-earned leave during the holidays, for the Court it is a time of transition. We will have a new presiding judge, Judge Averil Rothrock, and a new assistant presiding, Judge Tanya Thorp.