Published Quarterly by Oregon Women Lawyers Volume 21, No. 1 Winter 2010 OWLS Encourages Political Leadership By Heather L. Weigler n 2009 the OWLS Leadership Committee Using historical ex- sponsored a series of programs to encourage amples from Cleopatra Iand equip members to engage in political to Elizabeth I to Oprah, leadership, from running for office to serving Janeen explored how Co-Presidents on executive boards and commissions. The successful brands are Gwyneth McAlpine series came to a close in the fall with sessions created and main- Heather Van Meter on marketing yourself to achieve your goals and tained. “‘Branding’ is Vice President, volunteering with local government. a modern term for a President-Elect Concetta Schwesinger On October 6, Barran Liebman sponsored 5,000-year-old idea,” “Brand You: Turning Your Background and What she said, noting that Secretary Heather L. Weigler You Stand For into Your Message.” The session it’s more important to- Treasurer was designed and led by Janeen Olsen, market- day than ever. “We’re Commissioner Fritz Megan Livermore ing expert and director of development and information-rich and communications at the Juvenile Rights Project time-poor, so we make decisions based on gut Historian Kathleen J. Hansa Rastetter in Portland. After years of experience working feelings,” Janeen explained. “A personal brand Board Members in development and marketing for the Oregon is how others see you. It isn’t optional, and it’s up Hon. Frances Burge Shakespeare Festival and other ventures, Janeen to you to manage it.” Participants were asked to Dana Forman has applied her expertise to encouraging women engage in exercises to help them start thinking Cynthia Fraser Shari Gregory leaders to develop their personal brands. about and cultivating their personal brands over Maiya Hall the course of the program. Heather Hepburn On November 3, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Cashauna Hill Lawyers Returning to Work Kendra Matthews sponsored “All Politics Are Local: How to Get Linda Meng By Janice Hazel Involved in City, County, and Metro Government Hon. Julia Philbrook Boards and Commissions.” Portland City Com- Hon. Katherine Tennyson istorically, attorneys rarely moved in and Shannon Terry out of the practice of law. Some made missioner Amanda Fritz was joined by Karen Kate Weatherly lateral transfers, moved from large firms Winthrow of Metro Committee for Citizen In- Jane Yates H Hon. Youlee You to solo practice, and so forth, but there weren’t volvement and Gary Marshcke of Multnomah many seasoned lawyers competing with recent County Citizen Involvement Committee to Past Presidents Laura Caldera Taylor law school graduates for jobs. In the past, and discuss citizen involvement in local government Kellie Johnson to some extent even today, a plan to enter, exit, and opportunities to volunteer for local boards, Norma S. Freitas and then reenter the practice of law was gener- committees, and commissions. Kate A. Wilkinson Jennifer K. De Wald ally regarded as destroying a career. Commissioner Fritz recounted her path from Sarah J. Crooks Over time, however, as the demographic of neighborhood activist to Portland city commis- Elizabeth Schwartz sioner and head of the city’s Office of Neighbor- Lori E. Deveny aspiring lawyers shifted from predominantly male Debra Pilcher Velure to nearly half female, and as newer generations hood Involvement. She started her journey by Marilyn E. Litzenberger of lawyers, both male and female, began to em- attending a neighborhood association meeting Teresa M. Kraemer Patricia L. Heatherman brace the idea of veering from the traditional after hearing about plans to cut down a forest Julie Levie Caron lawyer’s career path, if not rejecting it out of near her home to build a subdivision. She became Phylis Chadwell Myles hand, the concept has shown encouraging signs involved in the association’s successful effort to Helle Rode Diana Craine Continued on page 10 Continued on page 15 Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Agnes Sowle Katherine H. O’Neil OWLS Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner Executive Director Linda Tomassi, 503.595.7831 OWLS Foundation Auction [email protected] AdvanceSheet Editor March 12, 2010 Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 [email protected] Reserve your dinner tickets now. Please see page 5 for details. www.oregonwomenlawyers.org
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 WINTER 2010 Co-Presidents’ Message Save the Date! appy New Year! While 2009 Hwas a difficult year for the OWLSNet economy and the legal profession, Networking Event OWLS had many accomplishments during the year, of which we are Thursday, Feb. 4, 4:30–7:30 p.m. very proud. Among those accom- World Trade Center, Bldg. 2 plishments: 121 SW Salmon St. s /7,3 REACHED A PEAK OF Portland, Oregon members; s /7,3 ,EADERSHIP #OMMITTEE started a Political Leadership Gwyneth McAlpine Series to encourage women to Heather Van Meter OWLS Board pursue positions in politics; s /7,3 MENTORING CIRCLES CONTINUED TO GROW IN NUMBER AND TOPIC Seeks Candidates s /7,3 &ALL #,% AND TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WERE A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS his spring, the 21-member Oregon featuring copious amounts of inspiration, good advice, and fun; and TWomen Lawyers Board of Directors s /7,3 AWARDED THE *USTICE "ETTY 2OBERTS !WARD TO 53 -AGISTRATE *UDGE 0AT will have openings. If you would like to Sullivan, the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award to Judge Richard Baldwin, the fourth play a leadership role in OWLS’ work annual Workplace Leader Award to Knowledge Learning Corporation’s legal transforming the practice of law, and you department, and the newly created Katherine H. O’Neil Volunteer Service Award have been active on one or more OWLS to (surprise!) Katherine H. O’Neil. committees, consider serving on the We have lots of plans for 2010, as we know you do. Consider including in your New board of directors. The OWLS board is ac- Year’s resolutions three things that you can do to advance OWLS’ mission of promot- tive and provides financial oversight and ing diversity and equality for women and minorities: strategic direction, helping to shape the 1. Take a female or minority lawyer to lunch or coffee once a month. Extend your future of OWLS programs and policies. invitation to a law student or young lawyer who could use your mentoring in these Board members must actively participate tough times. If you are a law student or young lawyer, go to lunch with one of your on at least one working committee. peers to talk about issues facing women and minorities in the legal profession or As a statewide organization, OWLS your hopes and fears for your legal career. This is a great way to start building your seeks board members from around the network! state. Board elections occur in April, with 2. Donate to a charitable organization that supports women and minorities. Or new members taking office in May 2010 volunteer. You could donate time or money to a women’s shelter, like the Bradley- for a three-year term. Meetings are held Angle House, or an organization that defends civil rights, like the ACLU. Or you could eight times a year, usually on Saturday support an organization that focuses on access-to-justice issues, like the Campaign for mornings. Equal Justice, or helps children deal with the legal system, like CourtCare or CASA. If you want to help guide OWLS Also consider donating funds or auction items to the OWLS Foundation, OWLS’ through the coming years—and form charitable sister organization, which educates and supports women and minorities valuable connections with other attor- in accessing and participating in the justice system. neys around the state in the process— 3. Increase your participation in activities that put you in a position to promote please contact OWLS President-elect diversity. If you’re in a law firm, think about opportunities within your firm, such as Concetta Schwesinger at concettas@ joining the hiring committee or getting together a group of attorneys to regularly comcast.net. meet and address diversity issues at your firm. If you’re in a smaller private practice or the public sector, consider getting involved with a bar organization, like OLIO, or one of several professional organizations in Oregon that promote women and minorities: OWLS (of course!), OMLA, OGALLA, NBA, or OAPABA. These organiza- Save the Date! tions present many different opportunities to use your skill set and interests in a manner that promotes diversity. You can use any position of leadership or influence OWLS/OAAP to promote diversity goals, so be a leader! Women Lawyers Retreat We hope to see you at the 18th Annual Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner on Friday, March 12, 2010. The recipient of the Justice Betty Roberts Award is Sarah J. Crooks, April 23 and 24 and the recipient of the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award is Oregon First Lady Mary Oberst. The Oregon Garden The dinner is expected to sell out, so be sure to secure your tickets early. Silverton, Oregon Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010! To register, email [email protected] or call OAAP at 503.226.1057. Gwyneth McAlpine Heather Van Meter Co-Presidents, Oregon Women Lawyers 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 2010 The Oregon Women Lawyers Workplace Leader Award Nomination Deadline Is June 1, 2010 WLS’ mission is to transform the organization that are not captured by In 2009 the award was presented to practice of law and ensure jus- the usual quantification tools, such as the legal department of Knowledge