Published Quarterly by Oregon Women Lawyers Volume 23, No. 1 Winter 2012

23 years of breaking barriers OWLS Hosts Second Rainmaking Dinner 1989 -2012 By Karie Trujillo ore than 50 people gathered on October 27 for the second annual OWLS Rainmaking/Career Development Dinner at the Red Star Tavern in Portland. President M The purpose of the event was to give young lawyers a chance to Heather L. Weigler learn from successful rainmakers how to build their careers and de- Vice President, President-Elect Megan Livermore velop flourishing law practices. Mentors included Beth Allen, Courtney Secretary Angeli, David Angeli, Danielle Benderly, Lori E. Deveny, Gwen Griffith, Kendra Matthews Ed Harnden, Chris Kitchel, David Markowitz, Laura Caldera Taylor, and Treasurer Mark Wada. Kathleen J. Rastetter Renée Rothauge, a shareholder at Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Historian Mehlhaf, was a participating mentor as well as the evening’s keynote Elizabeth Tedesco Milesnick speaker. Renée shared valuable advice that she was given as a young Board Members attorney and explained that one must overcome the fear of rejection to Sally Anderson-Hansell be a successful rainmaker. She read highlights from some well-known Hon. Frances Burge (and humorous) rejection letters. Learn from the masters, Renée ad- Megan Burgess Renée Rothauge Laura Craska Cooper vised, and also learn to “embrace rejection.” encouraged attendees Dana Forman If you weren’t able to attend this rainmaking dinner, you’ll soon have Gina Hagedorn to “embrace rejection.” Amber Hollister an opportunity to attend another. The rainmaking dinner committee Angela Franco Lucero is planning the next OWLS Rainmaking/Career Development Dinner for the spring of 2012. Banafsheh Violet Nazari Hon. Julia Philbrook Karie Trujillo is the director of marketing and client relations at Markowitz, Herbold, Glade & Mehlhaf. Shannon Reel Cassandra SkinnerLopata Hon. Jill Tanner Gloria Trainer Convocation on Equality Celebrates, Inspires Heather Walloch Hon. Youlee You By Megan Lemire Past Presidents Concetta Schwesinger ith great gusto, the 2011 Convocation critically, beyond numbers. With a powerful ren- Gwyneth McAlpine on Equality, held on November 4 at the dition of Langston Hughes’s poem “Let America Heather Van Meter Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Be America Again,” Kellie Johnson introduced a Laura Caldera Taylor W Kellie Johnson marked the ten-year anniversary of the Oregon short film, A Decade of Diversity, made for this Norma S. Freitas legal community’s original Convocation on event. She also commended the work of organiza- Kate A. Wilkinson Equality. The 2011 event broadened the focus of tions such as OWLS in promoting diversity. Jennifer K. De Wald Sarah J. Crooks the original convocation from racial and ethnic Judge Adrienne Nelson introduced the morn- Elizabeth Schwartz minorities to also include women, the LGBT com- ing’s keynote speaker, Paula Boggs, executive Lori E. Deveny munity, and people with disabilities. vice president, general counsel, and secretary of Debra Pilcher Velure Marilyn E. Litzenberger The convocation celebrated the progress of Starbucks. Judge Nelson described her as work- Teresa M. Kraemer the bar and bench in advancing diversity in the ing toward a world where people are seen as Patricia L. Heatherman legal profession, yet challenged participants to individuals rather than members of categorized Julie Levie Caron Phylis Chadwell Myles persevere in the struggle for substantive equality. groups. To enrich the day’s conversation, Ms. Helle Rode More than 250 people—including many OWLS Boggs outlined a history of Oregon tarnished Diana Craine members—were recognized as diversity cham- with culture clash, winners and losers, and dis- Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Agnes Sowle pions for their exemplary efforts to promote crimination. While continuing her own diversity Katherine H. O’Neil diversity over the past decade. journey, Ms. Boggs remains confident about Executive Director Buzzing with excitement, the event began with creating a more inclusive world. Linda Tomassi, 503.595.7831 Diane Schwartz Sykes, chair of the Oregon State The bulk of the convocation was divided [email protected] Bar Diversity Section, welcoming the audience among three tracks: “Cross-Fertilization,” for AdvanceSheet Editor Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 of more than 400 people. Former Chief Justice attorneys seeking to increase their knowledge [email protected] Edwin Peterson then urged everyone to think about diversity and inclusion; “Tending the www.oregonwomenlawyers.org Continued on page 15

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 WINTER 2012 President’s Message Upcoming ne hundred years ago this year, Oregon women OWLS Events won the right to vote. Although OWLS does not Oendorse political candidates, I want to encourage OWLS Leadership Forum each of you to think about celebrating the centennial of Presents: Kick Stress! Oregon women’s suffrage by making a political contribu- Thursday, January 26 tion to a candidate you believe in. Networking: 5:00–5:30 p.m. Money matters in politics, and women are continually Speaker: 5:30–6:30 p.m. and significantly outspent by men when it comes to politi- Harrang Long Gary Rudnick cal giving. That isn’t because women don’t have money to 1001 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 150, Portland give; our income has risen more than 60% in the last 30 Join us for some guidance on how years. It’s also not because women aren’t used to giving; to reduce your stress through simple women donate more money on average to charity than breathing and stretches. Jaya Kurpp, Heather L. Weigler men. According to researchers at the Women’s Campaign a certified personal trainer (http:// Forum Foundation, the reason is that women don’t associ- jayakrupp.com/Jaya_Krupp/home. ate political contributions with social change. html), will offer tips on keeping stress That’s a mistake. Not only does money matter—elections matter. It’s easy to be- at bay and lead us in breathing exer- come frustrated with politics and politicians, especially in the divisive political climate cises and stretching. Bring a yoga mat we’re currently experiencing. But when you start to think that it doesn’t matter who and dress to stretch. Space is limited; is elected, ask yourself whether Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s presence on the United please RSVP with Violet Nazari, at States Supreme Court makes a difference, both to Supreme Court jurisprudence and [email protected]. to whether young Latina women can imagine themselves as lawyers. Ask yourself whether having paid family leave would make a difference to attorneys struggling with work/life balance. Ask yourself whether it would make a difference to be able to OWLSNet Networking with discharge student loans in bankruptcy for new lawyers who can’t find legal jobs. Lawyers, Bankers, Accoun- Political giving is a civic responsibility, just like voting or giving to charity. By making tants, and Mortgage Brokers a political contribution, you are helping to pay the campaign’s rent, utilities, payroll, Wednesday, February 1 employee benefits, and all of the other expenses it takes to win an election. And if Registration: 4:00 p.m. you’re not motivated by civic duty, you can also claim the Oregon Political Tax Credit Speaker: 4:30–5:30 p.m. for the first $50 you donate to the political campaign of your choice. Networking: 5:30–7:30 Don’t get me wrong, voting is important. Volunteering your time helps. But one Red Star Tavern of the most significant things you can do this election cycle is make a campaign con- 503 SW Alder St. tribution. Unless we celebrate how far we’ve come in the past 100 years by voting Portland with our purses, it may be another 100 before women exercise equal influence over The speaker will be who ends up holding public office. Sari de la Motte, a nonverbal com- munications expert and founder of Nonverbal Solutions (http://nonverbal- Heather L. Weigler solutions.com). Free registration. Light President, Oregon Women Lawyers appetizers provided. Bring your busi- ness cards. Sponsored by Tonkon Torp.

