Mardi Gras events start in January and will be in full swing about the time you receive this issue. And there is always a reason to head down to New Orleans, so we went down for an early parade (the Chewbaccus Krewe) and scouted out some dining options for you to consider on your next trip to the Big Easy. We paid special attention to places that would accommodate gluten free and other special diets. We were pleasantly surprised by the frequency with which restaurants in New Orleans asked about food allergies on their own initiative, more than we have experienced in any other city, including Seattle.

I love history, and so when I was approached by the Executive Director to write this article on Black History, I felt deeply honored and compelled to do so. At a young age I was always drawn to books about other individuals: how they lived, where they lived, and what they accomplished. Sadly though, oftentimes those books I sought out did not reflect the extraordinary achievement of those individuals that looked like me. Instead, the books that were available to me were limited in subject matter about my black ancestors and their incredible achievements throughout history from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement; from lifesaving research to incredible scientific interventions that would improve generations’ daily lives and lead to the current technology explosion.

“Always Appealing” is a column addressing current issues in appellate practice and recent appellate cases written by the lawyers of Smith Goodfriend, P.S., a Seattle law firm that limits its practice to civil appeals and related trial court motions practice.

For those who were not able to join us for the KCBA Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lunch on January 17, 2025, you missed an inspiring presentation by our keynote speaker, Dr. Marsha Currin McGriff. She flew across the country to share details of how and why her work as the Senior Advisor to the President and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Florida ended. In short, her job became a violation of the law championed by Florida Governor Ron Desantis, in 2023. The law1 made it illegal to “expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that: …[a]dvocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion”. With a stroke of a pen, Dr. McGriff and her staff became unemployed because their jobs violated the new Florida law.

Each January, the King County Bar Association’s (KCBA) Public Policy Committee hosts its highly anticipated Lawyer Legislator Forum. This event serves as an opportunity for our lawyer-legislators to provide valuable insights into the upcoming legislative session and discuss the critical policy issues and bills on the horizon. This year’s forum was no exception, featuring thoughtful and engaging discussions from some of our state’s most dedicated public servants.

Jaime Drozd’s journey to becoming the first woman Managing Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine is a story of breaking barriers, building connections, and leading with purpose. Her historic appointment isn’t just a milestone for the firm, it’s a testament to her servant leadership and transformative vision. “I’m humbled to be the first in this role, but I stand on the shoulders of strong women who paved the way,” she remarked, honoring a legacy of female leaders who have shaped the firm as executive committee chairs, practice group leaders, and office partners-in-charge. Now at the helm, Jaime is charting an ambitious course for the firm’s future, one defined by bold innovation, exceptional client service, meaningful community impact, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional and diverse lawyers and business professionals.

Last month, we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as our former Presidents. These individuals are great examples of what it means to be a guiding light. I think it is appropriate to discuss the importance of becoming a guiding light for others.

Did you know? The Mission of the King County Bar Association New Lawyers Division (NLD) is to further the objectives of new and aspiring lawyers by representing the diverse interests of the Division’s members to the Association and the legal community, creating opportunities for continuing legal education, mentoring, and networking, as well as addressing the needs of the community through pro bono and volunteer service.

Attorneys, by nature, tend to be some of the most patient people I know. Perhaps that comes with the deep understanding of the legal process involved in various types of business transactions, particularly those involving companies tackling a major restructuring initiative. Complex turnarounds are rarely simple and take time for the process to unfold.

You expect another tired narrative about the key tenets of legal storytelling, but this isn’t how that kind of article usually begins. You sit in your office and wonder, where is the introductory tale of trial woe?