Otice and equality by advancing billable hours? Learning Corporation (KLC) for ac- women and minorities in the legal profes- commodating part-time and flexible sion. We believe that law as traditionally The Workplace Leader Award schedules, engaging in a thoughtful and practiced has included barriers to the The OWLS Workplace Leader Award collaborative process that addresses both advancement of women and minorities, recognizes a legal employer making in- the needs of KLC and the needs of each and has not always been a friend to those novative and effective efforts to promote employee, and supporting and encourag- seeking a healthy, balanced life. We seek one or more of the following values: ing educational advancement. to encourage and celebrate change that s A HEALTHY BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND The 2010 award recipient will be hon- will eliminate those barriers and imbal- life ored at OWLS’ Fall CLE reception, to be ances, and we expect that the profession s ACQUIRING AND MAINTAINING A DIVERSE held in October 2010. will be stronger as a result. workforce with diverse leadership While most legal employers agree in s MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN Nomination Information concept that such changes are needed, and minorities to succeed in the Nominations should include the fol- many disagree on how to achieve these workplace and advance to positions lowing: information that will help the goals. How can legal employers help of influence and leadership. award committee evaluate the employer’s women avoid losing so much momen- We are not looking for an employer specific program, policy, or project; the tum in their careers while their children to exemplify all these virtues. Rather, the markers of success for that program, are small that they give up on becom- award will recognize a specific program, policy, or project; and names of people ing leaders in the profession? How can policy, or project that is successfully ad- who can be contacted for further infor- part-time employment work, for both dressing one or more of the concerns mation. Nominations must be received employer and employee? How can legal outlined above. We particularly encour- (preferably by email) by 5 p.m. June 1, employers promote effective mentoring age applications from in-house legal 2010, and should be sent to Cashauna relationships? What can they do to attract departments, government employers, Hill, [email protected], Oregon and retain qualified women and minority and employers making strides in recruit- Women Lawyers, c/o Oregon Law Center, lawyers and equip them for leadership? ing and retaining ethnic minority lawyers 921 SW Washington, Suite 516, Portland, How can they value contributions to the and equipping them for leadership. OR 97205.
OWLS Collects Books Court Reporting By Christine Furrer & Heather Vogelsong his past year was our first as co- Trial Presentation Tcoordinators of the OWLS book Legal Videography drive, which was started and led by Cecil Reniche-Smith for many years. The drive Interpreter Services benefits the library at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. Videoconferencing We received tremendous support from many volunteers in Portland, Hillsboro, Document Management Oregon City, and Eugene who gathered books at their offices and homes. We would like to especially thank Christy Selected “Best Court Reporting Firm” Doornink, Linda Meng, Laura Orr, Jennifer Rollins, Kathie Weber, Kate Wilkinson, For nearly three decades, law firms and Kyoko Wyse. With their support we have been relying on Naegeli Reporting gathered approximately 1,100 books for the women at Coffee Creek. to provide the tools of control and influence. Thank you for thinking of the women at Coffee Creek and for helping to make Deposition scheduling available 24-hours a day. our first year a success. We hope to gather even more books next year. Christine Furrer graduated from Lewis Serving all of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and the Nation & Clark Law School in May 2009 and is Portland Bend Medford National seeking employment. Heather Vogelsong (503) 227-1544 (541) 385-8300 (541) 776-7500 (800) 528-3335 is an assistant attorney general in the General Counsel Section of the Oregon [email protected] www.naegelireporting.com Department of Justice.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 WINTER 2010 Oregon State Bar Hosts Diversity Summit OSB Honors By Cashauna Hill OWLS Members n November 2, the Oregon State Bar hosted its first annual Diversity Summit. By Terri Kraemer The brainchild of OSB President Gerry Gaydos, the summit was convened to bring bar leaders together to discuss the state of diversity within the n Decem- O ber 2, the OSB, as well as the needs, goals, and plans of organizations working to address the O Oregon State diversity gap in the Oregon legal community. Bar honored Frank Garcia Jr., diversity administrator of the OSB Affirmative Action Program f i v e O W L S (AAP), facilitated the summit, which featured presentations from, among others, m e m b e r s Danny Santos, senior policy advisor to Governor Kulongoski; OSB Executive Director with awards Teresa Schmid; OSB Affirmative Action Committee Chair Kim Ybarra-Cole; and Gaydos. for their many The summit was co-sponsored by OWLS and the OSB AAP, OSB Diversity Planning Task contributions Force, OSB Diversity Section, Oregon Minority Lawyers Association, and Multnomah to the legal Bar Association Equality Committee. profession. Teresa Schmid presented the new diversity-related language in the OSB mission Trudy Allen Judge Nan Waller statement, which was adopted at the recommendation of the OSB Diversity Planning was honored Task Force. The mission statement’s list of values now provides as follows: “Diversity. with the President’s Membership Service Award. Dedicated to preserving the his- The bar is committed to serving and valuing its diverse community, to advancing tory of Oregon’s women lawyers, Trudy equality in the justice system, and to removing barriers to that system.” has volunteered countless hours to con- Summit attendees participated in roundtable discussions about relevant diversity- ducting research, collecting stories, and related issues and further diversifying the bar. After the groups reported on their writing articles about women lawyers and discussions, the participants were treated to a reception, with food and entertainment their organizations in Oregon. provided by Mayahuel Catering and Latin jazz musicians Mariano & Masud. Judge Nan Waller was honored with OWLS Executive Director Linda Tomassi and OWLS board members Cashauna Hill and the President’s Public Service Award. Linda Meng attended the summit. OWLS looks forward to continuing the partnership Judge Waller is known for her creative with the OSB and other organizations doing work that supports our mission. problem-solving and devotion to protect- ing children, and she volunteers countless Cashauna Hill, an OWLS board member, is the fair housing staff attorney at the hours to developing and facilitating lo- Oregon Law Center in Portland. cal and statewide activities that benefit children and their families. Sandy Hansberger was honored with the President’s Special Award of Appre- ciation. Sandy is the executive director of the Campaign for Equal Justice and does an exceptional job of leading the CEJ staff and dedicated volunteers, as well as strengthening relationships between the CEJ and the OSB. Chief Judge Ann Aiken was honored with the Wallace P. Carson Jr. Award for Judicial Excellence. Judge Aiken has made significant contributions to the judicial system through her years on the bench, long-standing commitment to alternative dispute resolution, devotion to the District of Oregon Reentry Court program, and other activities. Judge Ellen Rosenblum was honored with the Edwin J. Peterson Professionalism Award. Judge Rosenblum’s professional- ism is apparent in her many judicial and professional activities, including serving on various committees and boards and mentoring and educating new lawyers at all three Oregon law schools. Congratulations, all. Terri Kraemer, chair of the AdvanceSheet Committee, is a director at Deloitte & Touche in Portland.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 WINTER 2010 Sarah J. Crooks and First Lady Mary Oberst to Be Honored at Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner on March 12