Save the Date: March 9 OWLS Political Leadership he 20th annual OWLS Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner will be held on March 9 Lecture Series: Occupy Tat the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. We will present the Justice Betty Alternatives—Effecting Roberts Award to Justice Virginia Linder and the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award Change at the Local Level to Judge Angel Lopez. Please see the story on page 4. Thursday, February 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m. For ticket information, please visit www.oregonwomenlawyers.org or call White Stag Building 503.595.7826. We hope to see you there! 70 NW Couch St., Portland Speakers: Tara Gallagher, with Surfrider; Susan Anderson, with the city of OWLS Foundation Needs Auction Items Portland; and Linda Nettekoven, with ive well. Feel good. Donations are needed for the annual OWLS Foundation HAND Neighborhood and Portland GAuction, to be held immediately before the OWLS Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner Plan Citizen Involvement Committee. on March 9 at the Nines Hotel Ballroom, an evening of celebration and friendship. Co-sponsors: UO’s Wayne Morse Center Your donations will help advance the Foundation’s mission to support women for Law and Politics and Davis Wright and minorities in accessing and participating in the justice system. To donate, please Tremaine. To register, contact Sarah contact Karen Nashiwa at [email protected] or 503.517.8200. Thank you. Villanueva at [email protected]. Our mission is to transform the practice of law and ensure justice and equality by advancing women and minorities in the legal profession.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 2 WINTER 2012 A Short Trip Down Memory Lane By Terri Kraemer ately I have been thinking about late judges were women, 10% of general women made up 46% of associates and the status of women lawyers. counsels were women, 5% of managing 36% of of-counsel positions. LSome who know me know that I partners of law firms were women. And, This trip down memory lane is simply have been part of OWLS since 1990. I first on average, women lawyers made about a recap of data that we have reported got involved when I was in law school, $20,000 less than equally situated male in the AdvanceSheet over the years. Un- and then I participated at the committee lawyers. fortunately we don’t have studies that level. I joined the board in 1995 and have In 2004 the AdvanceSheet reported report an “apples to apples” comparison been involved ever since. that although the average percentage of of our progress. I have been on the AdvanceSheet women partners in large firms in 2003 was So, you may be asking, what’s the committee for, I think, about 16 years. I 16.8 nationwide and 17.8 in Portland, in point? I think it’s this: We must continue know that we write a lot about the “glass some Portland law firms the percentage to shine the light on how we are doing, ceiling” and issues related to retaining was over 22. Also, while women made up by continuing to look back and at the women in the law and climbing the law 50% of law school students, only 30% of present. We must decide if we’re satis- firm ladder. But lately I have wondered active Oregon State Bar members were fied with where we are and, if we’re not, whether we have made much progress, so women. figure out what to do about it. And we I decided to cull through about 80 issues In 2008 the AdvanceSheet reported must continue to ask ourselves, are law of the AdvanceSheet in search of data that after years of a steady increases in firms where we would want our daugh- that would, hopefully, show that yes, we the percentage of first-year law students ters or nieces or any other young women have made significant progress. who were women, law schools were see- to aspire to work? In 1992 the AdvanceSheet reported on ing a decline in female enrollment. The I don’t have answers. I only know that remarks made at OWLS’ fourth annual percentage of women in the first-year in the law and in other historically male- conference, including these: only 8% of class dropped from 49.4% in 2001 to dominated professions, how far we’ve law school deans were women, only 25% 46.3% in 2006. come is clearly not far enough. of full-time law school faculty members In 2011 the AdvanceSheet reported were women, and women accounted for that women made up less than 16% of Terri Kraemer, chair of the AdvanceSheet 11% of partners at large firms. equity partners in law firms, and these committee, is a director at Deloitte & Tou- Ten years later, in 2002, the Ad- equity partners made about $66,000 less che. She received OWLS’ 2011 Katherine vanceSheet asked the dreaded question, than their male counterparts. In addition, H. O’Neil Volunteer Service Award. how far have we come? It was reported that 10% of law school deans were women (up 2% from 1992), 15% of law firm partners were women (up 4% from Court Reporting 1992), 18% of federal district and appel- Trial Presentation Rogue Women Videoconferencing Lawyers Active Legal Videography n November, the role of president of Language Interpreters IRogue Women Lawyers (RWL) passed from Jamie Hazlett to Staci Palin. RWL Copying and Scanning reports that Jamie did a wonderful job during her two-year term, including plan- ning a casino-night fundraiser for a local Selected “Best Court Reportrtinging Firm” nonprofit, the Maslow Project, which provides outreach to homeless youth. For nearly three decades, law firms The fundraiser was so successful that RWL have been relying on Naegeli Reporting hopes to make it an annual event. to provide the tools of control and influence. In December, RWL held its annual holi- day party, kindly hosted by Judge Patricia Deposition scheduling available 24-hours a day. Crain—everyone had a great time. RWL plans to host a social event on January 11 at a restaurant in Medford, with Oregon Secretary of State Kate Serving all of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and the Nation Brown as the guest speaker. Portland Bend Medford National For more information about Rogue (503) 227-1544 (541) 385-8300 (541) 776-7500 (800) 528-3335 Women Lawyers, contact Staci L. Palin at [email protected]. [email protected] Naegelireporting.com

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 WINTER 2012 Justice Virginia Linder and Judge Angel Lopez to Be Honored at Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner on March 9 By Michelle Rudd regon Supreme Court Justice Willamette Valley American Inn Virginia Linder will receive the of Court, and a member of the O2012 Justice Betty Roberts Award OSB’s Leadership College Advi- for the promotion of women in the law, sory Board. A longtime member and Multnomah County Circuit Court of the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Judge Angel Lopez will receive this year’s Law Association (OGALLA) and of Judge Mercedes Deiz Award for promo- OWLS, Justice Linder has served as tion of minorities in the law. The award a panelist and speaker at many recipients will be honored at the 20th OWLS events and is a former annual Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner, to OWLS board member. be held on March 9 at the Nines Hotel Other organizations have in Portland. also recognized Justice Linder’s Like Betty Roberts, Justice Virginia outstanding leadership and con- Linder is a pioneer among women tributions. She has received the lawyers. Justice Linder graduated from Women’s Leadership Award from Southern Oregon University and Wil- the Portland State University Cen- lamette University College of Law. While ter for Women, Politics & Policy; Photo by Nancy Mensch at Willamette, she worked as a law clerk the OGALLA Merit Award; a local Judge Angel Lopez and Justice Virginia Linder in the Appellate Division of the Oregon YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Department of Justice, and after graduat- Women award; and the Southern Oregon Action Program’s first directors; to this ing, she took a job there as an assistant University Outstanding Alumni Award. day he continues to be actively involved attorney general. Four years later, she Many lawyers who have benefited in the program’s efforts. He has served on became assistant solicitor general, and from her guidance and wisdom have the Oregon Supreme Court Task Force on by age 33, she was the first woman to noted Justice Linder’s rare combination Racial Issues in the Judicial System, and serve as Oregon’s solicitor general. She of keen intellect, humor, and warmth. As he drafted an influential report on court was also the first woman in Oregon’s one lawyer explained, because of Justice interpreter certification. He was later history to represent the state before the Linder, “we all do more.” elected a member of the Oregon State United States Supreme Court. OWLS is pleased to recognize Justice Bar Board of Governors and culminated As solicitor general, she worked to Virginia Linder’s considerable contribu- his service as the board’s president. create an inclusive workplace where em- tions to the promotion of women in our Judge Lopez was the first person of ployees knew that they were welcome, profession and the community at large color to serve as president of the Or- valued, and respected. by awarding her the 2012 Justice Betty egon State Bar. Under his leadership, Virginia Linder left her role as solicitor Roberts Award. the Oregon State Bar formed the OSB general when she accepted an appoint- Like Mercedes Deiz, Judge Angel Lopez Diversity Section. Judge Lopez is also a ment to the Oregon Court of Appeals is a trailblazer who time and time again stalwart supporter of the OLIO program, by Governor John Kitzhaber in 1997. has taken a leadership role in promot- and is currently serving his third term In 2006, with the retirement of Justice ing minorities in the law. Judge Lopez on the OSB Affirmative Action Commit- Wallace Carson, Judge Linder took on the graduated from Occidental College and tee. Recently, he served on the steering challenges of a statewide campaign and received his law degree from Willamette committee for the 2011 Convocation on won in a runoff election. She became the University College of Law. He was ap- Equality. first woman in the history of the state of pointed to the Multnomah County Cir- Judge Lopez has also been active in Oregon to attain a seat on the Oregon cuit Court by Governor Ted Kulongoski the community at large, co-chairing the Supreme Court through a contested in 2009. Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs election, rather than appointment by Before joining the court, Judge Lopez and serving as a member and chairman of the governor. She is also the first openly worked at Metropolitan Public Defender the Multnomah County Library board. lesbian judge to serve on a state supreme and Community Law Office before leaving In addition to seeking institutional court anywhere in the United States. to help found the criminal defense firm change, Judge Lopez has consistently Throughout her career, Justice Linder Squires & Lopez. While in private practice, reached out to mentor individual minor- has served as a valuable resource for Judge Lopez tailored his practice with the ity lawyers, both formally and informally. women and minorities. She has been explicit goal of serving underrepresented Judge Lopez was raised by his widowed a speaker and facilitator for the Or- Spanish-speaking communities. mother in the Los Angeles barrio, where egon State Bar’s Opportunities for Law For decades, Judge Lopez has worked he witnessed the 1965 Watts riots first- in Oregon (OLIO) program, a men- to make institutional changes that pro- hand. His willingness to share his personal tor through Willamette law school’s mote inclusivity in the legal community story has inspired and motivated others mentorship program, a judge for high and increase diversity on the bench. Start- to overcome barriers and pursue careers school constitutional-law competitions, ing 30 years ago, Judge Lopez served as in the law. an executive committee member of the one of the Oregon State Bar Affirmative Continued on page 5

