One of the first things that struck me when I started working with pro se litigants at KCLL was that many folks were operating in a vacuum with no real sense of how the litigation process works or why. It occurred to me that pro ses could really use an introductory civil procedure class. To that end, the law library joined forces with fabulous volunteer attorney Jeff Cowan in 2018 to create the class, Civil Litigation without Tears: The Basics of Representing Yourself in Court. While the class might be more accurately called Civil Litigation with Fewer Tears, it was a 90-minute dive into the court rules, deadlines, and procedures that pro ses are most likely to encounter.

Eric Gillett examines how lawyers should handle mediation when the opposing party refuses to move from an opening position. Drawing on personal experience, he argues that immobility is usually strategic rather than personal, driven by authority limits, precedent concerns, or signaling. The article offers a step-by-step playbook: avoid emotional reactions, stop unilateral concessions, reframe offers as information, shift discussions away from numbers, use conditional movement, and let mediators apply pressure. Gillett emphasizes knowing when to walk away, noting that disciplined patience often preserves leverage and leads to later settlement on better terms.

Family law attorneys, mediators, judges, and divorcing parties often confront this issue in divorce cases that involve Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), as RSUs can function as both property and income. This article addresses that problem by showing how professionals can apply the analysis correctly in real-world divorce cases. The issue matters because a person can easily double count the same RSU value during property division and spousal maintenance, which can produce an unfair result. This article explains how that happens and how to avoid it by walking through a series of examples that build from simple asset division to more complex RSU scenarios.

Did you know? The KCBA New Lawyers Division (NLD) board is seeking attorneys licensed in Washington for 10 years or less to join the 2026-2027 NLD Board term. Trustee positions are available! The term begins July 1, 2026 although the first board event is not held until mid-August. The board meets monthly on the first Tuesday, over the lunch hour, via Zoom. In addition to attending Board meetings, Board members form small committees to provide NLD members with various opportunities, including CLE programs, community involvement opportunities and social events.

The article examines Washington’s Abusive Litigation—Domestic Violence Act (AL-DVA), enacted in 2020 to curb litigation used to harass or control domestic violence survivors. While appellate courts long relied on inherent authority to restrict vexatious litigants, recent cases—particularly Cabral I and Cabral II—show appellate courts imposing robust prefiling restrictions to stop abusive appeals. Although Division II relied on inherent authority rather than the AL-DVA, the author urges appellate courts to more routinely impose similar restrictions, especially when affirming AL-DVA orders. The article highlights the disproportionate role of self-represented litigants in abusive appellate filings and emphasizes protecting victims from continued harassment through appellate proceedings.

The 2026 New Lawyers Division Spring Soirée was held on Apr. 9 at its new venue, the ArtLove Salon in downtown Seattle. Ninety-two attendees gathered in a vibrant, art-filled setting for an inspiring evening celebrating mentorship and the spirit of giving.

The article examines the high risks of blaming plaintiffs for their own injuries at trial. It describes a massive verdict that resulted when defense counsel aggressively blamed victims while refusing to accept responsibility, triggering juror backlash. Drawing on jury research and case examples, the authors explain when comparative-fault arguments succeed or fail. Key factors include the credibility of the evidence, motivation for blaming the plaintiff, emotional sensitivity of the injuries, jurors’ ability to relate to the plaintiff’s decisions, social norms, plaintiff and defendant identities, attorney tone, and jury selection. Blame can work when grounded, empathetic, and relevant—but desperation, unfair attacks, or poor delivery can dramatically increase verdict exposure.

On April 20, Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed the week of April 19–25, 2026 as Volunteer Appreciation Week to recognize those who volunteer and to encourage others to make service part of their daily lives[1]. At KCBA, that reminder is especially meaningful. Every day, volunteer attorneys and legal professionals expand access to justice for individuals who would otherwise face the legal system alone. Their work not only resolves legal issues, but also restores stability, dignity, and opportunity.
 

This month's article profiles Carla Calogero, a highly respected Washington attorney known for her expertise in elder law, guardianships, fiduciary representation, and estate planning. With a background in bioethics and education, Calogero brings intellectual rigor, empathy, and interdisciplinary collaboration to her practice. She serves frequently as court-appointed counsel, guardian ad litem, and special representative, and is a leader in bar associations and CLE education. Mentored by Professor Lisa Brodoff, Calogero has shaped elder law policy and practice statewide. Colleagues praise her professionalism, teaching ability, and compassion, crediting her with strengthening both the legal community and client care during life’s most difficult transitions.

Retirement is an issue all attorneys must consider at some point in their professional life. The decision can be difficult. Theologian William Barclay’s book of daily meditations, Day by Day recounts that when he was considering retiring as pastor at his Scottish church, he discussed it with a member of his congregation. His friend advised him: “It’s a wise man who knows when to lay down the wheelbarrow.” Knowing when and how to quit is a gift. Having the wisdom to know when to make a change can be difficult, but clearly “when the fire goes out” it’s time to make a change.