Did you miss Breakfast with Champions?  Perhaps, like us, you were there and inspired by former Seahawk Doug Baldwin’s message.  Either way, you won’t want to miss this month’s Spotlight on Mediation, which focuses on 89’s three pillars and mediation. 

A New Restaurant on Alki

We escaped Downtown and Capitol Hill for a change and celebrated the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge by taking a journey to check out Driftwood, 2722 Alki Avenue SW, 206.420.7381, https://www.driftwood
seattle.com/. Driftwood is a new restaurant (opened in January 2023) by Dan and Jackie Mallahan. It is in a prime location on Alki beach — our view included the mini-Statue of Liberty, as well as, of course, a sweeping view of the water. Its fairly small footprint is oriented toward the view, including bar type seating at the (open depending upon the weather) window (recommended).

This month, Jury Economics revisits first principles: communicating the client’s story to the jury.  Often, what we don’t say is just as impactful as what we do say.  Here are three ways choices about what not to say can help persuade the factfinder.

Greetings, I am writing the column this month to give KCBA members some insight into trial assignments and changes to our bench.

As Assistant Presiding Judge, one of my roles is to gather the chiefs of the various departments for a weekly meeting where we discuss the availability of courtrooms and where to assign trials. Each chief judge, Chief Criminal, Chief Civil, MRJC Chief, Chief UFC, Chief Juvenile, and Lead Dependency and Lead ITA, along with staff, meet once a week during the noon hour to compare notes, discuss length of trial and logistics of the cases, and which judges are available. Part of our calculus includes how many trial days are estimated, whether virtual or not, witness schedules including experts, interpreters, and any other logistics that would bear on the case. When you have your pretrial conferences with your respective judges, sharing this information is critical to land your case into an available trial court.

President Watson thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication. She also reminded them to attend the June 13 meeting. The Board then approved the March minutes by voice vote.

New Lawyers Division Chair Ben Byers presented highlights from the Spring Soirée, which honored mentors and raised $2,000 for the Pro Bono Emergency fund. Chair Byers thanked KCBA staff for helping the New Lawyer’s Division. ABA Liaison Kathleen Hopkins gave a shout out to Byers and the NLD volunteers for putting together annual care kits.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your President for the last twelve months. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

One of my favorite events at KCBA is the Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting. Each year in June we come together as a profession to honor our colleagues, to celebrate their achievements, and to shine a light on the amazing contributions each has made in the lives of others through their service and dedication to the profession. On June 20th we will gather at the Washington Athletic Club to recognize our members and volunteers for their distinguished and meritorious service to the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public in a profession-related activity.

Strengthening and Humanizing Our Justice System

Looking for even more inspiration?  Check out June’s profile to learn more about Melissa and her commitment to Washington’s vulnerable immigrant communities.  Looking for even more inspiration?  Check out June’s profile to learn more about Melissa and her commitment to Washington’s vulnerable immigrant communities. 

A Breakfast to Remember!

Thank you to everyone who joined King County Bar at the Westin Hotel on May 9th for the 2023 Breakfast With Champions! What a fantastic way to start the day!

Time heals all wounds. At least, that’s what some jerk said. For Conn, time helps. Helpful too would be a change of scenery. At some point during the dark days and irredeemable nights since Dirk’s accident Conn has felt a hypnotic, magnetic pull to visit his uncle. County Mayo. The Wild Atlantic Way. Why not?

The ancient widower lives alone at the foot of Pádraig’s Mountain. Conn has made the Atlantic crossing several times. Last time, he skipped Dublin and flew directly to the Shannon. The drive up the Atlantic coast reminded Conn of Mr. Toad’s wild ride. Small car, narrow winding streets, and oh, minor detail, they drive on the wrong side. Better stick to just one pint with lunch then.