This month, Spotlight on Mediation focuses on your most important asset—your reputation—and explains why it matters so much at mediation.

In addition to holiday parties and gatherings with friends and families, December brings the Winter Solstice. As days become colder and shorter, and nights get longer and darker, I often feel wrapped in contemplation (as well as my warm and cozy blanket). This natural turning point in the seasons serves as a powerful metaphor for optimism in the face of challenges. As the longest night of the year is immediately followed by longer days, we are reminded to look for places in our lives where things are getting brighter. Our bar is no exception.

I was surprised and delighted with the conversation, participants, Washington State Bar leadership and governors in attendance. This was the first among several “Listening Tour” sessions implemented by WSBA’s new president, executive director, and governors. The energy, earnestness, thoughtful issues, and apparent genuine receptivity were palpable. No grandstanding, but passion. Young and old with overlapping concerns and warm support. My only rant: I truly wish more folks had attended. For those who did not attend, I encourage you to share by way of WSBA survey or by email to bar leaders. And it might be helpful if you encourage or suggest that a program or service be added or cut, considering where the income to fund it could be obtained or what you think could be cut to provide it, as well as how it truly benefits our members and/or the public.

In December’s profile we get to know the King County Law Library Executive Director Barbara Engstrom.  We all enjoy reading Ms. Engstrom’s monthly Bar Bulletin column and will be delighted to learn more about her dynamic and engaging personality.  

RAP 17.6(b) provides that although “[o]rdinarily the judges decide a motion by an order,” they may also “decide a motion by an opinion.” Over the past three years the Court of Appeals has issued eight opinions under RAP 17.6(b) deciding motions — almost half of the opinions issued under the rule during its 47-year existence. This article documents the history of RAP 17.6(b) and explains why the Court of Appeals’ increased reliance on the rule is a welcome trend for practitioners.

The KCBA Kinship Care Solutions Project (KCSP) revamped its operations last year to provide services under the new Uniform Guardianship Act (UGA) which replaced Washington’s Nonparental Custody Act in 2021.

There are many options for Ethiopian food in and around Seattle, and, if you are like some of us, you may have no idea which one(s) to try. So, we set out to sample a few and hopefully blaze a path for those of you who have not yet tried such fare.

Aloha from King County Superior Court. My term as Presiding Judge ends at the beginning of 2024, and this will be my final PJ column.

Board Approves Short Term Investment Policy and New Board Member

Winter and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are around the corner. Trying to get more sunlight, staying socially connected, and practicing self-compassion are a few strategies for coping with the winter blues.