BENCHMARKS THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT OF OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

“Energy, Good Judgement and Humor” Thoughts on Renowned Mediator Sid Lezak Rembering Sid Lezak isn’t difficult, but getting it Sid Lezak: One of the “Good Guys” down on paper can be. We look forward to running of Oregon’s Justice System a longer article based on his oral history, but in the By Judge Donal Sullivan interim, Benchmarks asked several people to share Sid Lezak was one of the “good guys” of Oregon’s some thoughts and memories of working with Sid justice system. He was chosen by President John F. Lezak at various times throughout his long career. Kennedy to be Oregon’s U.S. Attorney in 1961 but owing to a dispute over prerogatives among the Remembering Sid Lezak Oregon senatorial and congressional delegation, his by Heather Van Meter appointments was not confirmed by the Senate for Sid Lezak, “a brave and bril- a number of years. During this period, he represented liant man” as noted in an Orego- the United States in criminal and civil matters in nian editorial, passed away on Oregon as “acting” U.S. Attorney. He always acted April 24, 2006. A memorial was with intelligence, firmness, and good humor even held for him at the Portland though his appointment was in limbo at first. He Hilton on May 4, 2006. There was a kind person. Sidney Lezak, were federal and state court One of the earlier important criminal cases was a 1924 – 2006 judges, lawyers, friends, family mail fraud case, which the district court scheduled and others in attendance at the for trial before a jury in Pendleton, Oregon. The packed ballroom wanting to pay their respects to night before trial and after driving from Portland, Oregon’s longest-serving U.S. Attorney and father Lezak inspected the new courtroom. Because of the of mediation in Oregon. The memorial was filled number of participants, he commenced rearranging with heart-warming remembrances of Lezak’s youth the furniture. During the midst of this process, the in Chicago, his move to Oregon, his time as U.S. judge, who was known for both good humor and Attorney, and his dispute resolution practice. Speak- temper, came in and rather vociferously objected to ers included Chicago friends Peggy Weil and Mike Sidney’s rearrangement of the furniture. Needless to Katz, former law partner Verne Newcomb, former say, the furniture was restored to its initial place- law clerk and mediation cohort Susan Hammer, ment. The district judge’s refrain “This is my court- former law clerk and Oregon U.S. Attorney Kris room!” still echoes in the halls of the Pendleton Olson, and long-time friends Fran Storrs and Norm Continue on page 4 Sepenuk. Stories included Lezak’s 1972 resignation from the Portland City Club over their refusal to admit women, trips to the Middle East to assist with the peace efforts between Palestine and Israel, his promotion of indigent legal defense and an enlight- ened drug policy while U.S. Attorney, his support of the Campaign for Equal Justice and Planned Par- enthood, and serving as the first chair of the Or- egon Dispute Resolution Commission. Family members Anne Lezak, Miriam Lezak, Adrian Chen, and David Lezak relayed touching and funny sto- ries of their time and relationship with Lezak. Rev. Rodney Page led the memorial by noting that fair- Sid Lezak (center) enjoying a USDCHS picnic flanked by (from left) his wife, Miriam, Jack Collins, Judge Alfred ness, compassion and justice were Lezak’s stock in Goodwin and Judge Ancer Haggerty. trade, and so shall he be remembered.

SUMMER 2006 President’s Message Magistrate Judge George E. Juba The Society has had a busy spring and looks forward to an even by Janice Dilg busier summer. As a supporter of the recently released biography eorge E. Juba, the first federal by Harry Stein, Gus J. Solomon: Liberal Politics, Jews and the Gmagistrate judge in the state of Federal Courts, the Society co-sponsored the book release party. Oregon, died June 6, 2006. During the Harry noted that very few biographies district court judge have spring of this year, Judge Juba added been published. The book is available through the Oregon His- his oral history to the ongoing project torical Society, and soon, through a link from our website. It is of the U.S. District Court of Oregon also reviewed in this newsletter. (If you haven’t visited the Society’s Historical Society. Over three inter- website you should—www.usdchs.org). view sessions he recalled his long and By the time you receive this newsletter, the summer associate varied career in Oregon’s legal com- program for law clerks will have occurred at the U.S. District Courthouse. munity, both at the bar and at the Currently we expect 140 law students to participate and learn about federal bench. court practice—our largest program yet. The law clerk program is followed Born in Washougal, Washington on by our annual Bench and Bar Social. I hope I saw you there. Thanks to the January 11, event co-chairs, Kristin Hazard Hamilton and Kari Furnanz, for planning 1928, Juba left both those events. You should be marking your calendars for the USDCHS the area during annual picnic on August 20 at Judge Leavy’s hop farm. It is a wonderful a two-year stint family event, and if you are too old to ride the ponies, Judge Leavy will take in the U.S. on a hayride. Navy. Using the Sadly, Sid Lezak and Judge Juba both passed away since the last newsletter. GI Bill, Juba Sid Lezak is best known as a long-time U.S. Attorney for Oregon (1961 – earned a degree 82). I never knew him in that capacity; I first met him as a mediator when he in business ad- convinced me with wit and charm to settle a case. Thereafter I was fortunate ministration at to see him at many other Bar events and I think he may have had a tale to tell Willamette Uni- Judge George Juba. on each of you. But I