Judge Chung Speaking at KCSC's annual dinner celebrating the 25th Anniversary of KABA's PRO BONO CLINIC.

About Founder Hon. Samuel Chung

Judge Chung was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench on May 21, 2014, by Governor Jay Inslee. He assumed the position previously occupied by the Hon. Mary Yu, who was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court on May 1st of that year.

Prior to that, Judge Chung served in private practice, with a focus on commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, from 1989 until his appointment to the Superior Court bench. He also served as a Pro Tem Judge in King County District Court.

HISTORY

The Beginning
In 1991, Judge Samuel Chung had an idea to start a Korean bar association to serve the local Korean community. He reached out to Korean attorneys in the area by contacting names listed in the Washington bar directory. For the first two years, about 5-6 attorneys met informally.

Growing KABA
During 2000 – 2011, KABA's membership and support from the greater community grew significantly. As a result, KABA expanded its services and role as a resource in the legal community. Importantly, KABA established a strong relationship with local law schools in order to connect with law students and provide opportunities to advance in the legal field through unofficial mentoring and a scholarship program.

Present Day
In response to a shaken economy recovering from the recession, KABA provided support to its members through networking events, including joint events with MBAs and Korean professional organizations, job opportunities and mentorship. KABA established its official mentorship program, connecting law students with practicing attorneys in order to provide additional guidance and support for those entering the legal field. KABA maintained its goal as an organization to give back to the community by continuing to run its pro bono clinics and offering workshops and legal seminars for the local Korean community. KABA continues to expand its community activism both nationally and globally, and continues to grow each year.

The Beginning
1992: KABA’s first legal clinic opens in June 1992.
1993: Judge Samuel Chung becomes the first KABA President.
1996: KABA hosts the International Association of Korean Attorneys (IAKL) for the first time.
2000: Michelle Chen becomes KABA's first female president and the first to serve 2 terms as president (again in 2011).

Growing Kaba
2001: KABA opens its second legal clinic; hosts the Korean Consulate General for the first time at KABA’s annual banquet.
2002: KABA experiences significant growth in membership and support from the legal community.
2003: KABA launches its first website.
2004: KABA begins the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee (JAJEC), scholarship program for law students, and connects with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
2006: KABA hosts IAKL for the second time; collaborates on initiatives with other minority bar associations (MBAs)

Present Day
2015: KABA partners with SHK Bank to increase law student scholarship funding
2017: KABA launches new website; hosts first holiday toy and gift drive event
2020: KABA approved the attached Support Statement In Response to the Murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, & Countless More, Nationwide Protests for Justice & Systemic Change, and Black Lives Matter.
2020: KABA joined 12 minority bar associations in issuing an open letter to the WSBA Board of Governors.
2024: With over three decades of leadership, KABA focuses on strengthening the relationships between alumni, current members, and the next generation of its membership.