A Newsletter Published by Women Lawyers Volume 19, No. 2 Spring 2008 OWLS’ Mission Celebrated at Dinner By Jane M. Yates n March 14 at the Governor Hotel in Action Committee and the Opportunities for Law Portland, 450 members of Oregon’s legal in Oregon program and his work on diversity is- Ocommunity gathered to celebrate OWLS’ sues in the workplace. When accepting the award, President mission to transform Dave said that such an Kellie Johnson the practice of law and award serves to remind Vice President, ensure justice and equal- of us of past inequities, President-Elect Laura Caldera Taylor ity by advancing women help us measure progress Secretary and minorities in the made, and guide future Heather Van Meter legal profession. The behavior. Treasurer celebration culminated In assessing progress Gwyn McAlpine in the presentation of made, Dave noted that Historian the Judge Mercedes Deiz the struggle for inclusion Alice Bartelt Award to David F. Bartz, and equality continues Board Members Jr., a shareholder with and that conflicts over Sally Anderson-Hansell Nancy Cook Schwabe, Williamson & race and gender still Nicole DeFever Wyatt, and the presenta- confront us. These con- Dana Forman tion of the Justice Betty flicts, he said, require Bethany Graham Shari Gregory Roberts Award to Trudy consistent and persistent Cashauna Hill Allen, general counsel of Photo by Jodee Jackson efforts to resolve. Julia Markley U.S. Bancorp Equipment Trudy Allen and David F. Bartz, Jr. In looking toward the Hon. Leslie O’Leary Finance, Inc. Both honorees observed that the future, Dave offered hope and encouragement. Kathleen J. Rastetter OWLS mission can only be achieved by the steps He reminded the audience that each individual Concetta Schwesinger that each of us takes to further the cause. can further the progress toward equality and Cathey Susman Hon. Katherine Tennyson Before the awards ceremony, diners enjoyed inclusion in the profession. Each person can take Heather Weigler a brief but entertaining live auction to benefit on one small task to achieve the goal. He asked Jane Yates the OWLS Foundation. Auctioneer extraordinaire the audience to vow, “I will” do something to Past Presidents Sonia Montalbano kept the audience laughing advance women and diverse lawyers in our pro- Norma S. Freitas Kate A. Thompson Wilkinson and the bids increasing with her irreverent and fession and in our communities. Jennifer K. De Wald clever banter. Table conversation before the live The second award was the Justice Betty Sarah J. Crooks auction ranged from professional issues and Roberts Award, which is given to an individual Elizabeth Schwartz Lori E. Deveny recent events to catching up with old friends who has made an outstanding contribution to Debra Pilcher Velure and meeting new ones. The dinner backdrop promoting women in the legal profession and Marilyn E. Litzenberger consisted of a slide show that included photos the community. The Honorable Ellen Rosenblum Teresa M. Kraemer Patricia L. Heatherman of many OWLS members who have worked to introduced the recipient, Trudy Allen. Judge Julie Levie Caron further the OWLS mission. Rosenblum noted Trudy’s role as the preserver of Phylis Chadwell Myles The elegant and powerful Kellie Johnson, a key moments in the history of women lawyers in Helle Rode Diana Craine prosecutor with the Multnomah County District Oregon and her tireless efforts in assisting other Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Attorney’s Office and president of OWLS, steered women to advance in their profession. Agnes Sowle the audience’s attention to the presentation of When accepting the award, Trudy exhibited Katherine H. O’Neil the awards. the calm, confident elegance of which Judge Executive Director Catherine Ciarlo, 503.595.7826 The first award was the Judge Mercedes Deiz Rosenblum spoke. She described five categories catherine@ Award, bestowed upon an individual who has of gifts she has received through her involvement oregonwomenlawyers.org made an outstanding contribution to promoting with OWLS and its related organizations: the gifts AdvanceSheet Editor minorities in the legal profession and the commu- of heritage, culture, friendships, collaboration, Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 [email protected] nity. Román Hernández introduced the recipient, and a sense of accomplishment. David F. Bartz, Jr. Román lauded Dave’s personal Trudy noted that the gift of heritage has in- The AdvanceSheet is published quarterly by Oregon Women commitment to diversity as demonstrated by his cluded the opportunity to observe the evolution Lawyers, P.O. Box 40393, involvement in the Affirmative Continued on page 4 Portland, OR 97240.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 SPRING 2008 President’s Message Save the date! “Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” —Tom Stoppard, playwright Betty Roberts Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead Autobiography Release hank you, OWLS, for giving me the opportunity to serve CLE and Reception you. This year has gone so quickly, but it was filled June 13, 2008 with worthy challenges, introductions to interesting T 3–5 p.m. CLE/Panel Presentation and committed professionals, and many opportunities for growth. I have enjoyed working with the wonderful women 5 p.m. Reception & Book Signing that make up the OWLS Board. Thank you for being such a Oregon Historical Society gracious team. Catherine and Linda, we are fortunate to have Kellie Johnson two such remarkable women heading up OWLS headquarters. 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland And I make my exit knowing that our incoming President Laura Caldera Taylor will n Friday, June 13, Oregon Women further advance the mission of OWLS with grace, intelligence, and courage. Lawyers will In one short year together, we addressed the elimination of bias/access to justice O celebrate the life conflict, challenged the OSB Board of Governors to remain committed to the Affirma- and career of one tive Action Program, supported national efforts to protect equality in employment of our founding legislation, in record numbers contributed to the Campaign for Equal Justice, and mothers, former witnessed the growth of our membership to nearly 1,300 statewide. Justice Betty Rob- I have been encouraged by OWLS’ commitment to stand on the front lines and, erts, at a CLE and with courage, address pressing issues, as well as its ability to be self-critical and con- reception to mark tinue an unending quest to advance the cause of equality in the legal practice. As the release of her we press onward and upward, we, OWLS members, have an important role to play autobiography, on a larger scale in our community. We are witnessing an exciting time in American With Grit and By Grace: Breaking history—a woman and a black man stand poised to take on the leadership of our Trails in Politics and Law. country. This historic event