don’t recall ever hearing any mean gossip from Sid, just versity. He soon 1928 – 2006 clever, funny tales that conveyed his enjoyment of life and the practice of law. returned to This newsletter contains remembrances of Sid Lezak by some of his colleagues. Willamette Law School and graduated Sid Lezak also hired Judge Juba at one time in the Judge’s career. However, with honors in 1956. During his col- any work Judge Juba may have done as an assistant U.S. Attorney is com- lege years, George Juba met and mar- pletely overshadowed by his impact as Oregon’s first magistrate. It wasn’t ried Suzanne Mellor, and together they until I talked with one of his peers that I learned that Judge Juba defined the raised two children, Karen Hanson word magistrate—literally. (Portland) and David Juba (Bend). When Judge Juba became magistrate there was not a clear job description. George Juba began his legal career Judge Juba encouraged parties to consent to a magistrate before the idea of at the firm of Miller Nash. In the late consents was ever heard of, much less codified. With the full cooperation of 1950s he left that firm to become an the three Oregon federal judges, Judge Juba handled any aspect of cases not assistant U.S. attorney in Portland. expressly forbidden by law. When the judicial committee reviewed magis- Three years later he fulfilled a life-long trates, the “Oregon way” was codified into law. Though you do hear that in ambition when he joined the FBI. His other districts magistrates are still not utilized to their full potential. Maybe postings included Denver, New Or- those districts needed Judge Juba. leans, and Biloxi, Mississippi. By the Enjoy the Oregon summer and I look forward to seeing you at our annual mid 1960s, Juba and his family re- picnic. turned to Portland and he returned to the US Attorney’s office, then under Jenifer Johnston, President the leadership of Sid Lezak. As gover- nor, Mark O. Hatfield appointed George Juba to serve as a Multnomah district court judge. He followed his time there with several years in the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office as George Van Hoomissen’s chief deputy. George Juba’s lasting contribution to the judicial system of Oregon was Continue on page 7 2 Oregon’s Groundbreaking Federal Drug Court By Adair Law

2006 has been an important year for first Federal Drug Court Program in the United States. While drug courts have been in use throughout the United States at state and local levels since the late 1980s, Oregon is the first district court to set up a federal pro- gram and launch its first graduates, two in Eugene and eight in Portland.

HISTORY Oregon’s Drug Court grew out of a drug summit that was convened in January 2004. The idea for the sum- mit was spearheaded by Judge Ann Aiken. It brought together represen- tatives from the District Court, the U.S. Attorney, the Federal Public De- Judge James Redden (left) asked “the boss” Chief Judge Ancer Haggerty to say a fender, the U.S. Probation Office and few words to the first Drug Court graduates. Photo by Bryan Thompson. treatment providers to look at alter- evaluated and the candidate is inter- includes a U.S. District Court Judge, nate ways to deal with the increase in viewed by the Probation Officer. For an assistant U.S. attorney, an assistant drug cases. Federal Public Defender those chosen to join, all parties execute federal public defender, a U.S. proba- Steve Wax suggested organizing a fed- a standard Drug Court contract which tion officer and a treatment provider. eral drug court and Judge Ann Aiken, transfers the participant’s supervision Decisions are made by consensus of who’d had prior experience with drug from the Probation Office to the Drug the team. They work together to help courts on a state court level, helped to Court Team. Each drug court team Continue on page 7 get the ball rolling. Most of the par- ticipants came to the meeting well aware that the Federal Judicial Con- Annual Picnic Celebrates ference didn’t really want a specialized court, and that, in the words of Port- Longevity in Law Partnerships land Federal Probation Officer Eric annual Suing, “If you’re looking for more Mark your calendars for the United States District Court of money, forget about it.” They also Oregon Historical Society Picnic: knew that they needed to find some Sunday, August 20, 2006, new options for drug cases. With hard starting 1:00 p.m work and an impressive amount of at . The picnic will be held collaboration among all the parties at the Leavy family hop farm near concerned, the first Federal Drug Champoeg Park. Court program in the United States We are contacting law firms was up and running in Eugene in throughout the state to identify law- January 2005 (presided over by yers who have been in one or more Judge Ann Aiken) and in Portland in partnerships for over 25 years. We want to honor these long-term partners May 2005 (presided over by Judge at the picnic. If you know of partners that meet this criteria, please contact James Redden). Mary Ellis in Judge Leavy’s chambers at (503) 833-5350. In addition to the individual honorees, there will be visual and written displays of law firm WHAT IS DRUG COURT? history. Drug Court is a one-year minimum, This event is free, with food from Cathy’s Texas Bar-B-Q and music voluntary program. Successfully com- from Lisa and Her Kin. We’ll have a program for the honorees, as well as pleting Drug Court can reduce a activities for children, including pony rides and crafts. Honored partners participant’s term of probation or su- are encouraged to invite any clients who may be interested in attending. pervised release (usually between 24- This event is always well-attended and enjoyed. 36 months) by 12 months. To join Please RSVP by emailing Linda Sherry at [email protected] Drug Court, an individual’s history is or calling (503) 326-8150.

