2003 Board of Governors Election & Candidates' Biographical Statements
1st District
Kristin G. Olson, governor-elect, 1st District, is a shareholder in O'Shea Barnard Martin in Bellevue and has engaged in commercial litigation practice since 1991, when she graduated from the University of Washington School of Law. Kristin has been actively involved in bar activities. She served as trustee of the East King County Bar Association for several years, as its secretary in 1997, its vice-president in 1998 and its president in 1999. Kristin served as trustee of the King County Bar Association from 2000 to 2002. She would be honored to serve on the Board of Governors for the 1st District. As 1st District governor she would represent her constituents to the best of her ability and would try to ensure that their needs are met by the WSBA.
5th District
Peter J. Karademos, candidate, 5th District, has been an attorney since 1974, working in civil litigation, criminal cases and probate; currently in family law. Involved at the state level in the WSBA Legal Assistants Committee; Family Law Executive Committee (13 years); the WSBA Legislative Committee, currently as vice chair; and 13 years as Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem for Spokane County. He has reviewed hundreds of legislative bills and drafted bills adopted as law; attends three to five Board of Governors' meetings per year as a liaison, fully understanding the Board's workings. Peter emphasizes his goal of representing attorneys' interests rather than making politically expedient decisions. He has enjoyed his participation at the state level, and promises to continue to work hard on your behalf. With over 29 years of experience in numerous areas, he fully understands problems and concerns of lawyers working in many aspects of the law. Peter thanks you for your consideration.
Mark H. Kim, candidate, 5th District, was admitted to the Bar in 1997. Mark's service to the legal community began as a trustee of the Spokane County Young Lawyers. His service continued with the Young Lawyers, being elected as president for 2001. Currently, he is chair of the Greater Access and Assistance Project (GAAP), and a committee member of the Law Office Management Assistance Program Committee (LOMAP). He was awarded the Professionalism Award for 2002 by the WSBA Young Lawyers Division. Mark is a lawyer devoted to uplifting the legal community by providing innovative ideas in addressing the challenges lawyers face in this district. He seeks your support to be elected to the Board of Governors to continue his service.
Michael J. Pontarolo, candidate, 5th District, states: "As lawyers, we're called to be stewards of our profession, to face challenges, listen and seek solutions." For 30 years he has accepted this calling as an adjunct law professor; special district counsel, Disciplinary Board; chair, Judicial Recommendation and Character and Fitness committees; committee membership including Interprofessional; Consumer Protection; Rules of Professional Conduct; chair, Spokane County Liaison; and president, Spokane County Bar Association. Each position has provided insight into the Bar. Being an effective governor requires time, energy, common sense, decisiveness, and listening to 5th District members. He wishes to bring these qualities to the position and welcomes the opportunity to serve.
7th-West District
Kevin C. Baumgardner, candidate, 7th-West District, lives on Vashon Island, and has practiced law in Seattle for nearly 19 years. He is currently a partner at Corr Cronin, where his practice is focused on civil litigation. From 1984 to 1999, he was at Bogle & Gates, where he was a member of that firm's executive committee and chair of the product liability practice group. Having been part of both a large law firm and now a much smaller firm, he has an appreciation for the wide variety of challenges and concerns that face lawyers on a daily basis. As a WSBA governor, he wants to serve the diverse interests of all lawyers.
Ellen Conedera Dial, candidate, 7th-West District, moved to Washington in 1977 with her husband and two young children. They learned that Washington is a wonderful place to raise a family, pursue a career (Joe in public education, Ellen in the law), and be involved in the community. Now a 23-year member of the WSBA, she is deeply impressed by the commitment of its lawyers to the success and integrity of our legal system. She is inspired by that commitment to seek a seat on the Board of Governors to contribute what she may to the future strength of the WSBA.
Mark Johnson, candidate, 7th-West District, is 49 years old and was admitted to practice in 1978. He is a member of Johnson-Flora, a Seattle professional liability trial-practice firm. He is the current chair of the WSBA's Character and Fitness Committee and a member of the Professional Development Committee. He has authored approximately one-half dozen articles that have been published in WSTLA's Trial News and the WSBA's Bar News. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1997.
Note: The seventh district is divided into three regions, identified by ZIP codes:
- 7th-West: 98013, 98070, 98106, 98107, 98116, 98117, 98119, 98121, 98126, 98133, 98136, 98146, 98199
- 7th-East: 98105, 98115, 98118, 98122, 98125, 98144, 98155, 98178
- 7th-Central: 98102, 98103, 98104, 98108, 98109, 98112, 98134, 98168