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 WINTER 2012 Queen’s Bench Honors Women Judges at Luncheon By Teresa Statler n December 13, Queen’s Bench members gathered at the Benson OHotel in Portland to honor and celebrate women judges at the 21st an- nual Queen’s Bench Holiday Luncheon. Forty Oregon women judges attended, from federal and state courts. Chief Judge Ann Aiken of the US District Court for the District of Oregon was the keynote speaker. Presided over by the 2011 chapter president, Susan O’Toole, a sell-out crowd enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch. Before Judge Aiken’s presentation, OWLS President Heather L. Weigler an- nounced the recipients of the 2012 Justice Betty Roberts and Judge Mercedes Deiz Awards. [Please see page 4.] Before passing the Queen’s Bench president’s crown pin to the 2012 presi- At the luncheon on December 13 dent, Christine Coers-Mitchell, Susan (left to right): Top row: Diane Henkels, recognized and thanked the 2011 Queen’s Judge Diana I. Stuart, Chief Judge Ann Bench board members, listed the organi- Aiken; Middle row: Judge Kathryn Villa- zation’s accomplishments over the past Smith, Barbara Smythe, Camille Tourje; Bottom: Nancy Chafin, Shannon Beutel year, and presented a $500 contribution from Queen’s Bench to a representative Photos by Nancy Mensch, Teresa Statler, and Linda Tomassi of Multnomah County CourtCare. Susan then introduced Judge Aiken, relationships, both professional and lenging attendees to “pay it forward,” as who spoke about the importance of personal, which help us all through Betty would. She urged us, as attorneys life’s challenges. She told attendees and judges, to help those who are strug- that reading inspirational books helps gling, to ensure access to justice for all Roberts, Deiz Awards her through tough times, which she ex- Oregonians, and to work to alleviate continued from page 4 perienced this past year after the death problems in our nation and in Oregon, Judge Lopez generously gives his of her son. Some of those books were such as the high rate of hunger. “Justice time to organizations promoting the listed on a bookmark she presented to is love in calculation,” she said, quoting advancement of minority students and attendees as a small gift. They included the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. aspiring lawyers and is a frequent speaker Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Judge Aiken concluded by reminding at Oregon CLEs and events, as well as Frankl; Millennial Momentum, by Morley us of the importance of family, work, at American Bar Association diversity Winograd and Michael D. Hais; Drive: The and community and that without hav- seminars. In recognition of his leadership, Surprising Truth About What Motivates ing strong roots and relationships in all mentoring, and excellence, Judge Lopez Us, by Daniel H. Pink; and Betty Roberts’s three, it is difficult to survive when “the has been the recipient of the Occidental book, With Grit and By Grace. tsunami of life hits you.” College Alumni of the Year Award, the Judge Aiken paid tribute to her friend Teresa Statler has a solo immigration law Willamette College of Law Spirit of Excel- and mentor the late Betty Roberts, chal- practice in Portland. lence Award, and the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association’s Justice Paul De Muniz Professionalism Award. Queen’s Bench Hosts Monthly Luncheons OWLS is pleased to recognize Judge ueen’s Bench, the Portland OWLS chapter, meets for lunch on the second Tuesday Angel Lopez’s considerable contributions Qof the month, in a new location this year. to the promotion of minorities in our On November 8, the guest speaker was author and NPR contributor Naseem Rakha, profession and the community at large by who discussed her experiences covering death penalty cases as a reporter and how awarding him the 2012 Judge Mercedes they led to her helping crime victims. She also talked about her award-winning novel, Deiz Award. The Crying Tree, which delves into those experiences. Information about tickets for the On January 10, Shari Lane of Northwest Employment Law spoke about hiring Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner can be practices and the consideration of social media. found at the OWLS website, www. In 2012, the Queen’s Bench luncheons will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. oregonwomenlawyers.org, or by calling in the Standard Center auditorium, 900 SW Fifth Ave., Portland. The cost is $14. For 503.595.7826. more information, please visit www.owlsqueensbench.org or contact Julie Lohuis at Michelle Rudd is a partner at Stoel Rives. [email protected].

