Your job search is like a strategy game. You won’t always be in the mood to look for jobs, so it’s important to build engines that will keep you moving, even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated. Every bit of planning you do moves you closer to the finish line.

Dedicated Always Appealing readers will remember an article I wrote nearly three years ago about an amendment to RAP 10.8, the rule allowing parties to submit a statement of additional authorities. The old rule prohibited any argument, so submitting additional authority typically meant providing a case citation with a short reference to the relevant legal issue and nothing else. Sometimes, courts received citations without any explanation at all.¹

Danijela Krecar brings a global perspective to her role as an in-house attorney at Monolithic Power Systems, where she supports the business on a wide range of commercial agreements and transactions. Her practice includes advising on an array of matters such as employment law, corporate governance, data privacy, and artificial intelligence. She also supports international transactions in collaboration with outside counsel across Europe.

As a trial lawyer, I discovered early on that if a jury likes you, they are unlikely to hurt you. The same holds true for your client. That is why it is mission-critical to personalize a corporate client and then show that the people who are designated to personify the corporation are worthy of the jury’s trust. In mediation, these same concepts apply.

Al Davis shows why turnaround expertise should not be reserved for businesses in crisis, but rather used proactively to strengthen companies of all sizes and industries. Davis contends that the same disciplines used in restructurings are essential in today’s volatile economic environment. By applying these practices, companies can reduce risk, improve liquidity, and avoid being pushed into distress by market or regulatory shocks.

I’ve devoted my career to helping underserved and vulnerable communities. During the first Trump administration, I volunteered with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. I took a pro bono asylum case for an unaccompanied minor from Central America. I assisted that young man over many years, and when he finally received his green card, I felt so relieved for him.

Two interesting cases highlight the apparent difficulty of valuing cases these days. In one, the plaintiff refused to accept any settlement below $10 million, confident their client’s injuries along with what they believed would be considerable frustration with the defendant would get them at least as much at trial. The defendant’s insurance carrier disagreed. They were willing to offer low seven figures (which the plaintiff declined), but nothing close to $10 million, and the plaintiff’s demand left them no choice but to go to trial. After two weeks, the jury came back with a defense verdict.

In 2025, the King County Bar Association demonstrated the power of a committed legal community working together in service of justice, connection, and the rule of law. Thanks to the dedication, expertise, and generosity of our members and staff, this year was marked by meaningful engagement, impactful advocacy, and strong participation across our programs, events, and education.

Every day I count myself lucky that I am living in Washington state where there are so many wonderful organizations doing their best to ensure that pro-se litigants have access to resources that help them successfully navigate their cases. Being in King County, I am particularly grateful to Kristina Ralls and the King County Family Law Facilitators program for creating concise and easily accessible form packets for those dealing with family law issues. You can see the breadth of their handiwork at their How-to Resources for Family Law page. In addition to their web presence, the facilitators also run a walk-in Family Law Helpdesk in both the Seattle and Kent courthouses from 9 a.m. to noon every day. At the helpdesk, after a short consultation, patrons are given forms and instructions responsive to their legal issues. As you might guess, the helpdesks are very busy. They lack the capacity to assist people with drafting their forms.

In this article, Presiding Judge Averil Rothrock introduces her aims and herself as the new presiding judge of King County Superior Court. Judge Rothrock describes how she views the responsibilities of court leadership, including administration, self-governance, and coordination with justice system partners. She also sets priorities through 2028, underscores the importance of judicial independence, and invites ongoing feedback from our community.