Throughout my career, I have always belonged to a professional association. They weren’t bar associations, but they were membership organizations that aligned with the stage of my career at the time.

Early in my career, I worked as director of conventions and seminars for the California Chiropractic Association and was a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Through MPI, I learned from peers across the industry, participated in valuable educational programs, and developed relationships with hotel representatives who became trusted partners as I planned meetings throughout California. Those connections made me better at my job and opened doors I never would have found on my own.

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.
 

As I began writing this month’s Bar Bulletin article, I found myself wondering which observances are recognized in April. I soon discovered that the month is marked by a wide range of them including National Poetry Month and National Humor Month—reminders that creativity and laughter are not luxuries but necessities. April is also National Volunteer Month, a time to give back to the communities that sustain us, as well as Earth Month and National Garden Month. In addition, April is marked by the “Pink Moon,” signifying the arrival of spring, and in a modern spiritual context, a time for reflection, personal growth, and planning actions that align with one’s goals.

Each year on May 1, our nation observes Law Day, a time to reflect on one of the most fundamental founding principles of our democracy: the rule of law. Established by the American Bar Association in 1958 during a period of global uncertainty, Law Day was created to affirm the importance of legal institutions in protecting liberty, ensuring justice, and preserving the freedoms we often take for granted. Today, Law Day continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the essential role that law plays in shaping a fair and equitable society.

For more than 75 years, the King County Bar Association has conducted surveys and evaluations of judicial officers as part of its commitment to support an informed public, a strong legal profession, and a fair and effective judiciary. 

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.

As the year draws to a close, so too does the annual influx of donation requests from nonprofits across our region. Each envelope or email received represents an organization striving to meet urgent needs. If you are like me, your mailbox is fuller than ever with requests from those who provide essential human services and others who fight the diseases and social challenges that shape our daily headlines. When these requests come in, I am reminded of this year’s uncertainty; however, they also bring a renewed sense of hope as I see our community supporting one another in new and inspiring ways.

The rule of law is under pressure. As members of the legal profession, we are uniquely positioned to respond. The King County Bar Association’s newest volunteer initiative, the KCBA Civics Stewardship Program, offers attorneys and judges a meaningful opportunity to help the community understand its rights, responsibilities, and the essential role of justice in a democratic society.

One of my favorite traditions of our Bar is the annual gathering of past presidents from both the King County Bar Association and the King County Bar Foundation. What began years ago as an annual breakfast meeting has evolved into a cherished fall reception, blending food, fellowship, and reflection on the history and future of our organizations.
 

What sparked the creation of a resource that would become indispensable to generations of lawyers? How did a snowy day in the early 1970s lead to the birth of the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual? And how has a project that began as three volumes for young lawyers grown into a cornerstone of professional development and a vital source of support for all attorneys?