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 WINTER 2012 Farewell, Ladies OWLSNet Networking Event Benefits Girls Inc. he OWLS Board of Directors ex- By Haley Bjerk and Benna Gottfried tends gratitude and good wishes n November 15, Tto two outgoing board members, OWLSNet co-hosted Cashauna Hill and Bonnie Cafferky Carter, Oan inspiring net- who both left Oregon in December. working event with Port- Cashauna joined OWLS in 2006 at land Female Executives and the encouragement of OWLS Past Presi- the Oregon chapter of the dent Kellie Johnson, and immediately Association of Corporate became active. She joined the board in Counsel to raise money for 2007 and served as secretary starting in and awareness of Girls Inc. 2010. Cashauna energetically served on of NW Oregon. Girls Inc. is the AdvanceSheet, transformation, and a nonprofit organization At the OWLSNet event (from left): CLE committees; co-chaired the judicial dedicated to inspiring young Emily Christiansen, Rima Ghandour, Dawn Winalski work group; and served as a Roberts girls to be strong, smart, and premiere of Deiz Awards deliberator for the past two bold through after-school Girls Groups the award- years. She was the OWLS board liaison and enrichment activities. The network- winning docu- to the OSB’s Diversity Section and was ing event was held at the Governor Hotel mentary film active in planning the 2011 Convocation in downtown Portland and was gener- Miss Repre- on Equality. ously sponsored by Perkins Coie. sentation. It Cashauna generously volunteered her Attendees enjoyed a motivating speech also hosted a time to many organizations, both in and by Elizabeth Nye, executive director of SPARK Sum- outside the legal profession. She served Girls Inc. of NW Oregon. Her speech, en- mit, with over as a mentor for high school and law titled “Represent the Real Me,” focused 100 girls from students, as well as for young lawyers. on the media’s representation of women the greater She loved her work as the fair housing and included some startling facts about Portland area Elizabeth Nye attorney for the Oregon Law Center. She women in corporate governance and participating left that job for a position at the Greater political positions. Did you realize that in an afternoon of media literacy and New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, women make up only 17% of the US Sen- media-creation workshops. which she called her “dream job.” ate and 3.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs? OWLSNet brings together women “Cashauna’s contributions to OWLS Girls Inc. of NW Oregon is concerned lawyers and other professional women and the Oregon legal community are in- that the media is leading yet another for networking and referral opportuni- estimable,” said OWLS President Heather generation to believe that a woman’s ties. This OWLSNet event was another Weigler. “Although we feel a deep sense primary value lies in her youth, beauty, fantastic opportunity for OWLS members of loss from her departure, we know she and sexuality—not in her capacity as a to make connections with other female is bound for great things.” leader—making it difficult for women to professionals and to support a cause near Bonnie also joined OWLS in 2006, and obtain leadership positions and for girls to all of our hearts—inspiring young girls she helped found Clackamas Women to reach their full potential. In an effort to become strong, smart, bold women. Lawyers in 2008. She remained very active to draw attention to the problem and The next OWLSNet event will be held with the chapter, and joined the OWLS engage the community in developing on Wednesday, February 1, at the Red board in 2010. a solution, Girls Inc. of NW Oregon has Star Tavern in Portland, sponsored by When the OWLS board determined embarked on a new campaign, “Repre- Tonkon Torp. Save the date! that the OSB Rules of Professional Con- sent the Real Me,” which includes media duct regarding harassment needed a literacy programming and outreach and Haley Bjerk is an associate with Tonkon closer look, Bonnie stepped up to chair an advocacy efforts. Torp in Portland. Benna Gottfried is the ad hoc task force. When contracts needed Girls Inc. of NW Oregon kicked off the development director for Girls Inc. of review at the OWLS office, Bonnie was campaign last fall by hosting the Oregon NW Oregon. the first to volunteer. She served on the awards and public relations committee as well as the judicial work group. She served as a mentor to young lawyers, and brought a great sense of humor to everything she did. Bonnie practiced law in California be- fore moving to Oregon. She maintained a busy, part-time solo practice in Lake Oswego while raising her young children. Perkins Coie hosted OWLS’ annual Dress for Success fundraiser and fashion show on October 13. OWLS members and friends “Bonnie brought energy and vibrancy to modeled clothing and accessories from Mink; Mabel and Zora; everything she did,” said Kathi Rastetter, Catherine’s; and Brooks Brothers, while raising funds and OWLS’ treasurer. Bonnie returns to Cali- professional clothing for Dress for Success. At the event fornia with her family, and she will be (from left): Steve English, Audrey Baker, Judge Kathy Weber, missed in Oregon. Kristin Sterling, and Megan Livermore.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 WINTER 2012 Lane County Women Lawyers Presents Fourth Annual CLE Conference By Gloria Trainor n November 18, Lane County Women Lawyers (LCWL) and the OEugene-based CPA firm Kernutt Stokes co-hosted a full-day CLE at the University of Oregon School of Law. Over 25 people attended, receiving six hours of CLE credit in ethics, access to justice, and child abuse reporting. The morning began with an ethics discussion. Hon. Thomas Coffin, United States magistrate judge, and Don Corson, From left: Hon. Thomas Coffin, Don Corson, Mark Williams, Pat Vallerand a Eugene-based personal injury attorney, were the panelists. Megan Livermore, the Eugene firm Gleaves Swearingen civil and criminal contexts. OWLS’ vice president and an associate Potter & Scott and a court appointed Many thanks to the speakers who pre- at the Eugene firm Gaydos, Churnside & special advocate (CASA), spoke about pared, presented, and attended the 2011 Balthrop, facilitated the discussion. her experience as a CASA and the posi- LCWL CLE. The LCWL steering committee Mr. Corson spoke about the importance tive difference the organization makes donated more than 10% of the proceeds of managing client expectations as one of in the lives of local foster children. Ms. to the UO Child and Family Law Associa- the central tenets of an ethical legal prac- Montgomery brought a CASA volunteer tion for its assistance in making the event tice. Judge Coffin explored the potential to tell a poignant success story. a success. LCWL used most of the proceeds impact of co-counsel agreements—par- The CLE adjourned after a presentation ($1,000) to sponsor a local family for the ticularly those involving out-of-state and by Chip Coker of Community Mediation holidays through Womenspace. local counsel—on settlement conferences Services. Mr. Coker discussed affordable Gloria Trainor, a personal injury attorney in light of the local rule that attorneys local mediation services and encouraged at Johnson, Johnson, Larson & Schaller be “meaningfully involved” when they attendees to consider this alternative in Eugene, serves on the LCWL steering undertake representation of a client. form of dispute resolution in both the committee and the OWLS board. The second half of the morning ethics session focused on the question whether to settle or litigate. The presenters were Pat Vellerand, director of the Domestic “When an Violence Clinic and Survivors Justice Center, housed at Lane County Legal attorney called Aid and Advocacy Center, and Mark me from New Williams, of counsel at Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop. York after the Ms. Vellerand discussed the allocation of authority and the sometimes-delicate close of business balance between client-centered repre- sentation and the role of attorneys as one Thursday to counsel. Mr. Williams provided guidance regarding advocacy for clients who have ask if I could get We offer the same services as the other top been deemed incompetent or incapaci- him a reporter in Portland reporting firms. We deliver the same tated and the many considerations“ that high quality product. The difference is our factor into handling each client’s diverse New York for the personal commitment to superior service. needs. The afternoon began with a catered next morning, I Our New York friend had his reporter the lunch and a presentation by Elizabeth next morning. He was thrilled, of course. Heskett, MD, on mandatory reporting had only two statutes and child abuse prevention. Dr. words for him. If you want service, call Teach. 503.248.1003. Heskett is a pediatrician at Sacred Heart It’s all about service. RiverBend Hospital in Springfield. Spe- cially trained to assess children’s injuries for potential child abuse, Dr. Heskett “Of course.” spoke about recognizing signs of abuse that are often hidden. —Catherine Teach 1500 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 Also on the topic of keeping kids 503.248.1003 or 800.230.3302 safe, Laura Montgomery, a partner at

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 WINTER 2012

“Of course.” —Catherine Teach THE JUDGES’ FORUM to see and ap- Making the Case pear before her despite the for Diversity circumstances, he argument for diversity in our and that she legal system is often presented would never in terms of fairness and appro- again see him T in court for priate representation. That argument goes something like this: As a matter of By Judge Thomas J. Rastetter doing wrong. basic fairness, our bench and bar should Clackamas County Circuit Court It is clear that be open to all people, regardless of race, this gentle- ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, issues can be a big step in addressing man’s respect for and per- disability, or other distinguishing char- hurdles that can impede access to our Judge Thomas Rastetter acteristics, and our commitment to that legal system. In other words, a diverse ception of the fairness should be reflected by having bar promotes access to legal services and system was positively affected by diversity a diverse group of lawyers and judges promotes access to justice. on our bench. in our legal system. These are laudable While having a diverse bench and bar I once held a hearing in which an at- and appropriate goals, which we should is a laudable goal, it has been difficult to torney for a Spanish-speaking gentleman promote, and promote zealously. But achieve in Oregon. One way to address filed a motion to change venue because, when we make the case for diversity, this problem is through recruiting an it was argued, a Hispanic person with let’s remember that in addition to the ethnically diverse group of law students his background was so different from argument for basic fairness, there are and encouraging them to stay in Oregon the dominant culture in my county that pragmatic reasons for having a diverse to practice law. Because of this, the Or- he could not be treated fairly. After I bench and bar. egon Judicial Department, in partnership denied the motion, I surprised both the The first of these reasons is that diver- with Opportunities for Law in Oregon attorney and defendant by speaking to sity is an access-to-justice issue. We have (OLIO) (which is the Oregon State Bar’s the defendant in Spanish. I told him that a large immigrant population, many of minority law student recruitment and I was sorry he felt that way and assured whom aren’t able to fully access legal retention program) has implemented him that some of us in our county feel services because of the languages they a mentorship program in which judges we have a fairly good understanding of speak, or because they aren’t familiar are paired with minority law students Hispanic culture. While I’ll never know with our culture, our laws, or the rights for one year. This year we recruited 35 for sure, I suspect he left the courtroom we have as residents of this country. Hav- student mentees, representing all three with a very different feeling about our ing a diverse bar with lawyers who are of Oregon’s law schools. legal system. familiar with these cultural and language The aim of the program is two-fold. On another occasion in my county, a First, we hope that the opportunity for minority gentleman was being arraigned law students to mentor with Oregon on a criminal charge and asked for a judges will be a powerful recruiting tool court-appointed attorney. More specifi- Advertise Here for our law schools. Second, we hope cally, he asked that an attorney from his that these judge-student relationships own ethnic background be appointed Please consider advertising will foster the students’ ties to Oregon, because he believed that such an attorney in the OWLS AdvanceSheet. show them what Oregon has to offer, would be better able to understand and and give them an inside contact with relate to what he perceived as injustices Your ad will reach someone who is already an integral regarding the charges. part of our legal system. Through that If we had been able to accommodate 1500 attorneys, judges, contact, it’s my hope that these students the request, consider what effect that and others who support will get to know other judges, other might have had on this man’s percep- Oregon Women Lawyers. lawyers, and participants in the system, tion of the legal system. I would submit and in short, become part of our legal that this gentleman’s perception of the community before they ever become system in general, and his perception of lawyers. This, I hope, will encourage how that system handled his case and Afordable rates. them to stay in Oregon to practice law, how he was treated, would probably Design services available. promote diversity in our bar and bench, have been better if he had had the kind and help provide legal services to some of representation he requested. Having Contact us at 503.595.7831 or underserved populations. a diverse bar increases the chances that [email protected]. Another pragmatic benefit of having a minority litigants will see the legal system diverse bench and bar is the effect they in a positive way, and that, in the long Advertising supports OWLS’ work can have on litigants’ respect for the run, benefits us all. to transform the practice of law legal system. An African American judge When making the case for diversity, it and ensure justice and equality by once told me about the time an African isn’t just about fairness. Having a diverse advancing women and minorities American man appeared before her and bench and bar also has the very real and in the legal profession. remarked that he thought he would nev- tangible benefit of providing access to er see an African American judge in his justice for thousands of Oregonians and lifetime. He also said that he was proud enhancing respect for the legal system.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 WINTER 2012 OWLS Presents “Road to the Bench” in Salem By Allison R. Boomer n November 2, judges, practitio- trict Attorney’s Office. On the advice of most expensive race in Oregon judicial ners, and law students gathered Presiding Judge Jamese Rhoades, she history, but that was nothing compared Oat Willamette University College gained general litigation experience with to the money spent in state judicial races of Law in Salem for a “Road to the Bench” Garrett Hemann Robertson before seek- elsewhere in the nation. event presented by OWLS. The four ing appointment to the bench. She also Judge Duncan and Judge James both featured panelists were Justice Virginia served pro tem for the Marion County reported having had the good fortune of Linder, Oregon Supreme Court; Judge Circuit Court for three years prior to her “standing” for their first elections. Judge Rebecca Duncan, Oregon Court of Ap- appointment. Duncan, appointed in January 2010, attri- peals; and Judges Mary James and Tracy Every potential judicial candidate for butes her uncontested race in November Prall of the Marion County Circuit Court. an Oregon state court must consider the 2010 in part to her efforts to make it clear Their discussion focused on the appoint- inevitable election process. Justice Linder that she was ready for the job and well ment and election processes for Oregon introduced her distinction between “run- supported—“a little sprint up front,” to state court judges, advice for judicial ning for election” and “standing for elec- keep up the running metaphor. candidates, and judicial temperament. tion,” observing that in an unopposed Although Judge James’s first election Liani Reeves, general counsel to Gover- race, she sees the candidate as standing was uncontested, she subsequently faced nor Kitzhaber, then gave a brief presenta- for election, but in an opposed race, the a recall effort following her decision in a tion on the judicial appointment process. candidate truly runs for election. very contentious land-use case. Some law- Danny Santos, associate dean for student Justice Linder entered the race for a yers formed a corporation to raise funds affairs and administration at Willamette seat on the Oregon Supreme Court fol- to oppose the recall effort if an election University College of Law, served as the lowing Justice Carson’s retirement. She were held. Fortunately, the petitioners panel moderator. He has worked for knew it would likely be a three-way race did not gather sufficient signatures for an four past Oregon governors, and noted and very expensive, and she described election. Through the experience, Judge that the office of the governor’s general the experience as “jumping out of a James found that voters and lawyers counsel plays an important role in filling plane and then thinking about a para- do not support recalling judges due to judicial vacancies. chute!” Following the primary election unpopular opinions. Each panelist described her “road to was a run-off election, which she won. the bench,” showcasing the depth of Justice Linder said that election was the Continued on page 11 diversity in the Oregon courts and their room for people with different back- grounds and experiences. Justice Linder described her extensive experience with the Oregon Department of Justice, pri- marily in the Appellate Division, including service as Oregon’s solicitor general. Judge Duncan, a self-described “Mid- west transplant,” developed an extensive background in public defense prior to joining the bench. She worked for Metro- Kathy Root is a 26-year veteran family politan Public Defender in both Washing- law attorney, founding member of ton and Multnomah Counties, and then Oregon Women Lawyers, and Advisory for the Office of Public Defense Services, which handles all criminal indigent ap- Board member for OWLS Foundation. peals and some juvenile appeals. Judge James graduated from law Kathy’s experience and dedication school during the “last great recession” embody the high standard of family in the 1980s. Subsequently, she worked law representation and unique personal as a clerk and then established her own service that McKinley Irvin is known for. practice with the help of several “angel attorneys” who shared office space and gave her some work. Before joining the bench, Judge James also worked at Kathryn Smith Root – Partner in Charge, Portland the Oregon Department of Justice (for Rated AV® Preeminent™ 11 years), during which she tried cases Oregon Super Lawyers, 2011 throughout the state; a boutique Port- land firm specializing in employment law; and Harrang Long Gary Rudnick in Salem. Judge Prall’s prior experience was 503.487.1645 | PORTLAND . SEATTLE . TACOMA | McKINLEYIRVIN.COM primarily with the Marion County Dis-