3 United States Attorneys, to undertake large federal white-collar crime pros- Remembering Sid Lezak continued from page 1 ecutions in Oregon, and to mediate the local violence of the Vietnam era. Dur- ing that time, he was asked, “Why courthouse. It Sid Lezak, HURRAH! don’t you resign?” He replied, “I could took months By Jack Gore Collins do more on the inside than on a picket for Sidney to Sidney I. Lezak remains a storied fig- line.” And he could and did. A by- overcome his ure in the legal history of Oregon. His product of his employment of large annoyance at three careers as trial attorney, United numbers of law clerks is an extended the judge’s re- States Attorney and mediator are sto- alumni organization. action. ries of energy, good judgment, and hu- At the close of his tenure as United An example mor. He had one rule for his Assistants, State Attorney at age 58, he began an of Lezak’s “Don’t do anything that you would not active career as mediator. He became courage came want my mother to read about in the known for being very good at helping when early Chicago Tribune;” and later the Los parties voluntarily resolve their differ- on, he received instructions from no Angeles Times, where she lived. A cor- ences. In doing so he had a “magic less than the Attorney General to dis- ollary to his rule was, “If you don’t question.” After appropriate prepara- charge an assistant in his office. Alleg- understand this rule, you should not tion, he would ask each party “Would edly, the person behind the demand for be working here.” you consider...?” Often it was some- discharge had been indicted for rack- His second longest tenure as a United thing neither had thought of. eteering offenses in the state court and States Attorney (1961-1982) was due In Oregon, alternative dispute reso- years before had been an informant for to his own good work, that of his of- lution (ADR) has become and integral the U.S. Senate Rackets Committee fice, and an insistence in remaining part of the judicial system. Sid Lezak while the assistant was with the Oregon apart from the notoriety of politics. He had a lot to do with that. Each year an District Attorney’s Office. Lezak dis- did not go to political dinners or ral- award is presented in his name to an agreed with the instructions from lies. On a rare exception, he took me outstanding mediator. Washington and would not comply along to a rally for Attorney General If you will step back from your im- even though he himself risked dis- Robert Kennedy, who had appointed mediate disagreement with one of charge. Eventually, Sidney prevailed. me as an assistant United States Attor- Sid’s decisions, you will join a large According to one source, Lezak met ney in 1963. Sid occasionally referred majority who agree, it was the right the Attorney General at a reception on to the final line of my job application, thing to do. his first visit to Washington. Lezak, “I want to join the New Frontier.” Jack Collins worked in the Oregon standing in a reception line noticed that They were exciting, forward-looking U.S. Attorney’s office on a range of the zipper in the Attorney General’s times. We did not ask what our coun- cases and in a variety of capacities trousers was half open. Although many try could do for us. from 1963 – 95. people in line had to have noticed the Sid was among the first to hire potential embarrassment to the Attor- women as Assistant United States At- He Made The Whole World Kin ney General, it was Lezak who, in put- torneys, the first to frequently use By Kris Olson ting forth his hand said “Mr. Attorney agency lawyers as Special Assistant Much is made of Sid the Mediator, and General, your fly is open.” Lezak re- deservedly so, yet Sid was truly omni- ceived a cold response. dimensional, and relished a good fight There was rarely a public gathering for a just cause. As a matter of fact, he where people were not naturally often said, “That’s what really gets my crowded around Sid Lezak, regardless juices flowing!” of the occasion for the gathering. Sid Sid looms large on our civic land- had a magnetism that attracted people, scape because he was not one to shrink. who, in turn, always left with a smile. He tackled the difficult issues: the need All who knew Sid Lezak are richer for for an enlightened drug policy; repro- having known him. Most of all, the ductive rights; death with dignity; cam- State of Oregon will miss him. He was paign finance; Palestinian rights; and a gentleman. reform for Draconian sentencing Judge Donal Sullivan worked in the schemes. He promoted women litigators U.S. Attorney’s office from 1961–63. An enthusiastic particpant in the Or- and flexible ways to work, before OWLS egon State Bar tent shows in the late He was Clerk of the Court under Judge was a glint in anyone’s eye. 1950s, Sid Lezak (far right) sings with Gus Solomon and was made a federal (from left) Richard Helgeson, Edwin Sid held the power of prosecution, bankruptcy referee (and later, judge) in Peterson and Donald Krause. but his hallmark was using discretion. 