At the June Awards Reception, KCBA presented the 2025 Pro Bono Award to the Federal Civil Rights Legal Clinic in recognition of the outstanding pro bono legal services it provides in our community. For nearly 20 years, the clinic has provided free legal advice and consultation to Washington state residents who have filed, or are considering filing, legal actions in federal court. Many of these clients might otherwise have trouble accessing the court system. Common issues include workplace or housing discrimination, prisoner rights, police misconduct, and questions about ADA rights. Tracy Morris, who founded the clinic and still serves as its Executive Director, has worked hard to expand the clinic’s availability by recruiting additional volunteers and increasing clinic hours.

I can’t resist personally congratulating those who Kathleen noted so well in June’s Bulletin, with the message to them and all of us that our job is not finished (especially when we’re “recognized”).

By KCBA Membership Department

The 2025 KCBA Awards celebration filled the Washington Athletic Club’s ballroom June 26, as our community honored outstanding contributors. From lifetime achievement to pro bono service, each award recognized impactful individuals and organizations. Read heartfelt tributes from those who know them best — and enjoy the moments photos captured that evening.

There has been a lot of recent turnover in the Seattle area restaurant market, creating some new options where your old favorites may have been.

A timeline can paradoxically seem both short and distant. How we perceive time and how that perception affects our work has a deep impact on the Court and the litigants.

We’re in the midst of summer now, and it’s hard not to think of all the tasks that haven’t been completed and hours that haven’t been filled. Still, August might be a month in which we let go of what no longer supports our growth — professionally and personally. By letting go of habits that hinder progress, such as unnecessary perfectionism, overcommitment, and procrastination, we can create space for clarity, innovation, and well-being — within our team and in how we serve our clients.

Two new office spaces located near Issaquah and Meridian.

King County Bar was saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Noland. He was an innovative KCBA board president, a consummate gentleman, and an unwavering advocate for justice, peace, and global understanding.

Appellate lawyer Ian C. Cairns argues that Washington courts should interpret RAP 2.3(b)(3) in line with its original purpose: allowing discretionary review when a trial court decision threatens important rights and cannot be effectively remedied through appeal. While a recent Washington Supreme Court decision rightly rejected a narrow interpretation of the rule, Cairns believes the court missed an opportunity to center the analysis on whether post-judgment relief would be inadequate. Tracing the rule’s roots in writ practice and reviewing precedent, he contends that RAP 2.3(b)(3) is meant to function as a safety valve in exceptional cases when waiting for final judgment would cause irreparable harm.

Eric Gillett examines the shift in mediation expectations, as parties increasingly seek not just facilitation but strategic guidance. He contrasts facilitative mediators — who focus on process and party autonomy — with evaluative mediators, who offer legal opinions and settlement pressure. Gillett advocates for a flexible, hybrid approach, where the mediator adjusts style based on trust, timing, and the case’s needs. He encourages attorneys to choose mediators intentionally, as the right fit can significantly influence both the process and the outcome.