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 WINTER 2012 Meet Jackson County Circuit Judge Lorenzo A. Mejia By Terri Kraemer and Bonnie Palka he Honorable Lorenzo Mejia was watching news of the civil rights move- before joining appointed to Oregon’s Jackson ment. Witnessing the role of the Constitu- the Southern TCounty Circuit Court by Governor tion and the courts in this historic struggle Oregon Pub- Kitzhaber in June 2002. He won a con- also greatly influenced his path toward lic Defenders tested election for the seat in November the law. He has always considered himself (SOPD). After 2002 and an uncontested election in May an advocate for equal opportunity and 14 years of 2008. Last month Judge Mejia was ap- racial, ethnic, and gender rights. trial work at pointed Jackson County’s presiding judge At the age of 18, however, he went SOPD, Judge for 2012–2013. His path to the bench was from being a “goodie two-shoes” to Mejia’s boss, not an easy one. being an excessive drinker. As a conse- Bert Putney, Judge Mejia was born in Chihuahua, quence, his undergraduate studies at the told him that Chihuahua, Mexico in 1953. He moved University of Oregon were spread over he thought he Judge Lorenzo A. Mejia to the United States with his parents and eight years, as he struggled with his drink- would make a siblings when he was three years old. ing problem. During the few years that good judge and suggested that he seek Sadly, his father died when he was in he was not enrolled at the university, he appointment to the bench. Judge Mejia, second grade. At the time, Judge Mejia’s worked in lumber mills in Oregon. a longtime OWLS member and supporter, mother had limited English, no job, and Judge Mejia eventually realized that credits his appointment to the bench to eight children under age 11 to care for. his hopes and dreams were slipping away the crucial support and recommendation Concerned that the family would not be and that he needed to make a change, so from OWLS. able to survive on its own, relatives en- he checked into an inpatient treatment Judge Mejia reports that within a week couraged his mother to return to Mexico, facility. At the end of his stay there, his sis- of being sworn in, he felt very much at where she would have had the support ter and mother expressed their concerns home. He takes his responsibility as an of extended family. that he would relapse and they would impartial judge very seriously and notes Judge Mejia’s mother, however, wanted get a call some day with bad news. He that each case must be decided based her children to benefit from opportunities realized that he did not want them to be not on personal opinion but on the law’s that she believed only the United States hurt or to worry about him. Judge Mejia requirements. Judge Mejia advises those could offer. She therefore resolved to took his last drink of alcohol in December aspiring to become judges to be strong stay. For the first couple of months, the 1980. He graduated from the University advocates for your clients and your posi- family subsisted on welfare, until Ms. of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in tions and never be disingenuousness or Mejia was able to obtain Social Security history in 1981. His sister also graduated abusive of your opponents. benefits and the first of a series of jobs from college and is a teacher. Currently, Judge Mejia hears criminal in seafood processing plants. Ms. Mejia In 1983 Judge Mejia started law school cases and cases in the Jackson County modeled what Judge Mejia observed was at the University of Oregon. Yes, he is a Community Family Court (CFC), a family an incredible work ethic. Although her Double Duck! At school he joined the drug court program for parents who work in the seafood processing plants Minority Law Students Association, which admit to substance abuse and whose was cold, wet, difficult, and paid very provided great support, encouragement, children are wards of the state and in little, Ms. Mejia rarely missed a day of and study groups. He also remembers the the custody of the Oregon Department work, even when ill. dean of students, Peggy Nagae, as be- of Human Services. In that court Judge Judge Mejia says that he is eternally ing incredibly inspiring because she was Mejia sometimes talks about his own grateful to his mother for her sacrifice an effective vocal advocate for gender, experiences and past alcohol problems. and her constant support. His mother racial, and ethnic diversity. This, he finds, is often an effective way to always believed in him and was always He was also very impressed with the break down barriers between the judge there with unconditional love to pick dean of the law school, Derrick Bell. and CFC clients. him up when he stumbled and fell. Judge Dean Bell was a black attorney who had Judge Mejia served two terms on the Mejia’s mother passed away just over two supervised school desegregation cases in state’s Uniform Trial Court Rules Com- years ago, and he says she will always be Mississippi during the early 1960s and was mittee and was one of 22 people on the the most influential person in his life. the originator of “critical race theory.” leadership team tasked with develop- Judge Mejia grew up in North Bend, Judge Mejia recalls that although Dean ing the Oregon Judicial Department Oregon, where he attended public Bell’s insistence on the examination of 2009–2013 Strategic Plan. schools. His teachers’ encouragement in- race relations in society, in the law, and He has a long history of community fluenced him throughout his school years, in the law school itself was the source of service. He is a member of the Jackson and early on he set his sights on becoming creative tension, in the long run it was County Public Safety Coordinating Com- an attorney. In eighth grade, in fact, he beneficial to all concerned. Judge Mejia mittee, serves on the board of Southern wrote a paper in English class describing graduated from the University of Oregon Oregon Goodwill, and for the past 12 his desire to become a crusading district School of Law in 1986. years has served on the board of La Cli- attorney and clean up the streets! After law school, Judge Mejia clerked nica del Valle, a Rogue Valley community Growing up in the 1960s, Judge Mejia for Lane County Judge James Hargreaves health clinic. He is also a member of the was an avid viewer of television news and did contract compliance work for the Medford Rogue Rotary Club. shows and was particularly influenced by Oregon Department of Transportation Continued on page 11