arah J. Crooks, a partner at Perkins Panner Inn of Court Executive Commit- scholarships Coie LLP and former president and tee, Oregon State Bar Diversity Section f o r r a c i a l Sboard member of OWLS, has been Executive Committee, Multnomah Bar and ethnic selected to receive the Justice Betty Association Board of Directors, and minority ap- Roberts Award for the promotion of Campaign for Equal Justice Board of Di- plicants. She women in the law. Oregon First Lady Mary rectors. Considering that Sarah is also a and Governor Oberst will receive the Judge Mercedes volunteer mock trial coach and judge, Kulongoski Deiz Award for promotion of minorities it is no surprise that many people a l s o b o w l in the law. The award recipients will be wonder whether she has managed to with minor- honored at the 18th Annual Roberts-Deiz find 30 hours in a day rather than 24! ity students Awards Dinner on March 12, 2010, at the Not only has Sarah set an example for and attorneys Governor Hotel in Portland. women lawyers on the local and state at BOWLIO, First Lady Mary Oberst Sarah J. Crooks has already done more levels, she has done so on the national a fundraiser to promote level as well. Sarah has served on the for OLIO. Every year, First Lady Oberst w o m e n i n board of the National Conference of opens her home, Mahonia Hall, for the legal pro- Women’s Bar Associations since 2004 the OMLA Salem Social. Everyone who fession and and is currently serving as president of has been touched by her hard work c o m m u n i t y the organization. She has also been ac- and devotion has described her as in her 12-year tive in the American Bar Association and a humble yet effective and passion- career as an held leadership positions in the ABA’s ate advocate for minority attorneys. attorney than Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Ms. Oberst also has a deeply held most people Sarah is a volunteer attorney for commitment to equal access to legal do in a career the Domestic Violence Project at Legal services for all communities, especially spanning sev- Aid Services of Oregon. In addition to underprivileged and underrepresented eral decades. Sarah J. Crooks maintaining a busy private practice, communities. She has been involved Sarah is pas- Sarah has provided pro bono repre- in the Campaign for Equal Justice sionate about the promotion of women sentation to more than 20 domestic since its inception and has made ac- and women’s rights and has the strength violence victims since 2002. Even more cess to justice one of her top priorities. of conviction to act on that passion. She impressive is the fact that she led Perkins Ms. Oberst’s support of diverse is commonly described as a “tireless ad- Coie’s pro bono partnership with Intel populations extends far beyond the vocate” for the advancement of women and has trained and mentored other legal community. She is an enthusiastic in the legal profession. attorneys within her firm and Intel to supporter of Oregon Northwest Black As one of only two female partners represent domestic violence victims. Pioneers, and is credited as having in the Portland office of Perkins Coie, Sarah exemplifies the leadership and planted the seed for what will become Sarah has been a role model and men- work performed by a genuine advocate the Oregon African American Museum, tor to women attorneys in her firm. for women in the legal profession and the on whose boards she serves. She also Leading by example, she has founded, community. Due to her unrelenting com- spearheaded fundraising for the res- chaired, and/or served on numerous mitment to the promotion of women, toration and preservation of the Kam committees focused on the promotion OWLS is pleased to award the 2010 Justice Wah Chung Museum in eastern Oregon. of women and minorities in both her Betty Roberts Award to Sarah J. Crooks. OWLS is pleased to recognize First firm and the legal community. As one First Lady Mary Oberst is a steadfast Lady Mary Oberst’s considerable of Sarah’s colleagues stated, “It is not a champion of diversity in the legal profes- contribution to the promotion of question of ‘if’ women attorneys can suc- sion and works tirelessly for equality for minorities in our profession and the ceed to Sarah, but a question of ‘how.’” all. The first lady is a staunch supporter of community at large by awarding her Sarah is a true leader for women lawyers the Oregon State Bar Affirmative Action the 2010 Judge Mercedes Deiz Award. new to the profession as well as those Program and a champion of Opportuni- Information about tickets for the who have been practicing for 40 years. ties for Law in Oregon (OLIO), an orien- Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner, to be held Sarah became involved in OWLS very tation program designed to recruit and March 12 in downtown Portland, can early in her career. She served on the retain minority law students in Oregon. be found at the OWLS website, www. OWLS Board of Directors from 1998 to She has also generously donated to the oregonwomenlawyers.org, or by calling 2004 and was president from 2003 to Oregon Minority Lawyers Association 503.595.7826. We urge you to reserve 2004. Sarah’s leadership activities have (OMLA) Annual Fundraiser Auction, which your tickets soon, as we expect this event also included serving on the Owen raises money for bar exam preparation to be sold out.
Donations are needed for the OWLS Foundation Auction, which will take place on March 12, immediately before the Roberts-Deiz Dinner. To donate, please contact Jill Brittle at [email protected] or 503.445.1575.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 WINTER 2010 A Tribute to Kathryn Ricciardelli, OWLS’ Third President By Diane Rynerson and Trudy Allen t was with great sadness that OWLS learned of the death of our third Ipresident, Kathryn Ricciardelli, on November 4. We sketch for you here some OWLS’ fourth, third, of her many contributions to OWLS. and second presidents, Kathryn Mary Elisabeth Ricciardelli was left to right: born in New York City on March 5, 1954. Diana Craine, She attended a Catholic girls’ high school. Kathryn Ricciardelli, As a child, she studied classical piano and Agnes Sowle, and became quite a talented keyboard- in 1992 ist, playing very willing to be mentored by others. While president, Kathryn worked ac- classical, pop, One such mentor was former Oregon tively with a new group, the Women’s and religious Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts. Ac- Summit, which sought to unite women’s music on both cording to Betty, “I met Kathryn through professional groups in the Portland area. the piano and OWLS, but I got to know her on the golf Its first major event was bringing Gloria organ. At age course when a few women lawyers began Steinem to Portland as a speaker. The 15, she accom- playing together some 18 years ago. At legacy of the Women’s Summit is the panied her the time she was eager to work on her “Voices” lecture series, now in its 17th older brother game, on herself as a person, and as a year. to the Wood- lawyer. She did a fine job at all three. After her year as president, Kathryn stock Festival, Kathryn’s big smile and infectious spon- remained on the OWLS board until Kathryn Ricciardelli an experience taneity were evidence of her expanding September 1994. She was persuaded to she described self-confidence and maturity. Sometimes return to board service in May 1999 and as “educational” for someone of her I felt I could actually see her growing into was on the executive committee in the relatively sheltered upbringing. She re- the person she had set out to be and did role of historian from September 2002 to ceived her undergraduate degree from achieve. OWLS will miss her. I will miss April 2005. She served for a total of ten the University of Oregon in 1983 and her her very much.” years on the board, an OWLS record. JD from Willamette University College of Kathryn’s involvement with Oregon In reflecting on her years on the Law in 1986. Women Lawyers began in 1989 when board in preparation for OWLS’ 20th While she was a law student, Kathryn she attended OWLS’ first “How to Be anniversary celebration, Kathryn wrote, came to value mentoring, which ulti- a Judge” seminar. Katherine O’Neil ap- “Working with the Board provided many mately led to her significant role in estab- proached her and said, “You need to long-term friendships and appreciation lishing successful mentoring programs at be a member of OWLS.” That was the of other women in their struggles and all three Oregon law schools. The concept only invitation she needed. At the time, challenges to break barriers. The laughter of a program linking women attorneys to Kathryn was a new associate at Vick & and teamwork while addressing the goals women law students at Willamette Uni- Gutzler in Salem, handling plaintiffs’ for OWLS kept me inspired and proud versity began as an idea for a project of worker’s compensation and personal to be associated with such an energized Salem’s Mary Leonard Law Society at the injury cases. group.” time it became the second OWLS chapter Kathryn became active in the Mary Kathryn’s advice to OWLS for the next in 1990. Along with Elizabeth Harchenko, Leonard Law Society, and was asked to 20 years? “Keep grooming young women Kathryn worked tirelessly to develop and attorneys to take their place in the law give structure to the Willamette program, substitute for Elizabeth Harchenko at a firms, courtroom and state bar. Continue which was soon extended to include male meeting of the OWLS board. She quickly to stay involved in the law schools to attorneys and law students. impressed the board members with her give women and minorities an early and Kathryn advocated that the program enthusiasm and friendly manner. She comprehensive insight into their future be established at the University of joined the planning committee for OWLS’ practices.” Oregon, and at Lewis & Clark, Kathryn first all-day conference. By the summer Kathryn Ricciardelli died unexpectedly collaborated with OWLS board member of 1990, she had become a member of on November 4, 2009, at age 55. She is and Assistant Dean for Career Services the OWLS board. By the following year, survived by her partner, Lisa Weaver; Andrea Redding to found the program she was vice president, and in October her mother, Elizabeth Ricciardelli; her there. Kathryn continued her active par- 1992, she became the third president of brother, Paul Ricciardelli; and by her many ticipation in the law school mentoring Oregon Women Lawyers. friends and colleagues. programs for many years, speaking at Kathryn’s seriousness of purpose, te- the annual kick-off event at Willamette nacity, propensity to work hard, playful Diane Rynerson was the first OWLS ex- and mentoring law students. In 1997 she spirit, and quick wit were a perfect fit for ecutive director and is now the executive was the first recipient of Lewis & Clark’s effective leadership in OWLS’ formative director of the National Conference of Andrea Swanner Redding Outstanding years. She was an “idea” person. When Women’s Bar Associations. Trudy Allen Mentor Award. a program needed a name, it was often is historian of the OWLS Foundation and Kathryn was a natural mentor to law Kathryn who came up with just the right general counsel of U.S. Bancorp Equip- students and new lawyers, but was also combination of descriptive words. ment Finance, Inc.