1969. Photo courtesy of the Oregon State Bar. When he felt his hands were tied, he 4 reached out afterwards to assist sympathy, of generosity, or of un- things with a straight face. He could former defendants. “I believe in re- derstanding. Without these, man see my value when I couldn’t. I later demption!” was one of his mantras. is dead....These emotions grow learned that this is what a mentor and And he practiced it, by participating from his associations with his fel- friend at his/her best can do. in the Oregon State Penitentiary’s low-man. They are the children of As I look back, I remember a 32- “Lifers” Club” and adopting a “Cot- imagination. They spring from year running tutorial on social jus- tage” at the McLaren detention fa- sensing the weakness, the troubles, tice and civic involvement. Sid was cility for juvenile boys. Before long, and the sorrows of all those who my own historian. He was full of tales they were all calling him “Uncle live. They make the whole world of political struggles that made a dif- Sidney” as well. kin. ference, challenges to discriminatory The concepts of justice and fairness practices at Portland’s clubs (City became goodwill and generosity on Kris Olson served as assistant U.S. Club, Arlington Club, University Sid’s ground. He could connect with Attorney for Oregon from 1974 –84, Club, MAC), stories of the presidents anyone, find common lingo. Jazz and and as Oregon’s U.S. Attorney from he served, and colorful descriptions blues were a good medium for Sid, be- 1994 – 2001. She is the author of the of J. Edgar Hoover. It was all fasci- cause he was constantly adjusting, biography Standing Tall: The Lifeway nating. He pushed me to become in- playing off another’s riff. His life was of Kathryn Jones Harrison. volved in non-profit organizations, the best sort of improvisation. bar activities and political campaigns. Sid’s omnivorous nature was appar- Reflections on Sid Lezak To my surprise, he urged me not to ent when I was sorting through his By Susan Hammer work very hard at planning my life books with his family. His shelves were Except for my own father, Sid Lezak but just to embrace those things that filled with history, politics, Yiddish had the greatest impact on my life of were worthwhile and interesting, let- texts, art, music, theatre, and human any man from his generation. Al- ting “serendipity” take care of the rights treatises. The biggest category though I feel incredibly lucky, I am rest. was law, but not the legal tomes you not unique; quite the opposite. Dur- Sid opened too many doors for me would find in a practicing lawyer’s of- ing his lifetime, Sid adopted hundreds to name here, but I will mention one. fice. Instead, it was the politics, psy- of us. He became “Uncle Sidney”— In 2001 he nominated me to be a fel- chology, and sociology of legal the one who advised us at every stage low with the International Academy principles. The largest number—by of our careers and at every milestone of Mediators, giving me an unequal far—was one-of-a-kind, defying cat- in our personal lives. He helped us opportunity to meet colleagues and egorization, like Sid himself. find jobs, introduced us to his enor- form friendships with leaders in the One book stood out, obviously well- mous network of friends, found some emerging profession of mediation. I loved and often read: a collection of of us mates, and helped some of us thanked him profusely. He said, “You essays by Clarence Darrow. Unusually through divorces, deaths in the fam- know, you are part of my legacy.” for him, Sid had signed it, underlined ily and illnesses. He was among the This is perhaps the most powerful some of its pages. It readily fell open first to celebrate our little life victo- thing that any of us can say to a to a coffee-stained page, marked with ries and provide comfort, humor and younger person in our life. It’s irre- a corner of a forty-year-old page from perspective when we were down. sistible. Sid inspired me to mentor . When he was about I clerked in the U.S. Attorney’s of- others and to continue the tradition. ten, Sid met Clarence Darrow in a phar- fice in 1974 and 1975. Afterwards, Susan Hammer is a Portland attor- macy in his Chicago neighborhood. Sid wrote an over-the-top letter of ref- ney and mediator. She is the 2006 re- Darrow became Sid’s hero, a gladiator erence that I read again and again, cipient of the Judge James Burns who fought for social justice. This par- wondering how he could say these Federal Practice Award. ticular essay, written for Scribner’s magazine in 1932, is entitled “Who Knows Justice?”. It seems no accident CALENDAR that Sid highlighted this last passage: August 20: Annual USDCHS Picnic (see page 3 for details) Justice never can be a lofty ideal. 1:00 – 4 p.m., Judge Leavy’s Farm It has no emotions nor passions. It has no wings. Its highest flight September 21: Famous Cases is to the Blind Goddess that stands 4:00 – 5:45 p.m. on the courthouse roof. It savors Confirm date and topic at www.usdchs.org of syllogisms and fine distinctions which have no meaning or value October 26: Annual Meeting and Dinner in the important matters of life. 5:30 p.m. No-host Cocktails But there is no uncertainty in the 6:30 p.m. Dinner meaning and effect of charity, of 5 ON OUR MEMBERS’ BOOKSHELVES

Gus J. Solomon: Liberal Politics, Jews, and the ponential growth in the number of Federal Courts cases and virtually no growth in judi- By Harry H. Stein cial or support personnel. Oregon Historical Society Press, 2006 Solomon’s judicial philosophy of “pragmatic justice” allowed him to Reviewed by Mary Ellen Farr keep the court calendar moving at an impressive rate. For example, Solomon In this very engaging causes for which Solomon worked in tried an obscenity case scheduled for work of local history, the first decades of the 1900s reveals five weeks of trial in California in fewer Harry H. Stein docu- much about the changes which Or- than four trial days. Stein also sets out ments the life of one of egon, its businesses, and its legal com- Solomon’s philosophy about what the Oregon’s most memo- munity confronted during that time. In role of a judge should be. Solomon did rable jurists, Gus addition to civil rights groups like the not believe in so-called activism on the Solomon, the forces that shaped him, ACLU and Jewish groups, Solomon bench: and his impact on the federal court helped to establish a meaningful Legal Solomon’s legal philosophy was in Oregon. Stein uses a number of the Aid program, and worked to develop rooted in his earlier legal realism, oral histories