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2012 Road to the Bench continued from page 9 MLLS Offers Insights n October 17, the Mary Leonard Law OSociety (MLLS), the OWLS chapter in Salem, hosted its annual luncheon for new admittees. Amanda Marshall, the From left: Judge new US attorney for Oregon, gave the Rebecca Duncan, keynote address. She spoke about true Justice Virginia professionalism and the importance of Linder, Judge treating others well, finding a passion, Mary James, and making individualized priorities. Judge Tracy Prall Judge Lynn Nakamoto and Judge Erika A common theme implicit in each pan- about the personal consequences for you Hadlock, the newest appointments to the elist’s depiction of her road to the bench and your family. Oregon Court of Appeals, spoke at the was the importance of support from one’s Following the panel’s presentation, November 15 MLLS meeting. They talked colleagues and from the legal community Liani Reeves described the appointment about their experiences before joining in general. Judge Prall reported that the process. Once a vacancy is announced, she the bench and answered questions. Echo- best advice she ever received was to get makes a series of contacts: first, to the ing Ms. Marshall’s advice, they cautioned very involved in the local bar association, secretary of state to determine whether that while career paths may be guided by an Inn of Court, and other legal organiza- the filing deadline allows enough time serendipity, one’s manner of practice and tions. It is important to get your face and for an appointment process; second, to the professional relationships one makes name out there, she said, so that people the presiding judge of the court with the will either encourage or extinguish many know who you are. vacancy to find out if there are any special opportunities. Judge James noted the importance needs or concerns to be addressed; third, The December 6 MLLS meeting fea- of talking to other judges to find out to the chief justice to determine how long tured a CLE on child abuse reporting; what they do and whether they like it, the position should be open; and, fourth, the speaker was Marion County Deputy although she cautioned that potential to the local bar association for assistance District Attorney Jodie Bureta. MLLS do- candidates should seek advice rather than with the screening process. The local bar nated a portion of the proceeds from the support unless a close relationship already association is usually given some time to CLE to the Marion-Polk Food Share. exists. Judge Duncan agreed that it is im- screen applicants; the more information For information about MLLS, please portant for a judicial candidate to really provided, the better, especially qualitative contact Erin Dawson at erinndawson@ understand what a judge’s job entails. A information about applicants. gmail.com. good lawyer does not necessarily make a Next, the governor assembles a panel good judge, and some skills developed as of 14 people, including Liani Reeves, a lawyer are not used by a judge. her deputy counsel, and other lawyers. Judge Duncan also encouraged po- All panelists are provided with a list of tential candidates to consider the fact questions for the applicants. About seven that being a judge carries over into your to ten applicants are selected for an in- personal life. As a small-town judge once terview with the panel, and three or four observed, “You are a judge 24/7—you of those are selected to interview with are always on.” It is important to think the governor. Before the interview with the governor, the Oregon State Police conducts a very extensive background Judge Mejia check, and candidates should be aware continued from page 10 of and prepared for that process. OWLS’ judicial work group (JWG) Judge Mejia married his wife, Cristina encourages women and minorities to Sanz, in 1991. They met in law school. seek judicial positions and is available Cristina serves on the board of the OWLS to review members’ application materi- Foundation and is a former OWLS board als, conduct mock interviews, and offer member. Their 16-year-old daughter is a guidance. OWLS members who would junior at South Medford High School. like a copy of OWLS’ Road to the Bench When not working, Judge Mejia enjoys handbook should contact oregonwom- Creative Approaches to spending time with his family, riding his [email protected]. Complex Problems bike, and indulging his “news junkie” For assistance with application materials Mediated Over 1,500 Cases passion. or mock interviews, contact JWG co-chair Terri Kraemer, chair of the AdvanceSheet Heather Van Meter at hjvanmeter@ committee, is a director at Deloitte & gmail.com. A list of judicial vacancies is Touche in Portland. Bonnie Palka, a provided on the OSB webpage at www. trained mediator and OSB member, has osbar.org/judicial/judicialvacancy.html. 503-222-5949 worked primarily in the field of public Allison Boomer, president of the Mary www.Susan-Hammer.com construction law and is currently seeking Leonard Law Society, is a magistrate pro employment in the Portland area. tem at the Oregon Tax Court.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 WINTER 2012 The Road to Independence: 101 Women’s Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firms Edited by Karen Lockwood (ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, 2011) Book Review by Diane Rynerson

ven at a time when more women working for the state trying worker’s Lana Traynor, a 1993 Lewis & Clark law lawyers than ever are hanging compensation cases, she struck out on graduate, describes how she found her Eout their own shingles, starting a her own. Eventually, along with Larry practice niche advocating for special- practice of one’s own is always a daunt- Aschenbrenner, Charley Merten, and needs children when she opened her law ing and lonely prospect. In The Road to Don Marmaduke, she formed Oregon’s firm in 1999 to serve her first client, her Independence: 101 Women’s Journeys first public interest law firm, handling toddler son. Her letter is both encourag- to Starting Their Own Law Firms, the civil rights, environmental, and consumer ing and extremely practical, including American Bar Association’s Commission protection cases. advice passed along from a PLF practice on Women in the Profession has endeav- management advisor that the attorney, ored to provide practical advice, empathy, not the client, should choose which cases and inspiration in a collection of letters are pro bono. from women who have lived through the Gretchen Mandekor, who opened her challenges and uncertainties of striking firm in 2007, successfully made the un- out on their own and who were gener- certain transition from employee to firm ous enough to share their insights with founder with employees of her own as others who might want to embark on a a single mother of two young children. similar path. In her letter, she notes wryly that she is Editor Karen Lockwood, herself the “fated always to be in ‘parent’ mode in founder of the Lockwood Group, says one capacity or another.” of the collection: “The letters open a Angela Franco Lucero attributes the window onto the field of reasons why success of her transition from law clerk women left larger practices. It is not fam- to majority partner of her firm to the ex- ily pressure—these women are working cellent mentoring she received from her harder than ever. It is ownership, control, law partner, Tom Kranovich. She believes ambition, success and challenge.” that mentoring is especially critical for The letters are from women who women and minority attorneys. opened their own practices between Whether you read the book from cover 1956 and 2011. Organized chronologi- to cover or skim selected letters, you cally, the individual letters also illustrate will find something to make you think, broader themes such as the desire for Noreen continued to reshape her smile, and nod in agreement. And if you work/life balance, the need to find the practice as circumstances changed. In her aren’t already well on your own road to right practice fit, the value of mentoring, letter, she acknowledges the value of bar independence, perhaps you will find just and the changing models of practice association work as a means of establish- the encouragement you need to embark management. ing one’s name and developing referral on your own journey. Several OWLS members are contribu- resources. Noreen was a member of the The Road to Independence is available tors. One of the earliest to start her own OWLS board from 1992 to 1995, while for purchase from the American Bar As- firm was Noreen Saltveit McGraw, who simultaneously serving on the OSB Board sociation, on line at www.ababooks.org graduated from the University of Oregon of Governors at a time when the latter or by telephone at 1.800.285.2221. School of Law in 1955 and began practice experienced gender parity for the first with her father and brother in Medford. time. Recognizing an emerging trend in Diane Rynerson is the executive director When she moved to Portland in the early the early 1990s, Noreen added alternate of the National Conference of Women’s 1960s, she found that firms were reluc- dispute resolution to her practice, and Bar Associations. She was OWLS’ first tant to hire women trial attorneys. After today mediation is her primary focus. executive director.