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 WINTER 2010 Meet OWLS Treasurer Lane County Women Lawyers Presents CLE Megan I. Livermore By Mary Savage By Mavel Morales ane County Women Lawyers tion on elder law access-to-justice issues. egan Liv- (LCWL) and the Eugene-based CPA Mark addressed several facets of an elder Mermore Lfirm Kernutt Stokes Brandt & Co. law attorney’s work, including planning j o i n e d t h e co-hosted a half-day CLE on November 13 for incapacity and incompetency, dealing OWLS Board at the University of Oregon (UO) School of with multiple generations and interests, of Directors in Law in Eugene. Over 35 people attended, and handling a client’s diverse needs. May 2008 to be earning four hours of CLE credit on access The afternoon ended with debtor/ a more active to justice and child abuse reporting. creditor attorney Scott Palmer, of the p a r t i c i p a n t The afternoon began with a catered Eugene firm Watkinson Laird Rubenstein in OWLS’ fu- lunch and a panel discussion on manda- Baldwin & Burgess. Scott discussed the ture. This year tory child abuse reporting. The panelists fact that the economic downturn has she joined the were Patty Perlow, the chief deputy dis- caused and exacerbated problems in OWLS Execu- Megan I. Livermore trict attorney in Lane County; Jeff Martin, delivering legal services to those who tive Commit- a detective with the Springfield Police De- need them the most. tee as treasurer. partment; and Karrie McIntyre, a partner Many thanks to the speakers who A native Oregonian, Megan grew up with Parrish and McIntyre, who facilitated prepared, presented, and attended this in Eugene and attended Oregon State the discussion and navigated through the event. LCWL donated 10% of the pro- University, where she was a member of mandatory reporting statutes. Patty and ceeds to the UO Child and Family Law the varsity crew team. She obtained her Jeff provided practical advice on when Association, for its assistance in making undergraduate degree in speech com- and how to report child abuse. the event a success, and most of the munications in 1994 and then worked at Kamala Shugar, the attorney in charge proceeds ($1,000) to Womenspace by the Oregon Department of Corrections of the Oregon Department of Justice’s sponsoring a family of four for the holi- in public affairs and public relations. She Child Advocacy Section, and Valerie Love, days. LCWL plans to offer an annual CLE then helped launch Digimarc, a successful of the Eugene firm Gleaves Swearingen on access-to-justice issues for attorneys high-tech company based in Portland. Potter & Scott, then presented informa- throughout the state. In 2002, Megan headed to Willamette tion on access to justice for children. Mary Savage, a tax associate at Kernutt University College of Law to embark Mark Williams, of counsel with Gaydos, Stokes Brandt & Co., serves on the LCWL on a new career. After graduating, she Churnside & Balthrop, presented informa- steering committee. clerked for Judge Darryl Larson of the Lane County Circuit Court. Megan is currently an associate at Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop in Eugene. “When an Her practice includes business and com- mercial law, real estate, and litigation. attorney called She finds that her work is a great fit be- tween her previous experience in the cor- me from New porate world and her legal knowledge. She likes working at the firm because of York after the its attorneys and staff and the diversity of issues she gets to help resolve. She feels close of business lucky to work at a firm where mentoring one Thursday to and finding a balanced life are priorities and where she is encouraged to spend ask if I could get We offer the same services as the other top time with family and be involved in the Portland reporting firms. We deliver the same community. him a reporter in “ high quality product. The difference is our When Megan isn’t busy with work and OWLS, you can find her hanging out with New York for the personal commitment to superior service. family and friends, rowing, and cheering for the OSU football team. She is also next morning, I Our New York friend had his reporter the actively involved in the Lane County Bar had only two next morning. He was thrilled, of course. Association, Oregon State Bar Sustainabil- ity Task Force, OSB Leadership College, words for him. If you want service, call Teach. 503.248.1003. and Oregon Association of Rowers. It’s all about service. Megan’s advice to new attorneys comes from a panelist at the OWLS 20th anni- “Of course.” versary Fall CLE: If you want something, don’t be afraid to ask for it. —Catherine Teach 1500 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 Mavel Morales is an attorney at the 503.248.1003 or 800.230.3302 Oregon Law Center in Hillsboro.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 WINTER 2010
“Of course.” —Catherine Teach How Not to Be THE JUDGES’ FORUM for any particu- lar job. In fact, “Co-opted” by the statistically, Culture of Law most lawyers cannot have aw has its own culture—a set of been in the top shared attitudes, values, goals, tier of their law Land practices that characterize school classes. the community of lawyers, judges, law By The Honorable Darleen Ortega And the best professors, and others who participate Oregon Court of Appeals jobs are not in making the law happen. As with most necessarily in Hon. Darleen Ortega cultures, those shared attitudes, values, will lose the benefit of the best we have big law firms. goals, and practices are, to a large extent, to offer. Yet those assumptions about worth in- not taught directly or even consciously To avoid being co-opted, we need to fluence the thinking of even those who acknowledged. They are assumed and understand how co-opting happens. Here believe they have rejected them. nonnegotiable. They define what is con- are my thoughts. If you open your ears, you will hear sidered valuable and even possible. First, we may internalize the values of many similar examples of people uncon- Examples include these commonly the legal culture, and feel like failures sciously adopting the values of the legal held beliefs: the best lawyers work in or as somehow inferior when we don’t culture. Watch out that you don’t inter- large law firms; the value of your work achieve success as measured by those nalize messages about your and others’ is commensurate with how much money values. A law student I know recently value that are externally based and not you make; business development is the described attending a minority lawyer based on what you or they really have to most significant contribution you can event at a large law firm in Portland. offer. It’s very easy to do, and it affects make to a law firm; a forceful personal- Two lawyers there introduced themselves your confidence and your ability to be ity is necessary to succeed; you are not with a sort of apology, indicating that your best self in profound ways. working if you are not in the office; law they didn’t work in one of the big law A second way we may be co-opted school grades are an important indicator firms but rather at a small firm. The as- involves the need for approval. I have of how good a lawyer you will be; the sumption the student heard embedded in often been able to identify things I can value of your contribution to a discussion their introduction was that the small-firm contribute to organizations I’m in that is roughly proportionate to your place in lawyers weren’t the ones he would really are not currently valued, and have been the power structure. want to talk to, but were a sort of “second brave enough to dive in and attempt to Each of us came into this profession string” whose potential contribution to make a difference. But I have wasted a with our own sets of attitudes, values, the student’s evening was less valuable. lot of energy trying to convince others goals, and practices, which were shaped Those lawyers, it seems, had internal- that what I’m doing is valuable and being by our own experiences. Changes to ized an idea of their value that is com- hurt when that is not understood. Worse those are inevitable and even necessary, monly assumed but open to challenge. yet, I’ve tried to squeeze myself into a to some degree, once one enters the The truth is, big law firms are not for package that is more likely to win the culture of law. But I’d go so far as to everyone, and many law students would approval I crave, with limited success. say that all such change that happens benefit greatly from talking to lawyers The truth is, I haven’t readily fit into unconsciously is at least risky and very who work in other settings. My guess the mold of a successful lawyer or judge likely bad. If we cede the responsibility is that those two lawyers would agree as success was defined before I arrived. for determining what we believe, value, with that statement. Yet their words My constant challenge has involved a and desire to a group that functions, like indicated that they considered their combination of understanding the cul- all groups do, in a relatively unthinking value inferior. ture I am in and understanding myself. If I and self-perpetuating manner, we have Another student reported to me that allow the existing legal culture to dictate been co-opted. he was talking to