presents an opportunity for us all to face age-old af- Justice Roberts was the first woman flictions of sexism, racism, and inequality and to engage in a national dialogue in to serve on the Oregon Court of Ap- hopes of reconciliation and understanding. This may be one of the most defining peals and the first woman to serve moments in our history, and I, for one, am ready to face it with unyielding vigor, on the . In her honesty, forthrightness, and forgiveness. book, she reflects on these experi- I believe that OWLS can lead the way in our community and provide opportunity ences as well as her role as a mother, for dialogue. Certainly the topics are not new. I hope we can avoid putting off to wife, and political trailblazer. yet another generation the task of tackling the “isms” that plague us. No more At the June 13 event, a distin- degeneration from the ideal of equality to complicity in a political arrangement guished group of presenters will dis- that is ready to sacrifice obtaining equality for creature comforts and a false sense cuss the themes and events in Justice of domestic harmony. Roberts’s autobiography and their In closing, I truly believe that every “ending” is but a “new beginning” and my impact on the political, legal, and journey as an advocate for minority and women’s equality is far from over. This year social landscape of Oregon. Panelists has recharged me, certainly shaped me, and points me onward and upward. This ex- include former state legislators Norma perience for me has resulted in a convergence of passion and purpose that has been Paulus and , Oregon integral to my identity as a black woman. Undeniably, my challenge will be to stay Supreme Court Justice Virginia Linder, steadfast and courageous in the mission to transform the practice of law and ensure Multnomah County Circuit Judge justice and equality for women and minorities even when I am weary with the fight. Adrienne Nelson, Liani Reeves, and I have faith that I can and I will—with your help. I look forward to working side by Cashauna Hill. The panel discussion side and shoulder to shoulder with each of you. Here’s to new beginnings! will be moderated by Melody Rose, chair of the Portland State University Division of Political Science and direc- tor of the NEW Leadership Oregon program. MCLE credit application is in Kellie Johnson, OWLS President process. Registration fees will include a copy of the book. OWLS Members in OSB Leadership College After the CLE, OWLS members and f the 35 people selected to par- Jessica Hamilton, Stephanie Hines, the public are invited to join us for a Oticipate in the Oregon State Bar Amber Hollister, Lisa Hunt, Cynthia book signing and reception. Leadership College in 2008, 11 (31%) Mohiuddin, Yumi O’Neil, Cecil Reniche- A review of the book starts on the are OWLS members. They are Heather Smith, and Heather Weigler. Congratu- back page of this newsletter. Brann, Bonnie Carter, Rima Ghandour, lations to you all.

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 SPRING 2008 New OWLS Chapter and Save the date! in Clackamas Judge Jenefer Grant NAWJ Annual Conference County Seek Election October 15 –19, 2008 n January 31, over 30 attorneys met s part of our & Oat the Clackamas County Courthouse Am i s s i o n t o NAWJ/OWLS CLE to form a local OWLS chapter. With Judge advance women Friday, October 17, 2008 Kathie Steele leading the discussion, and minorities Downtown Portland the group talked about its goals for the in the legal pro- chapter. Attorneys expressed an inter- fession—and in oin justices and judges from est in having the group address minor- the community— Jaround the country Friday, Octo- ity issues as well as those of gender, in OWLS provides ber 17, 2008, when the National As- keeping with OWLS’ mission statement. support and en- sociation of Women Judges (NAWJ) couragement to Subsequently, the group was formally Judge Jenefer Grant and OWLS jointly sponsor a lunch recognized by the OWLS Board as the women pursuing and afternoon CLE at the Marriott newest OWLS chapter. leadership positions, including elected Hotel and a reception (5:30 to 7:30 legislative and judicial posts. The new chapter will alternate meet- p.m.) at the Mark O. Hatfield Federal In this May’s primary, two OWLS mem- ing during the day and in the evening, Courthouse in downtown Portland. bers are running in contested elections. Keynote Speakers: Linda Green- to enable more people to attend. Meet- Longtime member Kate Brown, who house, The New York Times, U.S. Su- ings will address topics of interest, such recently stepped down as Oregon Sen- preme Court reporter (confirmed); and as mentoring and practice tips, and the ate majority leader, is currently seeking Professor Pamela S. Karlan, Stanford chapter will also collaborate with other the democratic nomination for Oregon’s Law School (invited). groups to present topics of joint inter- secretary of state. For more information, You won’t want to miss this event. est. Some of the meetings will be purely visit www.katebrownfororegon.com. Mark your calendar now! More social, to foster networking opportunities In the St. Helens area, Judge Jenefer details to follow. Would you like to and form a supportive community. Grant, appointed to the Columbia County volunteer? If so, please contact Hon. The group met again on February 28, Circuit Court in 2007, is seeking to retain Ellen Rosenblum, ellen.f.rosenblum@ exchanging ideas for topics to address, her seat in a contested election. For more ojd.state.or.us, or Hon. Jill Tanner, and on April 1, for a social at WineStock information, contact the Committee to [email protected]. in Oregon City. For more information Retain Judge Grant at 503.366.1219. about the new chapter, please contact Kathleen Rastetter at 503.742.5398 or Judge Kathie Steele at 503.655.8491. 1FBDFPG.JOE Thank You, AdvanceSheet Committee ach quarter, a group of volunteers Eputs in many hours to create the Oregon Women Lawyers AdvanceSheet. This dedicated group plans newsletter issues, reviews books, takes photos, con- ducts interviews, and solicits and writes articles. The committee’s work is a key 'SFFXJUI means of communicating with OWLS &WFSZ%FQPTJUJPO members, and the OWLS Board is deeply 8JUIIPVSFYQFSUDMJFOUTFSWJDFoFWFSZEBZ PODBMMSFQPSUFST OBUJPOXJEFTDIFEVMJOH  grateful to Terri Kraemer (committee DFOUSBMJ[FEQSPEVDUJPOBOETFDVSFBSDIJWFETUPSBHF ZPVXJMMSFDFJWFBOFYUSBCFOFmUOP chair), Bethany Graham, Cashauna Hill, PUIFSDPVSUSFQPSUJOHmSNDBOQSPWJEF1FBDFPG.JOE Mavel Morales, Holly Pettit, Kathleen Rastetter, Teresa Statler, and Hon. Jill Tanner for their time and effort. We are $PVSU3FQPSUJOH5SJBM1SFTFOUBUJPO7JEFPHSBQIZ7JEFPDPOGFSFODJOH also grateful for the assistance provided to the committee by Catherine Ciarlo, TDIFEVMF!OBFHFMJSFQPSUJOHDPNIPVSTBEBZo&WFSZ%BZXXXOBFHFMJSFQPSUJOHDPN OWLS executive director, and by Elise 1PSUMBOE 03 4FBUUMF 8" 4QPLBOF 8" $PFVSE"MFOF *%   Gautier, our AdvanceSheet editor.      