collected by the U.S. public power. Stein’s analysis of the a strong sense of individual re- District Court Historical Society as development of the New Deal mental- sponsibility, and a keen regard for sources for this history. The book is ity is fascinating, and Solomon’s own active government. He firmly be- worthwhile not only because of what belief in the power of government to lieved that judges ought to be the author tells us about Solomon, solve societal problems provides an apt cautions and self-effacing and but also because of its insights into starting point for the discussion. restrain their adjudication. . . . the political history of Portland and Stein portrays Solomon as a dedi- Judges, he believed, ought to fur- Oregon. cated civil rights pioneer who could nish workable decisions and Solomon was born in Portland in also acknowledge his own flaws, ad- avoid statements of transcendent 1906 to a family of Eastern European mitting his failure to stand up against principles. Jewish immigrants during an era the internment of the Japanese during Stein’s discussion of Solomon’s ten- when Jews were not welcome in many World War II. Although Solomon ure on the federal bench is peppered of Portland’s professions and social spoke out against the internment from with anecdotes about life in Portland’s organizations. Throughout the book, time to time, he later castigated him- legal community and in the court. For Stein uses Solomon’s own quotations self for not being more forceful and for example, Stein notes that the three to illuminate the discussion. Stein not realizing that he would have had federal judges in Portland’s court did charts the effect Solomon’s family’s allies in such a fight. Stein notes that not begin wearing black robes until background had on him, inculcating groups which were committed to fight- 1950. Through his discussion of his sense of patriotism, intolerance for ing discrimination, including several in Solomon’s judicial career, Stein also injustice, and commitment to the which Solomon was active, were qui- documents such things as the adop- weak and oppressed of society. Stein escent about the internments. Against tion and implementation of the Fed- also documents the challenges this Stein also credits Solomon for his eral Rules of Civil Procedure and the Solomon faced as a Jewish lawyer later actions in supporting women and later local rules. Although the subject committed to social activism in the minorities in the court and the legal may seem dry and arcane, Stein does first half of the twentieth century in community. an excellent job of putting these in a a conservative city and state. The “campaign” of Solomon and his context of the development of the ju- Stein devotes considerable space to friends, particularly his law partner dicial model which holds sway in the discussion of Solomon’s activism and Ray Kell, from early 1949 until June federal courts today. support of free speech. Of particular 1950, to put Solomon on the bench Even after Solomon reluctantly took interest is Solomon’s involvement demonstrates the nature of local, na- senior status in 1971, he continued to with groups considered to be Com- tional, and court politics at the time. work at least fifty-hour weeks. Solomon munist before World War II. Al- Stein does a good job of pointing out died in 1987 at the age of eighty. Stein though Solomon worked with those the ironies in Solomon’s personality: on concludes that “Solomon passed into groups and supported them in their the one hand, he was irascible and in- legal folklore as a just, smart, capable, struggle to exercise their civil rights, tolerant in court; on the other hand, and unusually tough judge . . .” Stein’s Solomon himself was strongly op- he was engaging and ultimately re- book is an excellent tribute to the man, posed to the philosophy they es- vered. Solomon became presiding judge the judge, and the court. poused. Stein’s discussion of the in 1958 in a court that was seeing ex-

6 Federal Drug Court continued from page 3 Civil Rights Exhibit participants maintain sobriety and at the Courthouse achieve personal and program goals. By Heather Van Meter The team meets prior to each semi- monthly court session and reviews the he Oregon Council for the Hu- participant’s progress based on reports Tmanities recently sponsored a from treatment providers, probation traveling exhibit titled “The Road to officers, employers, and others. Dur- the Promised Land: Martin Luther ing the hearings, participants are re- King Jr. and the Civil Rights Move- ward or sanctioned based on their ment” and “Perspectives in the performance. Sanctions can include 1990s.” The exhibit was displayed at watching the sentencing of others or the United States District Court for the going to jail. District of Oregon during Black His- been terminated from the program and tory Month, February 2006. The 40- LEARNING TO CHANGE five are looking toward a later gradu- panel exhibit featured photographs, At the Portland graduation ceremo- ation. Letters of encouragement came key documents, quotations and discus- nies, Judge Redden pointed out that from Gov. Ted Kulongoski, U.S. Sena- sion of the American civil rights move- Drug Court is “no stroll in the gar- tor Gordon Smith, and from U.S. ment from the Montgomery, Alabama den.” The men and women participat- Reps. , Darlene bus boycott of 1955 through the tragic ing in Drug Court are working hard Hooley, Greg Walden and David Wu. death of Martin Luther King Jr. in to overcome addiction and often long Sam Wedge from the U.S. Probation 1968. The exhibit traced Martin ingrained patterns of dysfunction. office said “Your success means the Luther King, Jr.’s rise as a major civil Eugene U.S. Probation Officer Mark success of this program.” Assistant rights leader and included