Page 5 - 2026 January February Magazine

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
JANUARY/FEBRUARY PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER By Elizabeth Vincent
It is ALMOST SPRING. Time to look around and (hopefully) rejuvenate
anything within reach – or sight! Of course, your Pierce County Lawyer
presents a bouquet of articles we hand-picked for your perusal.
[ PG. 6 ]
On the President’s Page Liz Johnson reflects on the past year of growth and change,
and expresses heartfelt appreciation to those who’ve helped to support and sustain her
this last year. At the Lincoln Day Banquet Liz will pass the torch, welcoming our new
President, Nina Caldwell, and the incoming Board members, with some glee.
[ PG. 9 ]
In her Briefly, Kit Kasner, our Bar’s Executive Director, offers thanks to the past Board of Trustee
members. She reminds ALL OF US about renewing memberships, plus getting your courthouse badge
stickers updated for this current year! Kit also mentions that our Lawyer Referral Service is looking
for “a few good people” to enhance our ability to serve our public.
[ PG. 11 ]
New President Nina Caldwell is profiled by Elizabeth Vincent, who notes that her dynamic
personal and academic background helped shape her interesting career. Nina is the President of
TPCBA’s Board of Trustees this year, and will go on as Past President next year, heading up 2027’s
Annual Convention.
[ PG. 13 ] A search is on for new contributors to this magazine. David Snell, who has served
diligently on our Magazine Committee for years, solicits our members to step forward and offer their
essays, opinions, legal analyses, and even short stories for the enlightenment of our readership.
Who knows what hidden depths lurk in the hearts and brains…
[ PG. 14 ]
John Cain pens an excellent editorial, with focus on the Law Library and the various upheavals and
changes it has endured these past months. Read it. It’s cognizant and thought-provoking and gives insight
into some facts about the library you may not know.
[ PG. 20 ] Need a history lesson? See John Weaver’s article detailing how Abraham Lincoln earned his
legal education and ultimately passed his local Bar Association’s test(s). How does your own experience
relate to Lincoln’s?
[ PG. 26 ]
Read David Shelby’s insightful essay on the benefits and problems posed by AI, exhorting
members to proceed with caution when implementing this innovation in their practice.
[ PG. 29 ]
Did you know that Family Court has moved? Superior Court Judge Matthew Thomas gives us
an update on what’s new.
[ PG. 32 ] Tacomaprobono keeps us informed on their various activities, including a look
ahead at funding. Their column also provides a mental health moment with photos, art, news
about their probono pup--and don’t miss the emotional support chicken!
It’s an array of sunshine-fresh offerings for your reading pleasure!
J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 6 | P I E R C E C O U N T Y L A W Y E R 5