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 SPRING 2008 Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner continued from page 1 OWLS Foundation of the OWLS community, reminding the who have served on the boards of OWLS Raises and audience that OWLS’ history began in and/or the OWLS Foundation and the the early 20th century, when the first hundreds of others who have served on Distributes Funds women lawyers’ organization in Oregon committees or chapter boards, spoken or he Oregon Women Lawyers Founda- was formed. The gift of culture includes participated at conferences and events, Ttion raises funds and makes grants the network of mentoring, support, and attended chapter meetings, welcomed designed to give women and minorities encouragement that is accessible through new members, contributed to the list- greater access to and a better understand- OWLS and its sister organizations. serve, or financially supported OWLS and ing of the justice system. Trudy conveyed her appreciation for the OWLS Foundation. As part of the OWLS Roberts-Deiz the gift of friendships she has received Trudy concluded by encouraging audi- Awards Dinner on March 14, the OWLS through involvement in OWLS activities. ence members to contribute in any way Foundation once again hosted its an- She received the gift of collaboration possible, and she reminded everyone that nual auction, raising a record amount through her service on the OWLS Founda- all efforts, whether they be little steps or of at least $24,000. The great success of tion, OWLS, and Queen’s Bench boards. big steps, make a difference in furthering the auction is attributed to the Auction She said that her involvement has given the OWLS mission. Committee, co-chaired by Yumi O’Neil her the privilege and pleasure of collabo- OWLS would like to thank the members and Aruna Masih, and the more than 150 rating with many enthusiastic, talented, of the Roberts-Deiz Dinner Committee for donors who contributed items. and congenial women. their tireless work to make the annual The live auction, which took place dur- Lastly, Trudy thanked all the people event a success—and we extend special ing dinner, generated lots of energy and who have participated in the gift of thanks to Roberts-Deiz Dinner Committee laughter due to the splendid performance accomplishment—those who have given Chair Kendra Matthews. of auctioneer Sonia Montalbano. It fea- their vision, energies, and talents to Jane M. Yates, an associate at Gleaves, tured three packages: “Queen for a Day,” OWLS. In the typical fashion of a consum- donated by Stahancyk, Kent, Johnson & Swearingen, Potter & Scott in Eugene, mate historian, she reminded the audi- Hook; an equestrian package donated by ence of the efforts that OWLS members practices general business law with an Bowman Sport Horses; and a Palm Desert exert. She acknowledged the 183 people emphasis in real estate. vacation package donated by Hon. Betty Roberts, Westin Mission Hills Golf Course, and Terri Kraemer. Other top donors included Tom James of Portland, Susan Teller, Roscoe C. Nelson, Spa Chakra, Heathman Hotel, Wachovia Securities, Steve Gotter, Lewis & Clark Law School, Becker Capital Man- agement, Inc., Andrea Anderly, and Bob Deveny. Every donation received was very important, and the Foundation thanks each donor and everyone who bid. Enjoying the festivities on March 14 are (left to right) Connie Kong, The OWLS Foundation has awarded Meghan Moran, Ari Okano, Trudy Allen, former Justice Betty Roberts, former Chief Justice Edwin Peterson, and Jodee Jackson. three Armonica Law Student Grants for 2007–2008. The grant, honoring the late Armonica Gilford, is available to Thank you, Roberts-Deiz sponsors, third-year Oregon law school students who demonstrate commitment to the for your support Foundation’s goals. The recipients are Linda Barrera, at Lewis & Clark Law The 2008 Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner was another sellout success, School; Vanessa Nordyke, at the Univer- thanks in no small part to our generous sponsors. sity of Oregon School of Law; and Shenoa Payne, at Willamette University College Title Sponsor: Perkins Coie of Law. Each recipient was also paired with a mentor for this school year. Thank Circle Beatrice Morrow you, Judges Adrienne Nelson, Darleen Markowitz, Herbold, Glade Cannady Circle Ortega, and Youlee You for serving as those mentors. & Mehlhaf Gleaves Swearingen Potter & Scott Miller Nash On June 1, these new OWLS Founda- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Patron Level Supporters tion Board officers will begin their one- Stoel Rives Klarquist Sparkman year terms: Kathleen Bricken, president; Williams Kastner Teach Court Reporting Terri Kraemer, vice president/president- Williams Love O’Leary & Powers Tonkon Torp elect; Libby Davis, treasurer; Aruna Masih, secretary; and Trudy Allen, historian. Special thanks to our volunteer photographer, Jodee Jackson. For information or to make a donation, please visit www.owlsfoundation.org.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 SPRING 2008 OWLS Receives Partner in Access to Justice Award By Maya Crawford he Campaign for Equal Justice presented its Partner in Access to Justice Award to Oregon Women Accepting the award T from Campaign for Lawyers at the Campaign’s 17th annual Equal Justice Board luncheon on March 4. Last year, OWLS Chair Ed Harnden (left) members Trudy Allen and Bob Varitz, are (from center) OWLS Cecil Reniche-Smith, Norma Freitas, President Kellie Johnson, Sandy Hansberger, Terry Wright, and Lisa OWLS Past President LeSage pooled their resources to issue a Norma Freitas, and challenge grant for OWLS members for OWLS Executive Director

Photo by Mike Renfrow Catherine Ciarlo. the 2007 Campaign. Through efforts on the OWLS listserve, a LAF-OFF Reprise, The Campaign for Equal Justice sup- OWLS President Kellie Johnson, Past and the matching challenge grant, OWLS ports Oregon’s legal aid programs, President Norma Freitas, and Executive members raised over $125,000 for the comprising 100 attorneys and 16 offices Director Catherine Ciarlo accepted the Campaign. This marks an increase in statewide. Legal aid offices represent Partner in Access to Justice Award. In pre- both the number of OWLS donors and low-income Oregonians who are unable senting the award to OWLS, Ed Harnden, the amount of contributions over the to pay for legal services to access the board chair of the Campaign for Equal 2006 Campaign. OWLS was the second- justice system. About 40% of legal aid’s Justice, stated that “the award is being largest organizational contributor to the cases are family law cases—and most of presented to OWLS because they share 2007 Campaign. those involve domestic violence. About our concern for access to justice and have 80% of legal aid’s clients are women, and become true partners in the cause of LEG-Up Speakers most of them have children. Other cases equal access to justice for all.” involve housing, income maintenance, Maya Crawford is the associate director Provoke Thought and consumer issues. at the Campaign for Equal Justice. By Christine Uri For more information about OWLS and OWLS events, t OWLS’ January 10 LEG-Up, Robin please visit our website, www.oregonwomenlawyers.org. ATompkins, a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, discussed retirement plan- ning. The key, she said, is to look at your individual situation and develop a plan to meet your needs. Start by ascertaining your current financial position. Then plan for what will happen if you die earlier than expected, become disabled, or need long-term care. What to do next depends on when and how you want to retire. Robin suggests that women think about these issues in detail. You must have some idea of where you want to go before you can plan for your future. A group of OWLS members has start- ed meeting on the second Thursday of