Page 5 - Pierce County Lawyer - March April 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
MARCH/APRIL PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER By Elizabeth Vincent
Spring has arrived to the accompaniment of birds singing songs of renewal, the smell of freshly-mown
grass, the sight of buds peeking out of the earth with their promise of blooming color and cherry blossoms
presenting their momentary pops of pink. We are enjoying the spring-forward to longer days and the
anticipation of warmth in the season to come.
[ PG. 9 ]
Our stalwart Executive Director, Kit Kasner, reminds members to pay their local Bar dues. She also asks
members to save these dates, October 10th through 12th, for the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Convention
at Skamania Lodge. This year’s theme is “The Wizard of Oz”, in all its iterations, so get your costume ideas
together and plan to head over the rainbow to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in Stevens, WA for this
annual event.
[ PG. 10 ] Last month’s annual Lincoln Day Banquet brought together over 400 attendees, who celebrated
the outgoing Board members and welcomed our newly-elected officers, including President-Elect Nina Caldwell,
Secretary-Treasurer Laura Groves, and the 2025 – 2026 Trustees: Sven Nelson, Jason Johnson and David Snell.
Catherine Case passed the gavel to incoming President Elizabeth Johnson, who’s inaugural column invites us
all to get involved. She hopes to foster a collaborative and creative approach to the challenges we face ahead.
[ PG. 14 ]
This issue of the Pierce County Lawyer magazine highlights our new Bar officers, asking them for their
personal insights, such as a perfect day off and what they’d like to be remembered for. A theme appears to
emerge from these various bios—get outside!!
[ PG. 19 ] Robert Henry contributes an editorial in the form of a review of a recently-published biography
of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He notes that the author uses some broad brush strokes to
paint a portrait of a principled interpreter of Originalist doctrine, wholly disregarding Justice Thomas’
recently-exposed ethical challenges.
[ PG. 24 ]
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Diana Kiesel pens a tribute to her legal mentors, including the late
Superior Court Judge Waldo Stone, as well as retired Judges Frank Cuthbertson, Jack Nevin and Bryan Chushcoff.
As many of you know, Judge Kiesel has repaid in-kind by mentoring many young lawyers; in particular, the
externs on her staff while serving as a Superior Court Commissioner and Judge.
[ PG. 28 ] Michelle Luna presents Part 2 of the “Mediation Dance”, where partners refine their moves to get to
‘ZOPA’ (“Zone of Personal Agreement”). To me, that sounds like something you’d yell during a traditional Greek
line dance.
[ PG. 30 ]
Frequent columnist David Shelvey gives us timely pointers with his “Tax Tips for Solo Practitioners.”
He provides some hard-earned advice, having recently hung out his own shingle.
[ PG. 32 ]
Elizabeth Johnson profiles attorney Lauren Romero, who received the Service by a Young Attorney Award
at this year’s Lincoln Day Banquet. Stephen Seely’s Law Library News promotes the legal research tools they
offer for the most up-to-date information, and they provide free access to Westlaw! And Tacomaprobono’s
Laurie Davenport announces their re-established Native American Legal Aid Program, as well as the expansion
of their Family Safety Project.
To quote Pliny the Elder, “From the end springs new beginnings.”
Enjoy the extra sun and the hope that Spring promises!
M a r c h /A p r i l 2 0 2 5 | P I E R C E C O U N T Y L A W Y E R 5