The civil appellate bar in Washington State is small. Most disputes are settled, before or after litigation is commenced, and of those few cases that are resolved by trial or dispositive motion, even fewer are appealed. 

The KCBA Labor & Employment Law Section is proud to present the 59th Annual Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference at the Seattle Convention Center on April 23 & 24, 2026.

Starting in law school, we are taught how to “represent” our clients. We learn how to advocate for their interests in contract negotiations, how to frame arguments for judges and juries, and how to draft pleadings and respond to discovery in a client’s voice. 

“The time is always right to do what is right.”
— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
 

Aren’t we fortunate in King County to benefit from the work of so many public servants and legal system participants striving to improve the lives of our community members? The efforts of so many in our community inspire me. Every day each of us makes a choice about what kind of community we are—giving to others, thinking of others and considering how our actions impact others. I’ve always loved being part of a profession, as opposed to simply reporting to a job. The law can be imperfect, but it also offers our greatest hope for stability and equality. I am grateful to be part of this community and to work alongside all of you to support and improve the rule of law.

We have tried a few places that are new to us even if not newly opened. Here is some of what we recently sampled at home and on the road.
 

Did you know? The NLD board continues to accept applications for open board positions. Trustees serving on the NLD board serve two- to three-year terms on rotating cycles. The Board is currently accepting applications and nominations for Trustees for the 2026-2027 service term, which begins July 1, 2026. 

The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held Jan. 21, 2026, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.

Leaving behind old habits can help with professional excellence. For example, responsiveness is an important part of client service, but the reflex to answer every message immediately can undermine thoughtful analysis and a sustainable practice. By adopting more intentional communication rhythms and protecting time for focused work, legal professionals can prioritize quality of judgment over speed alone—serving clients more effectively while preserving the clarity and discipline the profession demands. Just a reminder to review current habits and assess whether they’re beneficial or not.
 

Since 1948, the King County Bar Association’s Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee (JCEC) has performed the important public function of rating judicial candidates. This work continues to be performed by a dedicated contingent of volunteer lawyers and, at times, non-lawyer members who regularly come together to evaluate candidates in accordance with the JCEC’s Rules and Procedures (Rules). In 2024 and 2025, the JCEC evaluated thirty candidates seeking a rating for positions on the Seattle Municipal Court, King County District Court, King County Superior Court, or Washington State Supreme Court