each month in Portland to discuss finan- cial/retirement planning. Contact Barbara Smythe, [email protected], with questions about the group. OWLS’ March 13 LEG-Up featured Regina Ellis, founder of the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA), a local non- profit that has gained national recogni- tion for the services it provides to children and teens with serious illness and their families. To learn more about CCA, visit www.childrenscancerassociation.org/. Thank you, speakers and our hosts, Ball Janik and Bullivant Houser Bailey. Christine Uri is an associate at Tonkon Torp in Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 SPRING 2008 Should I Stay or Should I Go?1 By Kathleen J. Rastetter he headlines scream the issues: hour to promote work/life balance and Association “Who’s Cuddly Now? Law Firms”; a more equitable sharing in the firm’s conducted a T“The Falling-Down Professions”; work and profits. As Christopher Marston, study in 2006 “Billable Hours ‘Intersect’ with the Pro- CEO of Exemplar Law Partners in Boston, t o l o o k a t fession’s Woes”; “Fewer Women Are put it: “Law was a profession that was generational Seeking Law Degrees.”2 Attorney at- honored. Now it’s become much more of differences traction and retention are serious issues a factory. Counting your life in six-minute in job fulfill- for law firms. increments is no joy. It’s no way to live.”6 ment for at- A study done in 2000 by the Young Thus, his firm no longer charges by the torneys. The Lawyers Division of the American Bar hour. Some firms base attorney pay on study, avail- Association reports that 30.1% of the revenue generated, rather than on bill- able on the lawyers who responded were strongly able hours. These approaches move away MBA website, Kathleen J. Rastetter considering leaving their firm within two from the traditional method of valuing www.mbabar. years, due to job dissatisfaction. Another an attorney’s contribution to the firm by org, found that job satisfaction declines 37.2% said they might consider leaving the number of hours he or she bills. from older to newer attorneys. Only within that time.3 The New York Times 53.1% of the Generation Xers (those reports that law firms lose nearly one- Sullivan and Cromwell, born in 1965–1980) expect to be working fifth of their associates in a year, and a Wall Street law firm, full-time in their current law firm in ten years, while 37.6% expect to work in a 20% of all lawyers will suffer depression began a program in 2006 at some point in their career. Lawyers are different firm. Another 38.9% expect to “overworked, depressed and leaving.”4 to encourage its partners to work in a field outside of the law. In another survey done by the American say “thank you” and “good Why does this matter? Job dissatis- Bar Association, 44% of lawyers said they work” to its associates. faction leads to turnover, which affects would not recommend the profession to profitability. In addition, it results in low a young person.5 So what has happened Other firms permit associates and productivity and morale, which in turn af- to our noble calling? And what are firms partners to work flexible schedules, and fects a law firm’s culture, reputation, and doing about it? have flexible partnership tracks. These recruiting capability. It also has collateral Some say the changes are spurred on by are not “women’s issues,” though they consequences on family life, relationships, clients, who increasingly demand flat-fee are often labeled as such. The ABA YLD and overall outlook on life, which can deals and have less loyalty to law firms study in 2000 found no statistical differ- further affect job performance. than in the past. Such attitudes increase ence between male and female associates The study also found that attorneys pressure and competition within, as with respect to job satisfaction and life/ of all ages share a general “love of the well as among, law firms. Others say the work balance issues, which were very law,” that is, they are highly motivated by changes are the result of generational important to both groups. the intellectual challenges of their work, differences. Younger employees define Some firms have opted for the “nice” and they enjoy working with clients and success differently, valuing flexibility, approach. The Chicago office of Perkins solving problems. But work/life balance creativity, and autonomy over money. Coie has a “happiness committee” that was the most highly rated motivator One article notes that recent generations serves up milkshakes and candy apples across all generations, though Gen Xers were raised with the 1980s philosophy to attorneys who work late. Sullivan and emphasized it more than other groups. that every child is a potential superstar, Cromwell, a Wall Street law firm, began a So what do lawyers want? The MBA which results in employees with different program in 2006 to encourage its partners study found that newer lawyers want expectations of work. These employees to say “thank you” and “good work” to better communication and increased want the flexibility, immediate gratifica- its associates. flexibility and diversity at work. Many tion, and earning potential that can be One interesting finding of the ABA responding to the study said “abolish the found working for high-tech start-up YLD study is that the aspect of their billable hour,” and 58% want additional companies (think Google and MySpace), legal practice that disappointed young employment models. not law firms. At the very least, studies attorneys the most was their inability The MBA study made the follow- confirm that younger attorneys are will- to make a contribution to social good. ing recommendations: have firmwide ing to earn less money in exchange for An obvious solution is for law firms to discussions about the firm’s culture, lower billable hours and a more balanced create opportunities for attorneys, such diversity, and work/life balance issues; lifestyle. as by supporting pro bono legal work, involve associates in the firm’s success As a result, some law firms are changing to give back to their communities. This and planning; and provide mentoring the way they do business and rethinking will promote job satisfaction, thereby and training opportunities for associ- the billable hour. The Rosen Law Firm in increasing the likelihood that attorneys ates. The study urged law firms to find Raleigh, North Carolina, one of the larg- will stay. the commonalities among its attorneys, est divorce law firms on the East Coast, Oregon is not immune to these prob- and to work to increase job satisfaction has eliminated billable hours. Instead, lems. A joint subcommittee of the Manag- for all generations. it charges a flat fee for its work. Other ing Partners Roundtable and the Young Others are also examining these issues. firms have done away with the billable Lawyers Section of the Multnomah Bar Continued on page 8