some lawyers from a what constitutes success, I may miss mak- The danger of being co-opted by the small firm who, even while talking about ing the contribution I am best suited to culture of law is particularly problematic how much they preferred their small make. Conversely, if I approach the idea for women and others who historically firm context to the big firms where they of success knowing my strengths and the have been underrepresented in the legal had formerly practiced, commented that ways I can contribute to positive change, profession, because the culture of law they weren’t in a position to attract the I risk losing the approval I crave. In fact, was created without the benefit of our “best” students, but could offer a great the contributions I try to make may win influence. Therefore, we are particularly opportunity to students in the “second me disapproval at times. likely to find that the things we have to tier.” Imbedded in that statement were Let go of the need for approval, or at offer the legal profession are not already the ideas that the “best” students were least hold it as loosely as you can. Being valued there and may even be explicitly those with the highest grades, and that your best self will not always win you de-valued. those students would of course want to approval. To avoid being co-opted by the If we allow ourselves to be co-opted by work in the big firms, because they are legal culture, you need to understand the legal culture, we are likely to find that the most desirable. its values but not let them define you. we are attempting to squeeze ourselves But those assumptions are open to Continue to develop your own measures into a mold that doesn’t fit us, and then question. The students with the highest of success, and find sources of approval to feel frustrated when we don’t shine. grades are not necessarily the most ca- outside the legal culture when necessary, A likely result is that the legal profession pable or the most worthy of being hired including within yourself.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 WINTER 2010 A third element that may lead us to be co-opted is the pain of living in a reality Kulongoski Increases Diversity on Courts that we are not currently able to change. By Heather Van Meter You likely will find yourself in situations where you can see injustice but are not in overnor Ted Kulongoski’s appointments to Oregon a position to rectify it. That is frustrating courts have promoted diversity and helped to ensure and uncomfortable—and it becomes very Gthat Oregon’s state courts better reflect the popu- tempting to excuse what you are seeing in lation they serve. During his seven years as governor (as order to avoid that pain, especially when of January 7, 2010), Gov. Kulongoski has made 43 judicial you can see that the people involved are appointments. Twenty-three (53%) have been women, and not inherently bad people. How can you approximately ten of the 43 appointments (23%) have been live in a reality where good people are minorities. Oregon’s population is over 50% female and doing very bad things and you are not 20% minority, according to the most recent census data. able to do anything about it? Gov. Kulongoski’s appointments include the first woman When you find yourself in such a situ- to serve on the circuit court in each of six counties: Columbia, ation, work very hard to keep your eyes Tillamook, Yamhill, Lincoln, Josephine, and Curry. These Hon. Frances Burge open, and don’t excuse what you are see- judges are, in that order, Hon. Jenefer Grant, Hon. Mari ing, no matter how hard that is. To retain Trevino, Hon. Carol Jones, Hon. Sheryl Bachart, Hon. Lindi Baker, and Hon. Cynthia the ability to make change when you do Beaman. Gov. Kulongoski also appointed the first minority judge in Douglas County, have the power, you need to keep your Hon. Frances Burge (an OWLS board member). eyes open to injustices that you can’t cor- Over half the judges now serving on the Multnomah County Circuit Court are rect. Inwardly excusing injustice is practice women, and 13% are racial minorities. Multnomah County’s population is 50% for outwardly perpetuating it. female and 28% racial minority. I still find myself in these situations and Additionally, one of Gov. Kulongoski’s two Supreme Court appointments is a woman, still experience that temptation. In fact, Hon. Martha Walters, and three of his four appointments to the Oregon Court of the temptation is not only internal—it Appeals have been women: Hon. Darleen Ortega, who is also a minority; Hon. Ellen comes from others around me who Rosenblum; and Hon. Rebecca Duncan, who was appointed on January 7, 2010. see what I see but want to believe that “I have always believed it is important that Oregon’s judicial system truly represent things are not as bad as they are. In such the citizens it serves,” said Gov. Kulongoski. situations, I try to remind myself that sometimes just bearing witness is the Heather Van Meter is co-president of OWLS and a partner with Williams Kastner in best I can do. It’s not satisfying, but it’s Portland. a prerequisite to retaining the ability to recognize the need for change so that I don’t miss opportunities to bring about change when they do come. So here is some advice to you in your efforts to avoid being co-opted. This way to the future. First, understand the values of the Announcing a new law firm 20+ years legal culture, but don’t stop question- in the making. Foster Pepper LLP has ing those values. It’s possible to live changed its name to Roberts Kaplan LLP. within a culture, understand the shared Same practice. Same people. Same assumptions and values that underlie it commitment to helping our clients and even accord those assumptions and achieve their business goals. values respect, and still hold on to your Our women lawyers: own constantly evolving values, ideas, Jacqueline Bishop Nancie Potter and attitudes. Faith Graham Rebecca Thiebes Second, don’t slip into the conclusion Janet Larsen that what you have to offer isn’t valu- able because it isn’t currently valued— and don’t try to squeeze yourself into a mold of success that doesn’t allow you to be your best self. It’s more fun to be appreciated, but don’t let outside validation dictate how you spend your energies. Third, learn to extend grace without excusing wrongdoing. Don’t close your eyes to avoid the discomfort of seeing things you don’t have the power to change. It is only by keeping your eyes open that you’ll be awake for opportuni- SW ND AVENUE SUITE PORTLAND OREGON ties to make change when they arise. TOLL FREE ROBERTSKAPLANCOM
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 WINTER 2010 Lawyers Returning to Work continued from page 1 of evolving into a common occurrence. to work was about 4.6 years. Five of who answered the question, 29% said Regardless of how common it may now the participants returned to work after they had encountered or perceived bias be for lawyers to take time away from absences of more than 7 years. during the interview process as a result the law at some point in their careers, an The most cited reasons for returning of the extended absence from legal work. important question remains: what effect to the practice of law were financial Fewer (24%) said that once employed, do those absences have when someone (67%), intellectual stimulation (59%), they experienced bias among their new decides to return to the law business? and personal fulfillment (50%). co-workers as a result of either their ab- With that question in mind, OWLS Not surprisingly, many of the survey sence from work or the number of hours sought out lawyers, both men and participants returned to law settings that they were working. Of the participants women, who had left the practice of law were different from the ones they had who said they had encountered bias, for extended periods of time and had departed. Most went to work at small either during the interview process or later returned or started the process of firms (31%), nonprofits (20%), large firms among co-workers, most attributed it to returning to work. The 49, mostly female, (13%), or governmental entities (11%), or traditional beliefs about the professional lawyers who agreed to participate com- as sole practitioners (13%). Of those who commitment of part-time attorneys or the pleted a multiquestion survey designed had obtained employment (at least 45 of value of hiring “older” attorneys. to ascertain the reentering lawyer demo- the participants), at least 58% returned Because the phenomenon of lawyers graphic as well as the issues associated to work on a part-time basis, and 38% reentering the legal field after an ex- with a return to the practice of law. on a full-time basis. tended absence is relatively new and Of the 49 lawyers, 86% had practiced From a personal standpoint, some of presents many issues and challenges for 12 years or fewer prior to leaving their the most frequently named challenges reentering lawyers and employers alike, legal jobs, with child rearing the most encountered when returning to law prac- we asked the survey participants to rate cited cause for leaving (69%). Before tice were overcoming a lack of confidence the availability of resources for reentering departing, lawyers had worked in the (“getting over the intellectual jitters lawyers (most rated them average to be- spectrum of legal settings, primarily at about being out for so long”); the feel- low average) and to provide suggestions large firms (28%), governmental enti- ings of guilt associated with leaving the for how employers, the OSB, and OWLS ties (28%), small firms (23%), mid-size role of stay-at-home parent (“It was dif- could ease reentry into the work force firms (13%), and nonprofit organizations ficult to explain to my daughter why I no (they had plenty of suggestions). (11%). Among the participants who left longer had weeks off in the summer and Education was the key component the legal field for longer than one year, why my new hours were more stringent”); of most suggestions offered by the the average absence before returning childcare (quality and affordability); and survey participants. They want to see grappling with the work/family balancing CLEs, lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring, and act (“having enough time to dedicate to networking opportunities specifically work while also raising and being a part targeted to reentry lawyers. Many said ,.,' & !