When I started my term a year ago, I certainly did not anticipate that we would be called upon to offer statements of support and join amicus briefs for law firms in our community, pushing back against sanctions from Executive Orders directed at these firms. I knew I would be attending the ceremonies where our newest members of the Washington bar take their oath, led by our Presiding Judge, Ketu Shah. The oath ceremony is one of the best events I get invited to as a member of the KCBA Board. Our new members exude such positive energy, and it’s really very exciting to think about all the contributions they will make in years to come. I definitely did not predict how these events would ultimately be linked, but it turned out to be a high point of my term.

As I sat down to write this column, I found myself reflecting on my time at the King County Bar Association and, in particular, my very first responsibilities as Associate Executive Director. A glance through my archived emails revealed that one of my earliest assignments — dating all the way back to February 2007 — was to serve as the staff liaison to the KCBA Awards Committee. Nineteen years and a position change later, I’m still honored to support this dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom return year after year to thoughtfully select the recipients of the Association’s annual awards.
 

In "Always Appealing," accomplished attorney Catherine Smith explores a key irony: the stronger the legal issue on appeal, the more likely a case will be remanded to the same judge whose ruling was reversed. Using the recent Washington Supreme Court case State v. Gator’s Custom Guns as a springboard, Smith explains the standards governing judicial reassignment on remand, highlighting that such reassignment is rare and generally only warranted when a judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Smith notes that this rarity can discourage even meritorious appeals, as litigants often lack confidence that the same judge will apply the corrected law impartially, which is a perception to fight against.

Jami Fiorito heard about our Kinship Care Solutions Project while volunteering with the KCBA Neighborhood Legal Clinics. Jami doesn’t shy away from a challenge.

What came next revealed her aptitude for litigation — and her deep commitment to pro bono service.
 

Natalie Roberts, a seasoned family-law attorney, is known for her litigation acumen and empathetic advocacy. As she steps into partnership at Wechsler Becker, she reflects on the chance encounter that inspired her to pursue law, and the fulfilling career that followed. Roberts draws on her background as an athlete to promote civility and balance, and emphasizes the importance of calendaring nonwork commitments to preserve time for family, community, and rest. She led KCBA’s family-law section this past year and encourages practitioners not to shy away from family law, highlighting its complexity, interdisciplinary nature, and profound capacity to positively affect people’s lives.

A group of prospective jurors clambers into the courtroom (or Zoom room), and the attorneys scan the crowd. Looking at a random group of their peers, naturally an attorney on one or both sides leans into a colleague and whispers “looks like a motley crew.” Typical Monday morning.

In "The Double-Edged Sword," Eric Gillett explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence for lawyers and mediators. Drawing from personal reflections and professional insight, Gillett outlines AI’s powerful capabilities — such as analyzing documents, evaluating risks, and streamlining processes — while cautioning against its limits and ethical pitfalls and recognizing AI’s potential to enhance our work.

In “Decades of Dedication,” Bridget Schuster spotlights the enduring commitment of longtime Table Captains at our Breakfast With Champions. Some have supported the annual event for over 15 years — and its mission to fund access-to-justice initiatives. Through their own reflections, these Table Captains answer why they carry on with support, their favorite keynote speeches over the years, and more. Their stories underscore the vital role of sustained volunteer leadership in advancing KCBF’s work and fostering camaraderie across the King County legal community.

What a great way to start the day! Thanks to everyone who turned out bright and early at the Westin on May 6. Your participation made this a hugely successful event.

Members of the King County Bar Association find lasting relationships; gain business, career, and legal insights; and give back to the community through committee work, donations, and pro bono service. Our community accomplished amazing things this past year, and I am certain our new membership year (starting July 1, 2025) will bring even more opportunities for every attorney.