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 SPRING 2008 Female Enrollment in Law Schools By Bethany Graham fter years of steady increases, numbers remaining fairly even between peaking in 2000 and 2001, the At Lewis & Clark Law School, the genders over the past few years, Davis Apercentage of first-year law the first-year class that started notes that gender recruiting “doesn’t even students who are women has declined have to be on our radar.” nationwide for the fifth year in a row. It in fall 2007 was 50% female. While the School is too early to determine whether these of Law and Willamette University Col- statistics herald a significant trend; the Whatever the reason for the national lege of Law have generally had a smaller decline is still small. A continuing decline declines, the statistics provided by the percentage of females enrolled than in female enrollment, however, would three Oregon law schools paint a slightly the national average, neither of these mean the reversal of a long trend of in- different picture. In fact, at Lewis & Clark, schools has seen a significant drop in creased female enrollment in law schools the first-year class that started in fall 2007 those statistics in the last five years. At nationwide. (220 students) was 50% female. That is the University of Oregon’s law school, Here in Oregon, the picture is a little the highest percentage of female enroll- the first-year class has comprised 178 to different. While the Oregon law schools ment since 2002, when the first-year class 185 students in each of the last five years, have collectively been“ somewhat below was 54% female. Since then, women have and women have made up 42 to 43% of the national average in the percentage made up 47 to 50% of the first-year class, each of those classes. of women enrolled, they have also not whose size has ranged from 220 to 236 Jessica Merkner, assistant director of seen any significant drops in female en- students. (With such small numbers, year- admissions at the University of Oregon, rollment in the past five years. In fact, at to-year fluctuation in the percentages is explained that the school has made spe- Lewis & Clark Law School, the percentage to be expected.) cial efforts to recruit women, including of first-year students who are women Shannon Davis, assistant dean of admis- specialized brochures, recruiting letters is at its highest point in five years. The sions at Lewis & Clark Law School, credits and packages, and articles highlighting University of Oregon School of Law and the Portland school’s flexible and part-time “why Oregon is a wonderful place for Willamette University College of Law also programs, as well as its emphasis on public women to begin their legal careers.” have seen no significant decline in the interest law, with attracting women to the Merkner also says, “We are very proud of percentage of women enrolled. school. In fact, she notes that the school our female leadership and faculty at the Nationwide, both men and women are has not had to make a special effort to re- law school, and also that our Women’s applying to law school in fewer numbers: cruit women. With applicant and enrollee Continued on page 8 from 2004 to 2006, the number of law school applicants dropped 11.6%; the number of men dropped 10.5% and the “A client asked if number of women dropped 12.7%. The I would take a percentage of law school applicants who were women has declined from 50.2% in deposition at the 2000 to 48.4% in 2006.1 McNeil Island According to data from the American Bar Association,2 the number of women penitentiary. It enrolled in first-year law school classes would entail an nationwide peaked in 2000 and 2001. In eerie 20-minute those years, women made up 49.4% of all first-year students. Since 2001, however, boat ride through the percentage of women enrolled in the fog, walking We offer the same services as the other top first-year law school classes has dropped the gauntlet past Portland reporting firms. We deliver the same each year, from 49.4% in the 2001–2002 high quality product. The difference is our school year to 46.3% in 2006–2007. The a line of inmates, personal commitment to superior service. composition of the entire law school and spending the student body has, naturally, followed It wasn’t the most comfortable situation for any suit, with the percentage of female law day next to a guy students dropping from 49% in the school who had murdered of us, but our client was impressed, of course. years starting in 2001 and 2002 to 46.9% his wife with a in 2006–2007. If you want service, call Teach. 503.248.1003 Why is female enrollment in law baseball bat. To It’s all about service. schools declining nationwide? There is me the answer no clear answer. While some point to the perception that lawyers have a poor was easy. quality of life in overly demanding jobs, others have suggested that both women “Of course.” 1500 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 and men can find faster financial success —Catherine Teach 503.248.1003 or 800.230.3302 in other professions.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 SPRING 2008

“Of course.”

—Catherine Teach Female Enrollment in Law Schools continued from page 7 Should I Stay? Law Forum student group is one of At both Lewis & Clark Law School and continued from page 6 our largest and most active student Willamette University College of Law, the A group created by Stanford law students, organizations.” percentage of female applicants has also Law Students Building a Better Legal Pro- While female enrollment in the first- remained relatively steady. At Lewis & fession, publishes a ranking of law firms year class starting at Willamette in fall Clark, women have made up 46 to 48% based on how they treat their employees. 2007 was 44% (70 of 160 students), down of the total applicant pool in the past Members of the group vow not to work from a high of 54% in 2005 (78 of 145 five years. At Willamette, the number of for a law firm that does not rate well in students), it is still higher than in the female applicants has hovered between the survey. See www.betterlegalprofes- classes starting law school in the fall of 40 and 43% of the total applicant pool sion.org and www.law.stanford.edu/ 2003, 2004, and 2006, which were 40, 38, since the fall of 2003. experience/studentlife/organizations/ and 43% women, respectively. While time alone will tell, it appears lsbblp. This and other groups express The percentage of applicants to Oregon for now that Oregon’s much-touted high their dissatisfaction with the profession law schools who are women has remained quality of life, as well as the flexible and in its current form. Law firms would do relatively steady over the past five years. specialized programs offered by the law well to review the rankings and learn At the University of Oregon, the number schools here, may continue to boost from them. of applicants has steadily increased from female interest and enrollment in law The good news? Some firms in Oregon 2004 through 2007, though the percent- schools. Whether that trend can continue, are getting it right, such as the two law age of female applicants has consistently however, may depend on the efforts of firms that won the Oregon Women remained around 41%. Merkner credits law firms and current practitioners to Lawyers Workplace Leader Award in the recruiting efforts of the school, along maintain that quality of life for new at- 2007: Farleigh Witt, and Bodyfelt Mount with the school’s reputation in several torneys after graduation. Stroup & Chamberlain. Both firms pro- specialized areas, such as environmen- Bethany Graham practices law at mote cultures that favor professional tal law, dispute resolution, and legal Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt in Bend fulfillment over profits, through flexible research and writing, for the increase in and serves on the OWLS Board. work arrangements and modest billing applicant numbers. Merkner also notes expectations. In addition, associates are that the Northwest in general has seen an 1. Data from the Law School Admissions involved in management decisions. At- increase in law school applicants, which Council, http://members.lsacnet.org. torneys at both firms express high job she notes “may be attributable to the 2. Data from the American Bar Association satisfaction and are deeply committed Northwest being perceived as quality is available at www.abanet.org/legaled/ to their firms. place to reside.” statistics/charts/stats%20-%206.pdf. With generational changes affecting attorney recruitment and retention, law firms need to find new ways to foster professional fulfillment, which in turn increases the likelihood that their at- torneys will stay rather than go. Kathleen Rastetter is a senior county counsel for Clackamas County and an OWLS Board member.