The Oregon Attorney Assistance Program and OWLS invite you to The 5th Annual Women’s Wellness Retreat for Lawyers Save the Date! April 27–28 at the Resort at the Mountain, in Welches The retreat will offer CLEs plus spa treatments, hiking, biking, swimming, soaking, and more. Relax, restore, and socialize with other women in the law. Please watch for details in the OAAP In Sight newsletter and in broadcast emails, or call OAAP attorney counselors Meloney Crawford or Shari Gregory at 503.226.1057 or 800.321.6227.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 WINTER 2012 OWLS Members Receive OSB Awards By Megan Lemire WLS members Judge Jill Tanner, program, describes Judge Tanner this including the Judge Thomas J. Rastetter, and way: ‘She is extremely reliable, compe- OSB President’s OJudge Janice Wilson received tent, and thoughtful and always chips A ff i r m a t i v e Oregon State Bar (OSB) awards at an OSB in without a thought for recognition, Action Award luncheon on November 9 in Portland. which is exactly why she deserves to be (twice!), the Stephen Piucci, then president of the Or- recognized.’” OSB Presi- egon State Bar, presented the awards. He Judge Thomas J. Rastetter of the dent’s Mem- also recognized OWLS members Allison Clackamas County Circuit Court received bership Service Boomer and Jamie Hazlett for having the President’s Affirmative Action Award, Aw a r d , t h e recently received awards from the Oregon which “recognizes members who have M u l t n o m a h New Lawyers Division (ONLD). made significant contributions to the Bar Associa- For her con- goal of increas- tion’s Award ing minority rep- tributions to the of Merit, Or- Judge Janice Wilson legal profession, resentation in egon Women Judge Jill Tanner, the legal profes- Lawyers’ Judge Mercedes Deiz Award, the presiding sion.” Mr. Piucci and the Oregon Circuit Judges Association magistrate of explained that, Recognition for Humanitarian Services. the Oregon Tax working with Judge Wilson serves on the Multnomah Court, received the Oregon Judi- County Circuit Court and currently chairs the President’s cial Department the Multnomah County Civil Case Man- M e m b e r s h i p a n d t h e O S B agement Committee, the county motion Service Award. Affirmative Ac- panel, and the Oregon Judges Charitable Judge Tanner tion Committee, Foundation. She co-chairs the Presid- has been an ac- Judge Rastetter ing Court Task Force on Civil Jury Trial tive member of Judge Jill Tanner (left) and Allison Boomer spearheaded a Practices; is a member of the American OWLS and its pilot mentoring College of Trial Lawyers Trial Experience Salem chapter, the Mary Leonard Law So- program in 2010, partnering Oregon Committee as well as the county jury ciety, for many years. She currently serves judges with ethnic minority law students. orientation panel; and served on the 2011 on the boards of both organizations, and The program was reauthorized by Chief Convocation on Equality steering commit- she is also a longtime member of the Justice De Muniz for the current aca- tee. “And yes, she’s one of the mentors in OWLS AdvanceSheet committee. Judge demic year. Judge Rastetter’s program too.” Tanner is serving her second three-year A member of the OSB Affirmative Ac- “In short,” Mr. Piucci said, “Judge term on the OSB Board of Bar Examiners, tion Committee, Judge Rastetter “contin- Wilson has devoted untold hours to im- which she chaired from 2008 to 2009. ues to champion the Judicial Mentorship proving the judicial system by serving on She served on the OSB Disciplinary Board Program, applying lessons learned from and chairing numerous committees and from 2000 to 2007, chairing the board in the pilot project.” According to Mr. Piucci, task forces concerning access-to-justice her final year. one judge who participated in the pilot issues. She is also a frequent author and As OSB President Piucci noted, “Judge project commented, “I was not sure I CLE speaker on a variety of issues. She Tanner is also a champion for promoting could do this well, or that the relationship has given a great deal of attention to diversity within the legal profession, that would develop would be good for us improving the way the public experi- having co-chaired CLEs on the topic for both. I am now a passionate convert to ences the court system, improving the Oregon Women Lawyers and recently mentoring!” [For more on this mentoring jury orientation system, and advocat- serving on the diversity directory com- program, please see page 8.] ing for Multnomah County CourtCare, mittee for the Convocation on Equality.” In recognition of her significant con- which provides a safe environment for In addition, she is an active mentor at tributions to the judicial system and her children while their caretakers conduct the Lewis & Clark and Willamette law professionalism, integrity, and judicial court business.” schools. independence, Judge Janice Wilson re- Two OWLS members were among the Judge Tanner has always been known, ceived the Wallace P. Carson, Jr., Award for recipients of the Oregon New Lawyers as Mr. Piucci said, “for doing whatever Judicial Excellence. Her sustained record Division awards who were recognized at needs to get done.” He added, “Jon of outstanding service and professional- the luncheon. Allison Boomer received Benson, director of the bar’s admissions ism has earned her numerous awards, the ONLD Member Service Award for her efforts in organizing new lawyer socials and engaging members in Portland and For more information about OWLS activities, Salem. Jamie Hazlett, who organized an ONLD public service project in conjunction chapters, and volunteer opportunities, please with the Maslow Project in Medford, re- visit www.oregonwomenlawyers.org. ceived the ONLD Public Service Award. Megan Lemire is looking for an associate position in elder law or estate planning.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 WINTER 2012 Meet OWLS Board Member Judge Julia Philbrook By Mavel Morales udge Julia Philbrook grew up in New of the criminal justice system. court starts. If York’s picturesque Mohawk Valley, As a result, she worked for nine years at you need as- Jin one of those villages where front the Metropolitan Public Defender office sistance, the doors were left unlocked, bicycles were in Portland before accepting a position c o u r t s t a f f left on the front lawn, and car keys were with the Oregon Department of Justice will guide you left in the ignition, where they could be and ultimately returning to Metropolitan through the easily located. Judge Philbrook grew up Public Defender as director of its Clacka- proceedings loving nature, and she planned to prac- mas County office. if you get to tice environmental law. Judge Philbrook obtained her first pro- c o u r t e a r l y While attending the State Univer- tem position in 2000 at the Multnomah and don’t in- sity of New York at Plattsburgh, two County Circuit Court, where she served terrupt them internships further piqued her interest for ten years. In April 2011 Judge Phil- while court is Judge Julia Philbrook in environmental law and policy mak- brook began serving as a pro-tem judge in session.” ing. One was with the Adirondack Park and referee in Marion County Circuit When Judge Philbrook isn’t busy in Agency near Lake Placid, and the other Court, handling primarily criminal and her courtroom, you’ll find her with her was a semester-long residential program juvenile cases. family, rafting Oregon’s rivers in the at the Miner Center for Man and the Judge Philbrook loves her work as a summer and skiing on Mt. Hood in the Environment in Chazy, New York, near trial judge. She sees the courtroom as a winter. Her children have participated in the Canadian border. microcosm of society, where the things ski racing, and she and her husband are After college, Judge Philbrook moved that matter most to individuals are often ski race officials. Her family also enjoys to Portland to attend Lewis & Clark played out for all to see. As the judge, producing pinot noir and chardonnay Law School. She intended to focus on she must ensure that the rule of law is from grapes they pick in Canby. They environmental law but found herself applied evenly and equally to all. That have been bottling wine as a hobby for more interested in the criminal law work is, she says, at once a humbling and em- about ten years. that other students were doing in the powering responsibility. OWLS thanks Judge Philbrook for her courtroom. So in her second year of law Judge Philbrook offers this advice to commitment to working in the public school, she worked at the Clark County attorneys appearing before her: “Be early, sector and her service to OWLS. Public Defender’s Office, where she dis- and dress better than your client. If you covered that she enjoyed trial work and have not yet met the judge, don’t hesitate Mavel Morales is an attorney at the was drawn to the fast pace and intrigue to ask the clerk for an introduction before Oregon Law Center in Hillsboro.