information Walked noted, “The piss and vinegar U.S. Attorney John Diets passed out and photographs of Rosa Parks, Bar- has been taken out of them in prison. “before” mug shots of the graduates, bara Jordan and the King Center. They’ve had a chance to take a stark noting that, “I’m proud that you’re Readers may be interested in the look at themselves and are convinced succeeding today.” When asked if following facts and statistics: The land- that it’s really time for a change.” there were words from family or mark U.S. Supreme Court decision, The program holds participants ac- friends, one mother stood up and said, Brown v. Board of Education of To- countable in a very real and humane “I’d like to thank all of you for giving peka, Kansas was decided on May 17, way. Participants attend court at least me back my son.” 1954. NAACP lawyer Thurgood once a month for a minimum of 12 Because of favorable early results, Marshall argued the case for Brown. months, attend individual or group another Drug Court will start in Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus treatment, submit to multiple, random Medford in June. There are also many seat in Montgomery, Alabama on De- drug and alcohol tests and comply other states that are interested in what cember 1, 1955. Martin Luther King, with the standard or special conditions Oregon has done. In mid June 2006, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A of their supervision. At the Portland Judge Aiken and Judge Redden along Dream” speech at the Washington graduation ceremonies, Judge Redden with members of the Drug Court Monument on August 28, 1963. The noted that “What they really want is Teams from Eugene and Portland at- poll tax was abolished by the 24th help to return to society.” Through tended the inaugural Federal Drug Amendment on January 23, 1964. The their hard work, accountability to, and Court Symposium in Seattle. Civil Rights Act was signed by Presi- encouragement from the Drug Team, dent Johnson on July 2, 1964. As of they are making strides in that return. July 1, 2004, the estimated population continued from page 2 According to the Eugene Register Judge Juba of black residents in the United States Guard, when one of the first two his pioneering role as the first federal was 39.2 million (including those of graduates from Drug Court received magistrate judge in the state. Ap- more than one race), approximately a hug from Judge Aiken, his response pointed in 1971, Juba and district 13.4 percent of the total U.S. popula- was, “I never thought I’d be hugged court Judges Robert Belloni, James tion. As of 2002, there were 1.2 mil- by a Federal Judge. Sentenced maybe.” Burns, and Otto Skopil were instru- lion black-owned businesses, up by mental in developing the scope of the more than 370,000 since 1997. There GRADUATION AND FORWARD magistrate system. Juba served as a are approximately 2.4 million black The Portland Drug Court gradua- full-time magistrate judge until his re- military veterans in the United States. tion took place in the Ceremonial tirement from the bench in 1993. There are 50,600 black physicians and Court Room of the Mark O. Hatfield A more complete accounting of surgeons, 69,400 black postsecondary Courthouse. The first Drug Court George Juba’s life and legal career will teachers, 44,800 black lawyers, and started with 19 participants. On May be published in these pages in an up- 53,800 black chief executives. 25 there were eight graduates, six had coming issue. (sources: census data, Statistical Abstract of the U.S. 2006). 7 n 1994, Jim Westwood (currently a she was told that women were permit- Ipartner at Stoel Rives) was involved Velma Jeremiah: ted to work only as cashiers. Bored with the District Court Historical So- with being a cashier, Jeremiah was ciety, and suggested that I take Velma looking for something interesting to do Jeremiah’s (or VJ as she’s known to when she saw an advertisement from most) oral history. Westwood told me the army that said they were looking that VJ was the first woman to make for civilians to train cryptographers. It partner in a large Oregon firm and he sounded challenging and she applied. was clearly impressed by her, as is ev- The army provided a six-week train- eryone else. At the time I took the oral ing course in Seattle, then she went up history, I was a relatively new attorney to Anchorage, Alaska to work. She re- and her story had a great impact on called that during the war, “people me. It is a pleasure to revisit this oral worked around the clock” and “every- history and reconnect with VJ. body put up with the hardships.” Velma Jeremiah is probably best In Alaska, Ms. Jeremiah met a known in the legal profession as the “handsome sailor,” Neil Willis first woman to make partner at a large Pronto Pups, Jeremiah, whom she married. She went Oregon law firm. But there is much to work for a lumber company in Se- more to her life than that, as she shared Trail Blazing, and attle doing invoicing and typing while in an oral history recorded in Febru- Stand-up Comedy her husband served in the military. ary 1994. She was born Velma Julia When the war ended, they moved to By Youlee You Staples to Pearl Agnes Kemplin and San Francisco where she and her hus- Franklin Ercy Staples in 1921 in a little band opened an ill-fated Pronto Pup house at the foot of Skinner Butte in pick up the family’s government food luncheonette. The restaurant had five Eugene. In the spring, the slopes were allotment when she fainted from the stools and three booths. She and her covered with buttercups, which she heat. After she came to, she had to go husband lived in the back of the store. enjoyed picking to bring to her mother. back to the end of the line because no Her husband was still in the military, As the third of eight children, she