1. The Clash, from Combat Rock, 1981. 2. Lisa Belkin, The New York Times, Jan. 24, 2008; Alex Williams, The New York Times, Jan. 6, 2008; Diane Curtis, Califor- nia Bar Journal, Jan. 2008; Leigh Jones, The National Law Journal, Oct. 2007. 3. A whopping 80.7% of private practi- tioners in firms of more than 200 lawyers said they might consider leaving their firms within two years. “ABA Young Lawyers Division Survey: Career Satis- faction,” www.abanet.org/yld/satisfac- tion_800.doc. 4. Lisa Belkin, “Who’s Cuddly Now? Law Firms,” The New York Times, Jan. 24, 2008. 5. Alex Williams, “The Falling-Down Professions,” The New York Times, Jan. 6, 2008. 6. Diane Curtis, “Billable Hours ‘Intersect’ with the Profession’s Woes,” California Bar Journal, Jan. 2008.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 SPRING 2008 February 2008 Session Ballot Initiatives his February, Oregon weathered ow that the legislative cycle is over, Twhat many hope will become its first Nthe initiative and referendum cycle annual session. Slated to last no longer begins. The three ballot initiatives op- than one month, the legislature convened posed by the Oregon State Bar House to deal with issues in need of “resolution of Delegates (HOD) at its last meeting without delay” and to demonstrate the include initiative petition 2, which would benefits of annual legislative sessions. prohibit an appointed judge from being Traditionally, the legislature meets only considered an incumbent in the first elec- every other year. However, on the rec- tion following the judge’s appointment By Susan Grabe ommendation of the Public Commission and prohibit incumbent designation on on the Legislature, the 2007 Legislative the measures is whether first-time the ballot; initiative petition 51, which Assembly called for a session in February offenders receive a mandatory sen- would impose arbitrary limits on contin- 2008 to address the most pressing fiscal tence and access to treatment for gent fee agreements between attorneys and policy issues facing the state. substance abuse. Another bill, HB and their clients; and initiative petition The 2008 session ended seven days 3638, modifies the process for release 53, which would establish a new standard earlier than the deadline and dealt with on post-prison supervision following for imposing sanctions against attorneys numerous substantive issues, including successful completion of an alternative and parties for frivolous use of the legal 24 –7 Oregon State Police coverage, new incarceration program. system. The HOD resolution urged all bar driver license requirements, and mort- Consumer Protection. HB 3630 amends members to communicate to their clients, gage lending, as well as budget revisions the foreclosure law to require more family, staff members, and others the to include additional funding for foster complete notice of a pending foreclo- harmful effect that these initiatives would children, senior citizens, patient care im- sure, ends “rescue mortgage scams,” have on informed choices in judicial elec- provements at the Oregon State Hospital, and adds restrictions on foreclosure tions, the public’s access to justice, the and public safety. The legislature was able consultants and equity purchasers. operation of the free market to regulate to successfully deliver results on a diverse SB 1064 places restrictions on mort- contracts, and the orderly administration agenda with broad bipartisan support gage loan originators and requires of justice. The OSB Board of Governors and passed 73 bills in just 15 days. mortgage bankers and brokers to file will be working to develop appropriate Legislation of interest to the legal com- annual reports concerning their activi- strategies and materials if one or more munity includes the following: ties. HB 3631, the “toy bill,” requires of these measures are approved for the eCourt Technology. HB 5100 established retailers to remove unsafe and recalled ballot. additional authority for state agencies toys from shelves. In conclusion, the jury is still out on the to issue bonds and certificates of par- question whether Oregon will go the way Tort Claims Act Interim Task Force ticipation (COPs). Included in this bill of most of its sister states and adopt the was approval of the first COP sale for efore it adjourned, the legislature idea of annual legislative sessions. None- the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) Balso created the Oregon Tort Claims theless, the 2008 legislature was able to eCourt project in the amount of $24.4 Act Interim Task Force and appointed successfully deliver results with broad million. The project is an ambitious ef- Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) and bipartisan support. We will have to wait fort to convert court operations from Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Beaverton) as and see what the voters think. a paper-based system to an electronic co-chairs. The task force is the legislative For more information on the 2008 ses- system over the next five years. response to the Oregon Supreme Court’s sion or the ballot initiatives, please visit The COPs authorized in February decision in Clarke v. OHSU, in which the the OSB website, www.osbar.org, and will fund the first two of eight stages Supreme Court held the $200,000 damage click on “Legislative/Public Affairs.” To of the project, to be completed by cap on tort claims against public agencies read the text of a bill, visit the legislature’s October 2009. The design of the new invalid as applied in a medical negligence website, www.leg.state.or.us. system will be similar to the federal claim against OHSU. The task force is Susan Grabe is the public affairs director courts’ electronic system. Each of the scheduled to make its recommendations stages requires OJD to seek further to the 2009 legislature. at the Oregon State Bar. bonding or COP authority from the Call me for a 30-minute, legislature, with the estimated total no charge consultation . . . cost reaching $118.5 million. Legisla- tors view the eCourt project as a way about how I may team with you to enhance to make the courts more accessible your bottom line and and cost-effective. reduce your anxiety. Property and Drug Crimes. SB 1087 is the legislative alternative to the proposal Heidi O. Strauch put forth by initiative activist Kevin Contract Attorney Mannix on mandatory minimums Do you have piles of fles? P.O. Box 30235 (initiative petition 40). It was referred Portland, OR 97294 to the voters for the November ballot 503.201.7642 and would increase prison terms for drug dealers and repeat property of- [email protected] fenders. The main difference between