&& + of a family”). Some participants reported that even though temporary absences Nfejbujpo!Tfswjdft fatigue resulting from the extraordinary from the practice of law, particularly energy required to practice law while for child-rearing purposes, are a com- bringing professional and technological mon occurrence, they are still treated skills up to speed, reconnecting with or by many employers as anomalies with establishing new professional networks, career-sabotaging implications. Thus and working through the myriad transi- the surveyed lawyers want to see more tional logistics that surface when a parent published articles on the topic of reentry returns to work. lawyers, their challenges, their successes, Nearly all the returning lawyers en- and the great value they bring to the countered professional challenges as legal community. well. Those most often cited were finding One lawyer suggested that employers employment opportunities that offered not view time away from the law as lost flexible work arrangements or employers time, but recognize that experiences who valued a work/life balance, learning outside the practice of law contribute to new practice areas and technological the new practice. Lawyers also said that - OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2010 and marketing that is necessary. I left the practice 9 years ago with a client base and What can employers do to ease the way professional connections, and it will take for lawyers reentering the practice of law? time to build that back again.” Survey participants suggested the following: Note: OWLS offers many resources and s -AKE mEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES ACCEPTABLE AND THE NORM events that may be of assistance to lawyers reentering legal practice. For s 5NDERSTAND THE DEMANDS PLACED ON LAWYERS BY CIRCUMSTANCES OUTSIDE THEIR more information, visit the OWLS web- careers and professional demands. site, www.oregonwomenlawyers.org. s /FFER MORE WORK OPTIONS FOR LAWYERS 0REVENT TOTAL DROPPING OUT IN THE Also, before leaving the practice of law, first place by having such options. lawyers should contact the OSB for infor- s 5NDERSTAND THAT THE FACT THAT WE HAVE CHILDREN AND STOPPED WORKING FOR mation on the ramifications of changing a while does NOT mean that we are not hard workers and committed status and the requirements that must be lawyers. met to reenter the practice. s %VALUATE THE ABSENCE AS A LIFE EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTAND THAT ) MAY HAVE Lawyers reentering the practice of more wisdom and practical skills now than I had just out of law school. law should consider taking advantage s $ONT ASSUME THAT PEOPLE ARE DOING NOTHING WHILE THEY ARE hAT HOMEv ) of the services offered through the OSB was able to do a lot of volunteer work and develop a number of contacts Professional Liability Fund’s Practice that ended up helping with marketing and client development. Management Advisor Program and Or- egon Attorney Assistance Program. These s /FFER MORE CONTRACT LAWYER OPPORTUNITIESTHEYRE A GREAT WAY FOR LAWYERS TO programs offer support and assistance reenter and for an employer to determine the attorney’s qualifications. with setting up a new law practice, office s !LLOW LOTS OF #,%S IN THE BEGINNING SO THE RETURNING LAWYER CAN GET BACK technology and systems, office and finan- up to speed. cial management, and client relations, as s /FFER TRAINING ON COMPUTER RESEARCH AND OTHER SKILLS well as other resources. All services are s /FFER TRAINING PROGRAMS ANALOGOUS TO WHAT YOUD OFFER TO A LAW STUDENT free and confidential. For more infor- but tailored to women returning to the practice. mation, call the PLF at 503.639.6911 or s -AKE SURE THAT FROM THE TOP DOWN RETURNING LAWYERS ARE NOT TREATED LIKE 800.452.1639 or visit www.osbplf.org. second-class citizens for taking time off. Janice Hazel, a lawyer in private practice in s &LEXIBLE HOURS !LLOW LAWYERS TO WORK FROM HOME WHEN THEY HAVE SICK Portland, specializes in estate and business children. planning, tax issues, and nonprofits. We offer our condolences to the family SUSAN Z. WHITNEY and friends Arbitrator of Nancy Bergeson, a former OWLS DragonFlies co-captain, who died on Nov. 24. Nancy Bergeson Diana Laboy-Rush, president and CEO of Portland Wiz Contracts • Construction • Real Estate Kids, discussed gender equity Appraisers • Architects/Engineers • General Business in science, technology, Attorney for 31 Years • 15 Years’ Arbitrator Experience engineering, and math at Reasonable Hourly and Daily Rates the Nov. 12 OWLSNet 503-223-4951 networking event in Portland. OWLS fax 503-954-1542 was joined by the Society of Women Engineers and FORWARD Women [email protected] www.susanzwhitney.com Architects for another successful evening of education and networking. Thank you to event sponsor Kolisch Hartwell. OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 WINTER 2010 An Interview with Nancie Potter, Panner Award Recipient By Cynthia Fraser WLS member Nancie Potter will the time the microphone came to me, this and other receive the Oregon State Bar you could see that reality was setting c o n t a c t s a t OLitigation Section’s 2010 Owen M. in for the audience. My story was that I the firm, I was Panner Professionalism Award at a dinner had given up sleep. I had three sons in able to get a to be held March 5 at Skamania Lodge elementary school at that time and was contract posi- in Stevenson, Washington. To celebrate back at work. My standard routine was tion that was her selection for the award, Nancie and to come home to fix dinner and be with just the part- I met to discuss her career, lengthy sab- my boys, but I regularly returned to the time opportu- batical from practicing law, and advice office once they had all gone to bed, and nity I wanted. for practicing lawyers today. I sometimes worked all night. It worked Stoel Rives was What is your advice to young women for my family, but it wasn’t pretty. a great place entering the legal profession? You stayed active in the legal field and for me to learn Nancie Potter Know yourself and be yourself (two the community after you left private the technol- things that are often easier said than practice, didn’t you? ogy skills I was lacking, and I was able to done!). For me, that meant taking the Yes. I remained an active member of work with some excellent litigators. long view—choosing to give up some the OSB for all but three of the 11 years I When my position was eliminated two things at certain points along the way, was away from practice. I always planned years later, I was invited to join a group rather than trying to do everything at on returning to the practice of law, so I of former Schwabe colleagues who had once. It’s important to have goals, but I’ve made it a point not to close the door on opened the Portland office of a Seattle found that it’s better to be flexible than that chapter of my life. I had already been law firm while I was retired. I’ve been to have a rigid “Plan.” Things change. We an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law with them since 2000, and last year we change. My best advice is to position your- School for a few years, so I continued to left Foster Pepper to form Roberts Kaplan, self for opportunity, be open to change, teach appellate practice and coach the an independent Portland law firm. do what works for you, and leave yourself moot court teams for much of my time This firm was interested in your network- options whenever you can. away from practice. I remained on the ing and legal community connections, Doing what worked for you included tak- Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitra- wasn’t it? ing a long sabbatical from practicing law tion Panel and handled a few more cases That’s right. My former colleagues were to raise your three sons, didn’t it? after I retired. I served on a statewide OSB banking and transactional lawyers. They Yes it did. I was a litigation associate committee, wrote for OSB publications, had brought in excellent trial lawyers at Schwabe Williamson when my first and spoke at CLEs. I also served elected from other states, but wanted to raise son was born. I didn’t have a game plan; terms on my children’s school advisory awareness of the litigation department I invented my life as it went along. So I board and my church pastoral council. and build connections with the local hadn’t planned anything other than to It looks like a lot in print now, but what community. Because I was active in local return to work when my maternity leave I remember is that I was a mom first and bar activities and well acquainted with a was up, which I did. I fit these activities in around the edges lot of lawyers and judges, I was asked to My husband and I were both litigators. to keep my “lawyer brain” functioning help with that task. It was a wonderful After we had simultaneous trials with and stay connected. opportunity to work with friends and to a 7-month-old at home, we