It’s that time of the year again. Let’s put our best foot forward as we interact with clients and colleagues with one hour less of sleep. It’s easy to focus on the minor inconvenience, but this is a great reminder that change is the only constant in life.

A new study by the US Chamber of Commerce published in December 2023, finds that small businesses are getting hit with a disproportionate share of lawsuits that result in them paying out billions in damages. The study, using the most recently available data from 2021, found that liability costs of lawsuits against businesses in general totaled about $347 billion, with small businesses accounting for about $160 billion of that total.

An intelligent attorney might look over and run their eyes lightly down your bench notes. “This is nice. What is it?” In which case you might have to confess, “dormant Commerce Clause, actually.” Otherwise, the fact the instant matter involves the judge-made hypothetical might just as well be kept to yourself. Because even in this enormously enlightened age, there are still people who would think such nonsense a bit indulgent. And they would be right.

The February 2024 issue of the KCBA Bar Bulletin contained an opinion piece: From the River to the Sea, by King County Bar Association member Dua Abudiab. The placement of this Article and our failure to clearly identify that it was not the perspective or position of the KCBA, its Board or its staff, was in error.

This month we continue to celebrate 50 years of bringing advocacy to our communities by taking a closer look at the nuts and bolts of intake and encouraging members to donate their time and expertise.

As we step into February, we enter a month of opportunities ranging from observance of the silly or festive to a serious reflection of our nation and its history. Whether it is Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, or Fat Tuesday, each brings its unique significance (or lack of significance) depending on our own personal experience and perspective.

Laws may not change hearts, but hearts can change the law. When we are driven by collective ideals of inclusion and belonging, we can create collectives and active allyship. 

Former Washington Supreme Court Justice and Bar Bulletin favorite has penned a poignant profile of Tom Ahearne, renowned trial and appellate lawyer who refuses to let his disability prevent him from advocating for clients and the underprivileged.

We love the familiar. It makes us feel safe and warm, and we unconsciously prefer something and someone we feel is familiar, even if it really isn’t. 

I was having lunch with a younger attorney a few months ago and he had questions about how to prepare for mediation. A couple of his questions included, “What do you want me to tell you? What do you want to hear?” As I looked across the table, I resisted the first response that popped in my head, “I want the truth.” Of course, that is correct. But really not a very helpful response and one that would likely fall flat on an inquisitive mind. So, what else? What do I want to see from an attorney in a brief and what do I want to hear when we talk, either before or during the mediation?