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 SPRING 2008 The Honorable Darleen Ortega and the THE JUDGES’ FORUM that aren’t Honorable Cheryl Albrecht have gra- being asked ciously agreed to assume responsibility and noticing for our Judges’ Forum. We look forward and putting to reading their columns.—Ed. my energies i n t o a r e a s ultnomah County Circuit Judge that haven’t Cheryl Albrecht and I will begin gotten much Msharing this column, Judge Ellen By The Honorable Darleen Ortega a t t e n t i o n . Rosenblum’s baby for a decade, as of this Although I issue. In reflecting on how to begin using never know Hon. Darleen Ortega this space, I thought about the purpose I spent 14 years after law school doing for sure the of having this forum for women judges the one job I had been sure I wouldn’t reason, I of- to address you. That very quickly brought want going in—working in a business law ten have a strong instinct that those me back to my passion for getting more firm (first in Detroit, , and then differences have something to do with women and minorities on the bench in in Portland). I had correctly assessed that my experiences as a person from a Oregon, and why I’m so very happy to be I would not fit in with (if you’ll pardon background that is still quite under- where I am. With the hope of inspiring me) a lot of white guys in gray suits, and represented among judges and others some of you to nurture that same aspi- sure enough I didn’t. I often questioned in influential positions. ration, as well as to introduce myself to characteristics of private practice that & I have the opportunity to listen to the you, I thought I would begin by telling made no sense to me, characteristics my stories of people at the margins of you why I feel so grateful to be a judge colleagues sometimes complained about our society. Even though I frequently on the Oregon Court of Appeals. but to which they were deeply attached, can’t see a way within the param- I did not begin to dare to dream of and I was too much of an activist to shut eters of my judicial role to address being a judge until I’d been in practice up about my concerns. That usually didn’t the social inequalities that I see with for several years. Raised in a mixed-race get me very far; nothing about my back- such regularity, I am convinced that it family (my mother is Mexican, my father ground equipped me with the ability to makes a difference that I am listening is white, and in addition to a sister, I have see and appreciate the points of view and bearing witness to those stories, two adopted brothers of African- and of those in power any more than they in part because at times I can identify Native-American heritage) by parents were equipped with the ability to see with them. I carry the hope that, over who had not gone to college and did not and appreciate my point of view. Out of time, new ways for me to make a dif- particularly support my aspiration to do instinct and curiosity and determination, ference to people at the margins will so, I ended up becoming a lawyer by a I eventually shifted my focus to under- emerge as well. mixture of accident and white-knuckled standing rather than being understood, & I have many opportunities to reach determination. Looking for some way which then helped me to translate my out to people at the margins already. to make a difference with my life after different opinions and ideas and ways I spend lots of time with law students graduating from George Fox College with of viewing the world into language that and new lawyers, most of whom are a degree in writing and literature, I stum- could more frequently be heard in the women and people of color, encourag- bled on the idea of law at the suggestion dominant culture. ing them in the challenges they face in of friends who observed that I “argued Those years, which were often deeply fitting into a profession that they find well.” Even having settled on law school, demoralizing, would have been so much alienating, as I did (and sometimes still my aspiration was not to be a lawyer but easier if I could have known that at the do). I also have opportunities to reach to be a force for change in a society that end of them, and still at a relatively young out to high school and middle school I believed needed changing. age, I’d have what had come to be my students at the margins. Although I I found law school to be both an in- dream job as an appellate judge. Still, I’m had a lot to offer those groups while vigorating and an alienating experience. grateful for my time in private practice, I was a lawyer (as I know many of From the moment I walked onto campus which has helped me to hold steady as you do), my opportunities to bring at the Law School, I encounter the many challenges of my hope, encouragement, and practi- I felt the weight of my differences from current job, not the least of which is strug- cal help to people who need it have the majority of other students. I often gling to identify how my point of view is mushroomed since I became a judge. felt lost in class discussions, and generally different and to translate it into language In a way, it hardly seems fair—I’m the felt out of place. Fortunately, I landed that my colleagues can hear. same person I was before—but I am so in a feminist jurisprudence seminar at Given that backdrop, here are a few of grateful for those opportunities, which the beginning of my second year, which the reasons why I feel so blessed to be a give me so much life and energy that turned into a feminist reading group that judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals: I believe I often gain more from them met for the remainder of my time in law & I have the opportunity to be part of than those I am there to help. And in school. That group gave me a context to conversations in which the point of some cases, particularly in very under- debrief those feelings of alienation and view of women and minorities would represented communities, the fact that to identify my different concerns that otherwise be missing. That is not to the help is coming from a judge with a were not being aired in class discussion, say that all women or all minorities background people can identify with and language to critique and challenge have the same point of view. But I fre- seems to deepen its impact. For that my experience of law school. quently find myself asking questions I am especially grateful.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 SPRING 2008 Meet Multnomah County Circuit Judge Cheryl Albrecht By Teresa Statler udge Cheryl Albrecht was elected as Judge Albrecht enjoys presiding over themselves and a Multnomah County Circuit Court criminal cases, given her background in have confidence Jjudge in November 2006, after hav- criminal law, and she finds it especially in themselves— ing been a full-time hearings referee for gratifying to interact with the proba- advice her moth- the county for about five years. Judge tioners she supervises. She believes that er gave her. Albrecht’s legal background also includes a judge can greatly influence whether Judge Al- eight years at the Portland firm Rieke & a person will successfully complete brecht is active Savage, as a law clerk and then a criminal probation by taking an interest in the in the Diversity defense attorney, after her graduation person and asking the right follow-up Section of the from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1993. questions. Oregon State Bar Her election occurred after an eight- As a judge, she borrows from the styles and is an advisor Hon. Cheryl Albrecht month grassroots campaign, in which she of mentors such as Judges Julie Frantz and to Lewis & Clark tirelessly worked to meet voters, going Linda Bergman. She tries for a colloquial, L a w S c h o o l ’s door-to-door and “doing everything more casual approach in her courtroom, Public Interest Law Project, in which she except kissing babies.” She is grateful like that of the late Judge William Keys, was involved as a law student. She lives in to friends who helped her achieve her whom she also admired. Judge Albrecht northeast Portland and continues to sup- professional goal of becoming a