OWLS Leadership Forum: Protecting Your Online Reputation By Banafsheh Violet Nazari n November 16, the OWLS Leader- and establish websites has dramatically Your Internet search may reveal a ship Forum sponsored a presenta- increased the ability to harm someone’s customer’s concern. It is important to ad- Otion and discussion about how reputation. dress this concern effectively. Generally, a to manage a lawyer’s reputation when To help us respond effectively to mis- successful response has four elements: an it is vulnerable to attack online. The information and smears, Ms. Danowski announcement outlining specific actions; event was titled “Managing Your Online Smith has four pieces of advice. First, be the formation of a policy or procedure to Reputation,” and the speaker was Dianne vain and run an Internet search on your- fix the problem; continued communica- Danowski Smith, vice president of Publix self often. At least once a week, Google tion with the public, while keeping legal Northwest, a public relations and public yourself and review the results. Second, implications in mind; and regularly issued affairs firm. She shared the expertise she when faced with misinformation or a updates on the status of the resolution. has gained from 20 years’ experience in smear, act quickly. Waiting even a day Ms. Danowski Smith recommends three managing public relations, public affairs, or two can allow a manageable issue to websites that can help with preparation strategic marketing, and corporate com- mushroom into a crisis. and tactics: www.onlinereputationedge. munications. Our event was graciously Third, use the same platform as the com, www.chillingeffects.org, and www. hosted in Portland by Miller Nash. initial smear. If the comment was made ripoffreport.com. Ms. Danowski Smith used a clip from on your blog, respond there. If it was in an OWLS thanks Ms. Danowski Smith for an episode of The Bob Newhart Show article in the newspaper, write a letter to her suggestions. to illustrate how easily misinformation the editor and ask to have it published in and exaggerations can damage one’s the next issue. Fourth, use Ms. Danowski Violet Nazari serves on the OWLS Board credibility and smear one’s reputation. Smith’s New York Times front page test: of Directors and is a sole practitioner in Today professionals are finding that choose your words carefully, as if they Portland focusing on small businesses, their reputations are more vulnerable would be published on the front page than ever. The ease with which people of The New York Times. estate planning, and unemployment can anonymously post comments online benefits.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 WINTER 2012 Convocation on Equality continued from page 1 Garden,” for employers interested in Panelists also considered concrete ‘get it’—that promoting diversity; and “Planting the steps employers can take to overcome mentoring is Seeds for Success,” for attorneys seeking some of the obstacles to diversity in the truly the key to improve their practical skills. Some of legal profession. From work allocation to the devel- the discussions in the latter tracks are to the evaluation process, the panel led opment of a described below. the audience in brainstorming ideas to successful style In the first “Tending the Garden” foster meaningful inclusion. One partici- of lawyering, panel, William Patton of Lane Powell pant suggested that a firm’s managers and also a key and Mariann Hyland, director of diver- attend a diversity-focused event or component of sity and inclusion for the Oregon State training to show the rest of the firm that retention and Bar, reported on the diversity statistics they value diversity. Ideas such as these advancement. Photo by Cathryn Bowie available regarding Oregon attorneys. will be included in a “toolkit” for legal And . . . we can Hon. Ellen Rosenblum With respect to gender, the Oregon employers. learn from one Department of Justice has progressed Focusing on another, as co-mentors, no matter our further than the large, self-reporting the other side years of experience.” Oregon law firms—half its attorneys are of the coin, a Judge Rosenblum also talked about women. In contrast, only 21% of part- panel in the work being done across the country to ners at the large Oregon firms report- “Planting the increase diversity in the legal profession. ing the information are women, a 3% Seeds for Suc- She noted, in particular, the Center for increase since 2001. Strikingly, Oregon cess” track Legal Inclusiveness, based in Denver, Colo- does not have a single Native American examined how rado, and its step-by-step guide for legal judge on a non-tribal court. members of organizations that want to create more The presenters noted that critical data the bar and diverse and inclusive workplaces. about the diversity of OSB members is bench have Kellie Johnson After the plenary session, attendees not available. m a i n t a i n e d and speakers mingled with each other The OSB asks authenticity in their practice. Panelists re- at the evening reception. only bar ap- layed some of their personal experiences. The 2011 Convocation on Equality plicants for Afterwards, everyone divided into groups effectively portrayed how the Oregon relevant data; to discuss particular issues—and strate- bar and bench have advanced diversity its questions gies to address them—arising in medium in the past ten years yet must continue are narrowly and large firms, small and solo firms, or their efforts to achieve substantive f o c u s e d ( i t non-firm employment settings. equality—a task everyone seemed mo- does not ask, The “Planting the Seeds for Success” tivated to tackle. for example, track also addressed intersectionality Megan Lemire is looking for an associate about sexual and how the law fails to account for position in elder law or estate planning. Photo by Teresa Statler Photo by Teresa orientation Mariann Hyland multiple minority identities. Law profes- She graduated from Lewis & Clark Law or disability); sor Kimberle Crenshaw has coined the School in May 2010. and 42% of the applicants decline to term “intersectionality” to encapsulate provide the data requested. how people with multiple identities face Clackamas Women Panelists next explored how to make multiple levels of discrimination. For in- diversity a priority. Diversity can affect a stance, a black woman faces more than Lawyers’ Events firm’s bottom line by bringing in new or the sum of race discrimination and gender n November 30, Clackamas Women continued business from corporate cli- discrimination. Because it has “essential- OLawyers sponsored a CLE on child ents that value diversity as well as by im- ized” human characteristics into boxes, abuse reporting, presented by Judge Eve proving the workplace atmosphere. The panelist Caroline Forell explained, the Miller at the Clackamas County Court- approach to increasing diversity must law is ill equipped to redress minorities’ house. Judge Miller hosted a holiday be multifaceted and long-term. Salient grievances within the justice system and party for chapter members and their features of a successful initiative include currently fails to recognize the harm. significant others at her home on De- (1) developing and communicating the At the concluding plenary session, cember 3. Donations were collected for business case, (2) having senior partners Judge Angel Lopez presented former the Clackamas Women Services. take the lead, (3) mandating top-down Governor Ted Kulongoski with a cer- On January 26, the chapter will host its diversity training, (4) establishing ac- tificate of appreciation for fostering third annual “Meet the Author” event countability, and (5) planning. diversity and inclusion within the Oregon at Cypress Restaurant in Oregon City, Mark Wada of Farleigh Wada Witt State Bar. Akira Heshiki and Emilie Edling, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Avel Gordly, one explained how engraining diversity in co-chairs of the convocation planning of Portland’s most prominent African the firm’s culture has reaped benefits, subcommittee, offered closing comments, American leaders and the first African such as broadening the range of man- and Hon. Ellen Rosenblum wrapped up American woman elected to the Oregon agement styles among partners. Rob the day with a closing keynote address. State Senate, will be the guest speaker. Aldisert noted that Perkins Coie’s diver- Judge Rosenblum said, “The sessions on Her memoir is Remembering the Power sity work has included showing the film mentoring today have convinced me that of Words: The Life of an Oregon Activist, The Color of Fear for firm members. we have many lawyers and judges who do Legislator, and Community Leader.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 WINTER 2012 Oregon Women Lawyers PRSRT STD PO Box 40393 U.S. POSTAGE Portland, OR 97240 PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #2346

Winter 2012 Printed on recycled paper

Thank You Our thanks to the following members who renewed their OWLS membership at an enhanced level

$200 or more $100 to $199 Alice Bartelt Rachel Aitchison Elizabeth Tedesco Milesnick Carmen Calzacorta Sally Anderson-Hansell Marsha Naegeli Lori E. Deveny Angela Bagby Douglas Park Hon. Frances Burge Susan G. Bischoff Lynn Partin Linda K. Eyerman Adrian Brown Kathleen Profitt Angela Franco Lucero Colleen S. Clemente Julene Quinn Stephanie Harper Christine Coers-Mitchell Susan Elizabeth Reese Amber Hollister Hon. Patricia Crain Cass SkinnerLopata Hannah Horsley Joan Demarest Ingrid Slezak Julia E. Markley Christy Doornick Julie A. Smith Hon. Mary Mertens James Julia M. Hagan Vicki Smith Kendra Matthews Anne Koch Laura Caldera Taylor Gwyneth McAlpine Joan Krey Catherine Alley Teach Linda Meng Hon. Marilyn Litzenberger Helen Tompkins Mary Jo Mullen Megan Livermore Hon. Kirsten E. Thompson Jane Paulson Caroline MacLaren Debra Velure Hon. Julia Philbrook Donna Maddux Hon. Nan Waller Kathleen Rastetter Debbie Menashe Kate A. Wilkinson Krystin Rose Kevin Myles Kyoko Wyse Concetta Schwesinger Kathryn Smith Root 23 years of Candice Wilson Stayer breaking Hon. Katherine Tennyson barriers Gloria Trainor 1989 -2012 Shannon Vincent Heather L. Weigler Deanna Wray

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 WINTER 2012