New Admittees

Swearing-in ceremonies are organized by KCBA to recognize one of the most important milestones that a new lawyer reaches: having a judicial officer administer the oath of attorney. Below are several specific questions and answers about the ceremonies. For a general overview, please read the article Finding the Fountain of Youth Through New Admittees that first appeared in the May 2019 KCBA Bar Bulletin. View photos from past ceremonies from the menu bar on the right side of this page.

General Questions

Q: When is your next swearing-in ceremony?
A: The next KCBA hosted Swearing-In Ceremony will be in the Spring of 2023, following the release of the WSBA Winter Bar Exam results.

Q: Are there other options/opportunities to be sworn-in?
A: As of January 2022, Chief Civil Judge Tanya L. Thorp will hold telephonic Oath of Attorney ceremonies, normally every 2^nd Thursday of the month promptly at 3:30 pm (see chart below).  The court has suspended in person walk-in ceremonies until further notice. 

To register for Judge Thorp’s monthly OATH OF ATTORNEY ceremony –
     - CLICK HERE to download the customized Oath of Attorney for March.  

• Print your name in the space provided exactly as you want it to appear on your bar card.
• Sign it (pen to paper only - no electronic signatures).
• Email a PDF file to membership@kcba.org with the subject line: "Your Last Name - Oath of Attorney". 
• You will receive a confirmation email when your signed oath is received.
• Each ceremony is limited to a maximum of 40 attendees.

LIMITED PRACTICE OFFICERS (LPO) and LIMITED LICENSE TECHNICIAN (LLLT)
Judge Thorp is also availing herself to those needing the LPO or LLLT oath administered.  The LPO/LLLT ceremony will be held immediately after the Oath of Attorney ceremony, normally on the 2^nd  Thursday each month at 3:50 pm (see chart below). 

To register for the monthly LPO/LLLT ceremony –
     - CLICK HERE to download the customized LPO Oath for March.
     - CLICK HERE to download the customized LLLT Oath for March.
     - Print your name in the space provided exactly as you want it to appear in WSBA files.
     - Sign it (pen to paper only - no electronic signatures).
     - Email a PDF file to membership@kcba.org with the subject line:
          - For LPO - "Your Last Name – LPO Oath”…or…
          - For LLLT - “Your Last Name – LLLT Oath”
     - You will receive a confirmation email when your signed oath is received.

Each ceremony is limited to the first 40 participants who submit a signed oath.

The deadline to submit your signed oath is 5:00 p.m., the Monday prior to each scheduled ceremony.
 

Joining KCBA

Q: When can I join KCBA?
A: Immediately! You do not need to wait for your bar card to join KCBA. You can join here.

Q: How much does it cost to join KCBA?
A: If the state of Washington is the first state bar you have been admitted to, dues are only $50 through June 2023. Your dues also include membership into two of KCBA’s sections ($80 value) and your choice of a chapter from the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual ($75 value).

Q: What if I’ve been admitted previously to another state?
A: Dues are as low as $95 – plus you’re still eligible for the two free sections and the free chapter of the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual. Contact membership@kcba.org to join.

Q: Why should I join KCBA as a new admittee?
A: We want to help you navigate your new career! You will automatically be a part of our New Lawyers Division, which dedicates itself to organizing events geared specifically towards new attorneys. Once COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted, these events include free monthly happy hours (perfect for making important connections), free monthly CLEs (learn what you weren’t taught in school), and opportunities to meet local lawyers in a more relaxed setting (Trivia Night, Virtual Cooking Classes, and non-law related community volunteer projects).

Q: Additional questions?
A: Contact our membership department at membership@kcba.org.