made the Was it difficult attending OSB functions use my gifts. It was a win-win. decision that I would quit my practice. It when you were not practicing law? What is your philosophy on committee was exactly what I wanted at the time, so In the beginning I did sometimes feel a and bar work? even though I left within weeks before bit disconnected attending bar functions I think it’s a great way to give back, my partnership announcement, it wasn’t as a spouse instead of as a practicing law- build connections, and create some of the a tough decision. The firm was very sup- yer. It made me realize just how much I options and opportunities I mentioned portive. Although I was offered a part- identified myself by my career. That isn’t earlier. Be strategic. Choose an organiza- time position, I had already had a taste a bad lesson to learn; I’ve had a different tion that interests you and allows you to of being a lawyer-mom, and I knew that outlook for many years now. pursue your passions in a way that fits I wanted to be home with my son. Eleven years is a long time to be out of your life. Then give your very best effort: You told me a story once about four the market. How did you get yourself Don’t join a committee to fill out your successful women litigators on a panel back in? resume, join it to make a difference. As discussing how they had combined I was ready to return to part-time prac- a wise OSB elder often says, don’t join a motherhood and career. tice when my youngest son started first committee unless you intend to ultimately We each had our own survival tech- grade. After I decided to try a new firm, chair it. I take that to mean that I should nique. One woman’s husband had I turned to my network. I’ve always tried be invested enough to serve as chair if agreed to stay home and be the primary to build a personal connection with both called, interested enough to volunteer to caregiver. Another woman changed her co-counsel and adverse lawyers; I believe lead, and competent to do so. practice from litigation to appellate that collegiality is part of what makes law You are making huge career transition work. The third said she had hired help practice worthwhile. When I was ready soon, aren’t you? to care for the baby, run her errands, to come back to work, I called a partner Yes! And it’s been a big job. For the and take care of her home and yard. By at Stoel Rives whom I knew. Through past three and a half years I have been OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 WINTER 2010 Multnomah County Circuit Judge Kristena LaMar Retires By Teresa Statler n October 31, Judge Kristena A. for the Family Law Center of Multnomah Although LaMar retired from the Multno- County Legal Aid Service. After that, she Judge LaMar Omah County Circuit Court after 25 was an associate at a small firm, a sole “retired” in years of service. The head of the court’s practitioner for a few years, and then an October, she Dispute Resolution Department, Judge associate at the firm Lindsay, Hart, Neil & will continue LaMar had been holding settlement con- Weigler. She worked for the 1981 Oregon to serve in the ferences full-time since the fall of 1987. legislature and then became a juvenile Oregon courts Over those 22 years, she was involved in court referee. (Judge LaMar continues to as a “Plan B” mediating civil and family cases, including believe that juvenile court is the “most judge. This both represented and pro se parties. important court in the state” because program re- Judge LaMar is a leading expert on “the future of society’s most vulnerable quires her to Statler Photo by Teresa alternative dispute resolution, and al- is either made or broken there.”) Judge serve 35 days Judge Kristena LaMar though she has retired, dispute resolution LaMar was the first woman elected to a year for the remains one of her passions. After settle- the general trial department in Circuit next five years. ment conferences, she says, the parties Court in Multnomah County and was, at Judge LaMar has six cats and one dog, often leave happy and smiling, whereas her retirement, the senior woman in the and for fun and relaxation, she likes to after a trial even the party who “wins” Oregon judiciary. read and play bridge. She and her hus- often has no sense of satisfaction. Judge In high school, Judge LaMar partici- band also hope to do some traveling, as LaMar hopes that the courts will continue pated in forensic speech competitions, his schedule permits, but the early months to provide a forum for litigants to resolve going to the national finals twice. An of her retirement will be spent moving their disputes without a trial, especially Indiana native, she graduated in 1970 from her home in downtown Portland to those who cannot afford attorneys. from Purdue University, where her public a rural area of Clackamas County. Judge LaMar first became interested in speaking skills led to her being selected Judge LaMar also hopes to get involved dispute resolution in 1977, when she and “Miss Purdue 1968,” a Miss Indiana pre- in another of her passions, teaching. three other attorneys and four mental event. She was active in volunteer orga- She has taught classes at the National health professionals started the Fam- nizing and Mortar Board in college, and Judicial College, other states’ judicial ily Mediation Center to mediate child then went to the University of Michigan training sessions, and all three Oregon custody disputes. Shortly thereafter, the Law School, from which she graduated in law schools. She says, however, that she Oregon State Bar more or less forced 1973. Judge LaMar still believes (as she did has had little contact with public school Judge LaMar and her partners to close then) that reading and speaking are two students, whether elementary, middle their mediation practice because at that very valuable skills to have in life, and she school, or high school, and she would like time, without ethics rules on point, the says they have been instrumental to her to work with those students. She hopes, OSB deemed it unethical for them to success as a lawyer and a judge. for example, to spend more time provid- “represent both parties.” Shortly thereaf- Judge LaMar is also a “newlywed,” ing speaking mentorship to a Madison ter, the Oregon Supreme Court adopted having married her husband, a merchant High School student who came in second a rule making it ethical for attorneys mariner, in 2008. The marriage made her in a statewide poetry competition. to mediate. It’s clear that Judge LaMar the daughter-in-law of former Justice OWLS congratulates Judge LaMar on and her partners were merely ahead of Betty Roberts, who had introduced the her long and dedicated service to the their time! pair. Judge LaMar describes Justice Rob- state of Oregon and its court system. We Judge LaMar joined the bench in erts as a former opponent (when they wish her well in her retirement. Multnomah County in 1984, after several practiced law), a judicial colleague, a different legal jobs. She first came to Or- fellow mediator, a bridge partner, and Teresa Statler, a sole practitioner in Port- egon as a Vista volunteer—as an attorney now a family member. land, practices immigration law. An Interview with Nancie Potter continued from page 12 attending school year-round to earn my selecting me as the award recipient. Judy and nurture my contacts in this profes- master’s in marriage and family therapy. Snyder was the first woman to receive the sion. Whatever else happens, I intend to I’ll finally earn my degree this April. award, and it’s an honor to follow her. It keep my friends. Sometime soon after that I intend to has been ten years since she received it, You seem very content with your choices retire from law again and take up my though, so I hope another woman fol- and your life direction. new career as a therapist for individuals, lows me soon. OWLS has many women That’s exactly the word. I’m content. couples, and families. For now, I’m prac- members who deserve this and other My boys are fine young men off happily ticing law three days a week and doing important bar awards. living their own lives. I have plenty of my internship the other two. I have a feeling that you have not closed fun places to visit, a wonderful new man The Panner Professionalism Award is the the book on your legal career. in my life, and a new career to explore. perfect cap to your career, Nancie. Well, nothing I do is irrevocable. I feel Life is good. I agree. I am very grateful to OWLS for the freedom to live my own life and make Cynthia Fraser, an OWLS board member, nominating me, and to the OSB Litiga- the choices that fit for me. One thing I is of counsel with Garvey Schubert Barer tion Section’s executive committee for do know is that I will continue to cherish in Portland. OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 WINTER 2010 Around Oregon Cascade Women Lawyers. Cascade Wom- Lane County Women Lawyers. LCWL and en Lawyers held its regular networking the UO Women’s Law Forum participated lunch on Nov. 11 at Greg’s Grill in Bend. in an informal discussion on Nov. 19 at OWLS Co-President Gwyn McAlpine and Uva Wine Bar in Eugene called “What’s Executive Director Linda Tomassi were in Shoes Got To Do With It?” Professor attendance to meet chapter members and Andrea Coles-Bjerre, Professor Malmud answer questions. The chapter will meet Rocklin, and others discussed the practi- again in January. For more information, calities and politics of women’s business see the OWLS events page online or con- attire. The chapter held its second annual tact Lori Harris Hancock at 541.749.4060 CLE seminar on Nov. 13, focusing on child Caprese Siler (left) and Jane Paulson or [email protected]. abuse