We’re in the midst of summer now, and it’s hard not to think of all the tasks that haven’t been completed and hours that haven’t been filled. Still, August might be a month in which we let go of what no longer supports our growth — professionally and personally. By letting go of habits that hinder progress, such as unnecessary perfectionism, overcommitment, and procrastination, we can create space for clarity, innovation, and well-being — within our team and in how we serve our clients.

Two new office spaces located near Issaquah and Meridian.

King County Bar was saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Noland. He was an innovative KCBA board president, a consummate gentleman, and an unwavering advocate for justice, peace, and global understanding.

Appellate lawyer Ian C. Cairns argues that Washington courts should interpret RAP 2.3(b)(3) in line with its original purpose: allowing discretionary review when a trial court decision threatens important rights and cannot be effectively remedied through appeal. While a recent Washington Supreme Court decision rightly rejected a narrow interpretation of the rule, Cairns believes the court missed an opportunity to center the analysis on whether post-judgment relief would be inadequate. Tracing the rule’s roots in writ practice and reviewing precedent, he contends that RAP 2.3(b)(3) is meant to function as a safety valve in exceptional cases when waiting for final judgment would cause irreparable harm.

Eric Gillett examines the shift in mediation expectations, as parties increasingly seek not just facilitation but strategic guidance. He contrasts facilitative mediators — who focus on process and party autonomy — with evaluative mediators, who offer legal opinions and settlement pressure. Gillett advocates for a flexible, hybrid approach, where the mediator adjusts style based on trust, timing, and the case’s needs. He encourages attorneys to choose mediators intentionally, as the right fit can significantly influence both the process and the outcome.

At the start of this year of service as KCBA President, I am humbled by the opportunity the membership has given me, and the entire Board of Trustees, to lead this organization. I am also aware of both the successes and challenges we face as a voluntary bar association, as lawyers, and as a society.

Summer is here, and as July begins, we close out our current membership year and start transitioning to working with new leaders across the King County Bar Association.

Katina Thornock always wanted to be a lawyer. At around age 10, she was given a briefcase as a present. She has a picture of herself proudly carrying that briefcase, full of solutions. She was ready to go.

Legal educator Kiyoko Kamio reflects on how storytelling can bridge the gap between abstract legal principles and lived human experiences, especially in a society where poverty is often overlooked. Drawing from her experiences in Tokyo and inspired by a controversial U.S. Supreme Court case, Kamio wrote Bohemians, a novel that follows marginalized youth in Shibuya and explores meritocracy, inequality, and the emotional power of art in a world that often excludes the poor. By integrating fiction into legal education, she aims to make the law more accessible and empathetic, inviting students into a global, transnational dialogue about justice and voice.

Kevin R. Boully and Thomas M. O’Toole argue that attorneys often assume jurors understand the structure and logic of their case, when in fact jurors may miss key points. Drawing on a study where listeners failed to recognize familiar songs without context, they show how courtroom communication breaks down similarly. The authors offer four strategies to “whisper” structure to jurors during witness examinations. These subtle cues help jurors follow complex testimony and apply the law more effectively.