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?

Establishing a plan to deal with crises—before they happen—is critical for successful managers.  In this article, a local business expert and long-time Bar Bulletin contributor shares strategies and tips to ensure your organization remains on its toes. 

This month, our celebrated curmudgeon and pro bono all-star reviews One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin Kruse. 

In Spring of 2019, Washington legislators proposed a bill fundamentally changing Washington non-compete law. On January 1, 2020 the new noncompete law came into effect replacing the earlier law, which is based on Washington common law. The new law has now been in effect for four years and it is time to assess how the new law is wearing.

Pac. Lutheran Univ. v. Lloyd’s of London, No. 100752-3 (Jan. 18, 2024). At issue: in an insurance coverage dispute arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, whether the trial court properly dismissed based on forum non conveniens and enjoined defendants from further action in parallel, out-of-state litigation. Washington’s Supreme court affirmed both the dismissal and injunction.

Along with the medical profession, the legal profession has traditionally been associated with sleep deprivation. Late nights and early mornings were a rite of passage for new attorneys and a badge of honor for seasoned attorneys. While the pandemic ushered in more flexibility with scheduling and normalized work from home, remote work is not a panacea for the sleep deprived. Yes, valuable commuting time is saved but many attorneys report feeling pressure to be available during nontraditional work hours when working remotely.

KCBA’s Neighborhood Legal Clinics Program was founded in 1974.  As we celebrate 50 years of service to clients across King County, demand outpaces our capacity and we invite you to help us reduce barriers to access to justice by volunteering with NLC today!

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wash., D.C., Aug. 28, 1963. “I am happy to join you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

January’s can’t-miss column remembers the late Justice, hints to future tales of a no-expenses-paid trip to D.C., and showcases an irreplaceable bobblehead (with photos!).