reporting and access-to-justice at the Queen’s Bench Holiday Luncheon issues. [Please see story on page 7.] For Clackamas Women Lawyers. Clackamas information about upcoming LCWL Women Lawyers continues to meet ences setting out on their own, and pre- events, please contact Kate Weatherly monthly, rotating between evening so- sented tips on starting your own practice. at [email protected]. cials and luncheon CLEs at the Clackamas MLLS holds monthly brown bag lunches County Courthouse. The chapter hosted Linn-Benton Women Lawyers. LBWL on the Willamette University campus. a CLE on interpretive services on Oct. 29 continues to meet every other month for For more information, contact MLLS at and a social at Cypress Bar in Oregon dinner at Sybaris Restaurant in Albany. [email protected]. City on Nov. 3, finishing the year with For more information, please contact Queen’s Bench. At its Nov. 10 lunch, a holiday social on Dec. 5. For more Fay Stetz-Waters at faystetzwaters@ Queen’s Bench welcomed Judge Alicia information, see the OWLS events page gmail.com. Fuchs, who spoke about her varied career online or contact Angela Franco Lucero Mary Leonard Law Society. The Nov. 17 in law and her road to the bench. The at [email protected]. MLLS meeting featured a panel discus- chapter celebrated women judges at Josephine County Women Lawyers. JCWL sion titled “Spotlight on Women Solo the Queen’s Bench Holiday Luncheon on meets monthly for lunch and conversation Practitioners & Firm Partners.” Panelists Dec. 8 at the Embassy Suites in Portland, at the Bistro in Grants Pass. You can learn Sydney Brewster, Gina Johnnie, and where the recipients of the OWLS 2010 more about JCWL by contacting Victory Cheryl Richardson told informative and Justice Betty Roberts and Judge Mercedes Walker at [email protected]. entertaining stories about their experi- Deiz Awards were announced. The Queen’s Bench monthly lunches are held on the second Tuesday of the month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Portland. For more information, please see the OWLS events page online or contact Susan O’Toole at John T. Carr [email protected]. Lisanne M. Butterfield Rebecca J. Bloom Chapter (Umatilla and CARR BUTTERFIELD, LLC Morrow Counties). The Rebecca J. Bloom Chapter meets monthly for lunch at El CARR BUTTERFIELD, LLC is a small boutique law firm in Lake Oswego, Charrito in Pendleton. At these meetings, Oregon. We offer large-firm experience coupled with small-firm, individualized members network and problem-solve attention. We are dedicated to meeting your legal fees budget and exceeding together. For more information, please your expectations for the highest level of professionalism. see the OWLS events page online or contact Sally Anderson Hansell at sally@ u Legal, Compliance & Defense Services to andersonhansell.com or 541.567.7800. Investment Advisors & Financial Professionals u Complex Business Litigation Rogue Women Lawyers. RWL met on Nov. 25. For more information, contact u Employment Law & Exit-strategy Advice Jamie L. Hazlett at jamiehazlettesq@ u Mediation/Arbitration Services gmail.com. u 40+ Years of Combined Legal Experience Washington County Women Lawyers. 155 B Avenue, Suite 240, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 WCWL meets on the third Tuesday of Phone: 503.635.5244 each month for a brown bag lunch at www.carrbutterfield.com the Washington County Courthouse. The chapter held its annual holiday happy hour on Dec. 17 at the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. For more information, please see the OWLS events page online or contact Mary Bruington at mbruington@ mpdlaw.com or 503.846.3413. OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 WINTER 2010 OWLS Encourages Political Leadership continued from page 1 resist the subdivision and was eventually your role as a citizen. “Many politicians The first year of the Political Leadership appointed to the Portland Planning Com- consider public participation as a speed Series was so successful that the OWLS mission, on which she served for seven bump—or even roadblock—to the pro- Leadership Committee plans to continue years while also raising her three children cess,” said Gary. “You can be most ef- the series as a quarterly program and and working as a psychiatric nurse. fective if you come to the problem from to develop written materials to assist In 2001 Amanda went on strike with the middle ground.” Amanda agreed members in pursuing leadership oppor- her fellow nurses. “I learned there is a that it’s important to maintain perspec- tunities in politics and government. If place for people who are willing to stand tive. “There is almost always another you are interested in volunteering on this up and speak,” she said. That realization day. There will be another opportunity project, please contact Heather Weigler led to her becoming the first candidate to make a difference, and you should at [email protected]. to succeed in using Portland’s innovative be in it for the long haul to become Heather L. Weigler, the OWLS board sec- Public Campaign Finance Fund in 2006. known as someone who cares about the retary, is an assistant attorney general at Although she was not elected that year, outcome.” the Oregon Department of Justice. she mounted a successful campaign for Citizen participation can improve gov- commissioner, again using public financ- ernment, but the benefits flow both ways. ing, in 2008. In addition to the networking and resume Amanda is only the seventh woman in building that can result from volunteer- Save the Date! 158 years to serve on the Portland City ing, there are intangible benefits. “You A Talk by Commission; there have been only two get a feeling from participating in change people of color. She explained that citizen that can’t be measured,” said Gary. “And Stanford Law Professor involvement in government is important you learn a lot, and it prepares you for Pamela Karlan for the same reason that we need more leadership roles.” Amanda agreed. “You women and minorities running for office. get to choose what you want to do. It’s Tuesday, March 9, 5:30–6:30 p.m. “More perspectives create better govern- hard to define a volunteer’s satisfaction Lewis & Clark Law School ment; the more experiences you take into in being a part of your community and account, the better your decisions will making a difference. . . . it’s an opportu- Presented by the be. We don’t know what we don’t know. nity to make an impact that you wouldn’t Hon. Betty Roberts There’s no way to know what’s wrong if otherwise have and feel a connection to Women in the Law Program the people affected aren’t involved.” the place you live in.” The panelists discussed how to identify opportunities to participate in local gov- ernment. Karen Winthrow suggested first reading the planning and policy news at Metro’s website, www.oregonmetro.gov, to find ways to get involved, whether by testifying about issues or volunteering for commissions and boards. Gary Marshcke agreed that people should seek opportu- nities that interest them. “The best way to get involved is to start with something that is a passion. It can be time consuming to volunteer, but if you have a passion for it, you’ll be motivated.” He advised participants to visit www.citizenweb.org to find opportunities to participate in Multnomah County government. Amanda recommended visiting www. portlandonline.org and her blog, “Com- ing Down the Pike,” to keep abreast of developments at City Hall and find opportunities to volunteer. Mindful of her own path to elective office, Amanda reminded the audience that their neigh- borhood associations were also a great way to get involved. Other community groups, such as Hands On Greater Port- land, also offer a way to start getting to know your community and find ways you can be of service. Once you are participating in govern- ment, it’s important to keep in mind OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 WINTER 2010 Oregon Women Lawyers PRSRT STD P.O. Box 40393 U.S. POSTAGE Portland, OR 97240 PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #2346 Winter 2010 Printed on recycled paper At the OWLS Fashion Show on October 8 (left to right): Catherine Teach, Suzannah Newman, Cashauna Hill, Elizabeth Kafel, Kristin Sterling, Marisa Moneyhun, Jemine Mode and Suji Patel The Portland headquarters of Dr. Martens hosted the 2009 OWLS Leadership Committee Fashion Show and Benefit for Dress for Success on October 8. Carloads of professional clothing and nearly $500 in cash were raised for Dress for Success at this annual OWLS event. Dr. Martens will host the 2010 fundraiser as well, so mark your calendars for Thursday, October 14. Thank You Our thanks to the following members who renewed their OWLS membership at an enhanced level $500 Annual Membership $150 Annual Membership Carmen M. Calzacorta Pamela Beery Marsha J. Naegeli Coleen S. Clemente Karen O’Keefe Jenny Cooke Hon. Julia Philbrook $275 Annual Membership Christy Doornink Susan Elizabeth Reese Alice M. Bartelt Michelle Longo Eder Kathryn Smith Root Sarah J. Crooks Stephanie M. Harper Krystin Rose Lori E. Deveny Jennifer Hudson Sarah Ryan Linda K. Eyerman Constance C. Jarvis Elizabeth Schwartz Sara L. Gabin Mark Johnson Concetta Schwesinger Gwyneth McAlpine Sara Kobak Kristin Sterling Candice Wilson Stayer Terri Kraemer Hon. Jill Tanner Hon. Katherine Tennyson Hon. Virginia Linder Laura Caldera Taylor Constance Wold Megan Livermore Catherine Alley Teach Linda C. Love Valerie Athena Tomasi $200 Annual Membership Julia E. Markley Heather Van Meter Kendra Matthews Hon. Nan Waller Leslie O’Leary Eric Meyer Heather Weigler Kevin Myles Kelly Zusman OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 WINTER 2010