re- one had saved her place. so she ran the business alone. In eigh- called that to feed them all, her mother Growing up, Jeremiah loved school teen months, she “aged ten years” and made eight to ten loaves of “The most and going to the library. She brought they “lost all our money.” wonderful bread in the world” every home as many books as she could carry Ms. Jeremiah’s husband Neil wanted two days. and, when the family could afford elec- to become a teacher so they moved to The family moved to Oregon City tricity, she stayed up reading them long Washington where he attended school when Jeremiah was young. They after she was supposed to go to sleep. and found employment. In 1949, they struggled financially, and she and her She resented that the girls were told in had a son, Neil, and Jeremiah stayed siblings regularly worked the harvest. school to consider teaching or nursing at home with the child. When the boy During her twelfth summer in the early as professions. After doing some re- turned four or five, she returned to 1930s, the only work her father could search on her own, she decided she work part-time as a bookkeeper. She find was cutting wood in Estacada. The would become an architect. recalled that “hiring help to take care family lived in the forest and her Jeremiah graduated from high school of a little child was not easy.” She could mother continued to bake large quan- in 1938, and worked for a year to earn not “think of anything worse for a tities of bread in an outdoor wood money for college. She saved $75, and mother than to have to hunt somebody stove while watching hitchhiked to the University of Oregon. a one-year old child She attended through the 1939-40 in a playpen built school year but was forced to drop out out of wooden logs. of college during fall quarter 1940 for Although it was a financial reasons and got a job as a difficult time for her waitress. She returned to school for parents, it was a spring quarter 1941, but then left again “wonderful sum- to make more money. mer” for the children When World War II began, Jeremiah Graduation from who enjoyed playing went to Camp Cooke in Santa Maria, Northwestern in the woods. The California, where various army ar- School of Law, mored divisions were based. She Velma (left) with Judge James 1968 hard times continued Crawford on his 83rd birthday at the when they returned worked as a clerk typist, a waitress at Moot Courtroom dedication at to Oregon City. When Ms. Jeremiah a chicken dinner inn, and a cashier at Northwester School of Law. The was thirteen or fourteen years old, she a military base store. When she asked woman on the right is Judge was waiting in line for four hours to to be promoted to manager of the store, Crawford’s daughter. 8 else to take care of their little child, “Best paper, but see Nachtigal.” allowed to address the attorneys by especially little ones.” Nachtigal’s exam had a similar nota- their first names. However, she had a They moved to Portland from tion, “Best paper, but see Jeremiah.” “little conspiracy” with the reception- Snohomish, Washington so her hus- Nachtigal did not know who ist who would address her as VJ when band could take a job as a principal. “Jeremiah” was, and went home and no one else was around. Davies Biggs She was replaced at her job as a full- looked in her Bible. The notes on their changed their position on offering part- charge bookkeeper in a retail furniture exams caused them to meet each other ner status to associates, and after store by a man who was paid more for and become friends. (Kathleen Jeremiah completed her six-year ten- the same responsibilities. When she Nachtigal later served as a judge on the ure, she became the first woman part- asked her employer why he was pay- Multnomah County Circuit Court.) ner in 1975. She was heavily involved ing the man more, he responded that The same year her son graduated in bar activities and many professional he was a “man and had a family.” from high school, 1968, Jeremiah organizations including the Queen’s In Portland, Ms. Jeremiah worked as graduated from law school. She was Bench, where she served as president a bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and bill- fourth in her class and it took her a in 1975 and 1976. Queen’s Bench, she ing clerk. In 1963, she and her husband year to find a job. She was the first recalls, was “wonderful” because “The divorced. Her son was thirteen at the Northwestern Law School graduate to older women lawyers with experience time. She obtained a job as the personal be hired at Davies Biggs (now Stoel would help young women.” secretary to Harold A. Miller, the presi- Rives) the city’s biggest law firm. Pre- However, she found that certain po- dent of Stimson Lumber Company. He viously, the firm had recruited prima- sitions of bar leadership were not avail- treated her so well that she stayed with rily from Eastern law schools. Initially, able to women. The Multnomah Bar the company for seven years. Miller she hadn’t considered applying at there. Association, for example, would not gave her raises on his own initiative and The firm represented Stimson Lumber promote women beyond secretary. She also nicknamed her “VJ.” Company. Frederick Torp and Brian accepted a position as secretary in During this time Jeremiah decided to Booth got to know Jeremiah while she 1971. After being passed over for vice- attend law school. She was 42 years was working at Stimson, and encour- president, she declined the offer to old, and realized that while she was in aged her to apply. Although she was serve as secretary the following year, her marriage, she never thought about not the first woman attorney to be hired telling the male leadership she would a career for herself. She’d believed it at Davies Biggs, she was the first one not be “smart” to