The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on March 19, 2025, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey.

Law Day, held each year on May 1, and designated as such by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the late 1950s, highlights the law’s role in our country and society. This is a great opportunity to help our communities understand how the law protects liberty and freedom, allows the legal profession to help dispel misinformation and polarization, and helps foster an environment where citizens take an active interest in the law.

The KCBA Board of Trustees issues this statement in support of Perkins Coie, as the law firm faces an Executive Order entitled “Addressing Risks From Perkins Coie LLP.” The KCBA Board strongly opposes the Executive Order, which it sees as an unconstitutional misuse of authority that threatens the rule of law and legal advocacy. The Order targets Perkins Coie and imposes severe sanctions based on the firm’s representation of certain clients. The Board says that this action not only harms Perkins Coie but all law firms that represent a client or an idea that is unpopular with federal leadership. The Board commends Perkins Coie’s fight against this infringement on legal rights and professional independence.

Pat Scanlon explores how businesses must approach AI not just as a technological tool but as a fundamental driver of organizational change. He draws parallels between AI adoption and past technological revolutions, emphasizing that success hinges on strategic planning and cultural readiness. Many businesses struggle with AI implementation due to uncertainty and resistance to change. To overcome this, leaders must foster employee engagement, provide training, and establish governance frameworks that balance innovation with ethical oversight. Attorneys can play a crucial role in guiding businesses through this transformation, ensuring AI becomes an integrated and trusted part of their operations.

During a recent mediation, defense counsel confided that she was having a difficult time keeping her client fully engaged in the mediation that brought everyone together.

I often get questions from folks who are thinking of a judicial career about what actions they can take to position themselves to be an excellent judicial candidate. Often, I speak about getting trial experience to show your proficiency in managing a courtroom, be professional and respectful to everyone especially opposing counsel and staff because that will reflect on your demeanor. Be engaged in your personal and legal community because it shows your commitment to public service. And of course, work hard, meet deadlines, be prepared, and demonstrate your intellectual analytic ability in your written and oral presentations. For many people, these are some obvious points of advice. Often people have practices where they do not get the opportunity to be in court, so I recommend they volunteer as Guardian Ad Litems (a huge need in minor dependencies and for vulnerable adults) or volunteer with the Court looking for attorneys to assist those litigants who have an ADA accommodation. Also, there are great legal clinics (KCBA Neighborhood clinic, ELAP clinic, NWIRP clinic, and many others) where you can get cases to help folks and get real world courtroom experience.

The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on February 19, 2025, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey. After President Erin Overbey called the meeting to order, the Board approved the meeting minutes from January 22, 2025.

Spring is finally here. Hopefully, that means taking some time away from desks, briefs, and dockets to enjoy the springtime. On my end, I plan on visiting my alma mater to view the twenty-nine cherry blossoms at the University of Washington Quad. They’re worth checking out.

Suite available in 3 story boutique lawyer only building in the Interbay area of Seattle.

MERIDIAN OFFICE BUILDING :Mailbox, conference room, suites, and offices available in building owned and operated by non-profit Northwest Danish Association