take a dead-end job was her duty to help her husband to stay around for more than a short again. achieve his career goals. Now that she while. She was hired as an associate Jeremiah also recalled an experience was no longer married, she took a look lawyer in 1969, a position that, at that at a popular lunch restaurant in down- at her job and realized that she wanted time, wasn’t intended to lead to part- town Portland. The restaurant had a to do more. She chose to study law ner status. When Jeremiah started as large round table that seated approxi- because she believed that, although she an associate, the secretaries were not Continue on page 10 could never learn everything, she would never be bored. Jeremiah attended evening classes at Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College while she continued to work for Stimson Lumber. As a woman, older than the other students and divorced, she felt self-conscious and timid. She typically would “slink to the back seat in the back corner, and never open my mouth if I didn’t have to.” There were very few women in her class, but she developed friendships with some of her classmates, including Kathleen Nachtigal, a “very handsome red-headed woman who sat right up front and was always participating.” The two of them took criminal law with George Van Hoomissen, who was then the District Attorney of Multnomah County (and later served on the Oregon Supreme Court). When they received their exams back, Jeremiah’s had a notation that read, Meeting Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. 9 DIRECTORS OF THE SOCIETY Velma Jeremiah continued from page 9 OFFICERS: Hon. Ancer L. Haggerty, Board, Chair- mately twelve people. One time, she She chose old age as a theme for her man, Ex-Officio; *Jenifer Johnston, President; *Kerry asked the men at the table whether an comedy, and started her routines by Shepherd, Vice President/President-Elect; *Karen empty seat was taken, and they told saying, “I know you don’t think an old Saul, Treasurer; * John Dunbar, Immediate Past Presi- dent; *John Kreutzer, Corporate/Executive Secretary her it was “reserved.” She found a lady can be funny.” place at another nearby table and no- Her work as a stand-up comedienne BOARD MEMBERS: *Michelle Barton; The Belloni ticed that no one ever sat down in the attracted the attention of the produc- Family, Honorary; Ernest Bonyhadi, Honorary; *Stephen L. Brischetto; *Hon. Anna J. Brown; The empty seat. She returned on a later date ers of the “To Tell the Truth” televi- Burns Family, Honorary; Hon. Wallace P. Carson, and asked to be seated at the round sion show. She appeared on an episode Jr., Ex-Officio; William G. Carter, Ex-Officio; *Tho- mas M. Christ, *Amity Clausen, *Jack Collins; Mr. table. She said, “It was the most bor- where she was asked to tell two stories George Fraser, Honorary; *Kari Furnanz; *Kristin ing lunch I’d ever had.” Every “once and a contestant from the audience was Hazard Hamilton; *Matthew Kalmanson, Dennis C. in a while,” however, she would “go supposed to guess which was one true. Karnopp; Randall B. Kester, Honorary; *John Kretuzer, *David Landrum; *Hon. Edward Leavy; sit at the round table to let the men In one of the stories, she claimed to be *Susan Marmaduke, *Greg Miner; *Nancy know they could not exclude women.” a stand-up comedienne, which was Moriarty; Katherine OíNeil, Honorary; Hon. Owen Ms. Jeremiah retired in 1986 when true. In the other, she claimed she in- M. Panner, Honorary; *Ken Perry; Dr. John Pierce, Ex-Officio; Dennis Rawlinson, Ex-Officio; Hon. she was 65 years old. At her retirement vented the pop-up turkey thermometer. James A. Redden, Honorary; *Peter C. Richter; party, one of the female partners She said she worked as chemist and her *Karen E. Saul; *Donna Sinclair; *Vicki Smith; Eliza- thanked her for opening the door for company asked her to invent something beth Solomon, Honorary; Richard B. Solomon, Hon- orary; *John Stephens; Caroline Stoel, Honorary; the women at the firm. Ms. Jeremiah that would encourage women to buy *Heather Van Meter; Richard Vangelisti, Ex-Offi- thought it was “very nice” but mod- turkeys. When one of the celebrity pan- cio; *Steven Wax; *Kelly Zusman estly stated that it would have “hap- elists asked her, “How do you know *Executive Committee members pened sooner or later.” She just when the turkey’s done?” she re- 2006 LIFETIME MEMBERS: Jeffery Batchelor, “happened to be the one.” sponded, “Well, when the little red Owen Blank, Donald Cinnamond, Paul Fortino, After retiring, Ms. Jeremiah went on button pops up.” The contestant George Fraser, Edwin Harnden, Cynthia Harrison, a trek in Nepal and became an active picked the false story and Ms. Jeremiah Douglas Houser, Robert Jones, Randall Kester, Nancy Moriarty, Jeffrey Mutnick, Elisabthe cross-country skier. When ski season won a thousand dollars. Newcomb, Daniel O’Leary, Hon. Owen Panner, Hon. was over, she took a class on stand-up During her retirement, Ms. Jeremiah Edwin Peterson, Dian Rubanoff, Sarah Ryan, Arlene comedy. She regularly performed at has also traveled to Estonia and China Schnitzer, John L. Schwabe, Norman Sepenuk, Arden Shenk, Richard Solomon, Gayle Troutwine, William open mike night at the Silver Dollar with other attorneys and law profes- White, Donald Wilson, Kelly Zusman Saloon and Pizza restaurant and some- sors. Additionally, in 1991, she became times even acted as emcee. She also ap- the chairwoman of International 2006 IN MEMORIAM: Hon. Robert C. Belloni, Hon. James Burns, Raymond peared at the Comedy Underground in Mensa. Not surprisingly, she was the Conboy, George D. Dysart, Wayne Hilliard, Chester Seattle and the La Fiesta in Vancouver. first woman to hold that position. E. McCarty, and Frank Pozzi

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