judge, as likes the varied daily caseload of a circuit port the nonprofit group Write Around well as to those whom she did not know judge, contrasting it to her work as a Portland, which facilitates creative-writ- who, after hearing of her election bid, hearings referee, when she was on 90-day ing workshops for at-risk communities. sought her out to offer advice. rotations of the same case type, such as When she has the time, she also likes to Judge Albrecht grew up in Cajun coun- juvenile or landlord-tenant cases. write. These days, however, most of her try, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Her mother Judge Albrecht offers the following writing consists of legal opinions. was a teacher and her father a loan advice to attorneys appearing in court: OWLS wishes Judge Albrecht the best company supervisor. Her mother was the be prepared, be professional, and pay in her service on the Multnomah County only woman on the block who worked attention to the facts. She reminds Circuit Court. outside the home. Judge Albrecht was attorneys that “if the facts are not in influenced by both parents’ sense of evidence, you can’t get the record you Teresa Statler, a sole practitioner in Port- compassion, fairness, and integrity and want.” She encourages attorneys to be land, practices immigration law. was also encouraged by her grandmother, who told her she could do anything she set out to do. Judge Albrecht’s path to the law was via a career in journalism. She majored in journalism at Louisiana State University, and after graduation, she worked as a reporter for a music magazine in Los Angeles. She soon returned to Lafayette and worked as a reporter and section edi- tor for the daily newspaper. She covered stories on many topics, but it was the stories concerning poverty, racism, and environmental problems that got her thinking about a career in law. She ap- plied to Lewis & Clark Law School because of its nationally renowned environmental          law program. There are many similarities, Judge          Albrecht says, between being a reporter  !"#  $     and being a judge. Both, she notes, ask a lot of questions. As a judge, she finds %&  '   ()%)$ ( %*+!(* ,(+)- her skills as a reporter useful, helping .  +% . ()%(* her get at the root of the problem in a particular case. She asks attorneys many      /  #    questions, especially during the sentenc- =  =>  =/   - # 1 #  #   ing phase of a criminal case, because she )#   3# 1# #  /   ) # + is “digging for the real story.” She says #  *      @      +   she applies a sort of “narrative theory”  /#  +  ?  ,   ) 3 when analyzing a case before her: Who +*(*0 1(+ ((* +()*%2 + 3+ are the characters? What is the plot? 456   +0   566 0 ( 78569 :6;' 554<:555 < What is the theme?

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 SPRING 2008 OWLS has not taken a position in support of any of the candidates seeking the U.S. presidency this year. However, given the historic fact that one of the candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination is a woman, and one is an African American (both are lawyers), we asked two OWLS members to share their viewpoints regarding support for Senator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barack Obama. The following responses are offered in light of who (and what kind of first) the candidates are, and not necessarily in support of their party affiliation.—Ed. Real Change Is Hillary Clinton By Sarah Crooks hange. That is the buzzword of president was Geraldine Ferraro, with the Obama, citing his relative youth and Democratic politics in 2008. People Democratic party in 1984. Since Ferraro’s inexperience in Washington as the keys Csay that Senator Barack Obama bid for vice president, along with Walter to “change.” With respect to the general- represents change. I firmly disagree. Real Mondale’s for president, other women ization about younger women, I question change in our nation will occur when a have sought office as president or vice whether they have really seen or tried to woman runs this country. When Senator president, but it was not until this race navigate the dominant power structures Hillary Clinton leads this country. in 2008 that another woman has been a in this country. Numerous examples I was born in 1971. Richard Nixon serious contender for president of the could be cited, but let’s look at the one was president and Gerald Ford was vice . this audience is familiar with—the legal president. Before 1971, every president In the meantime, I grew up watching profession. and every vice president of the United Margaret Thatcher as prime minister of Despite having graduated in a law States of America was a man. Some were Great Britain. And since I have been old school class with more women than old, some were “young,” some were enough to pay attention to world politics, men, more of my male classmates have Protestant, and one was Catholic. Since I have seen other women as the top lead- achieved positions of power—partners in President Nixon and Vice President Ford ers of their countries, including Benazir large and small law firms and judges— were in office, all the U.S. presidents and Bhutto, the deceased prime minister of than my female classmates. And certainly vice presidents have also been men. Pakistan, and Angela Merkel, the chan- the dominance of men more generally In the history of the United States, there cellor of Germany. But the United States in the legal profession cannot seriously have been several women candidates for is the powerhouse of the world, and we be questioned. Men of all colors and re- president and vice president. The major- have never elected a female president ligious beliefs still run this nation. Until ity have been members of parties other or vice president. We rush to the aid of more women gain positions of power, than the Republican or Democratic par- poor countries like Pakistan. We frown including the presidency, I don’t see how ties. The first serious candidate for vice on practices in other countries that we this country will really change. If people, consider demeaning to women, such including women, are concerned about female genital mutilation and the op- not having a “first lady” in the White ,.,'& !&&+ pressive and discriminatory customs of House beside our president, how can Nfejbujpo!Tfswjdft the Taliban. We pride ourselves on our we change? enlightened and evolved state of being. For me, supporting change is support- Yet, here we are in 2008, and we have ing Hillary. What a tremendous moment never had a woman as our commander- in U.S. history it will be when we elect in-chief, our leader, our president. How a woman to lead our great country. I did that happen? can’t think of a compelling reason why There are probably lots of reasons, but we should wait another four years or no particularly good ones. We now have more to really change this country by a woman as a serious candidate for the electing a woman as president. Perhaps Democratic presidential nomination and the older women understand better than likely president. I have chosen not to get the younger women the continued dis- into comparisons of her campaign, her criminatory issues that women still fight vision, and her qualifications in writing and struggle with to succeed in the legal this piece, and frankly, the two Demo- profession and other professions and cratic candidates have admitted that they industries, including politics. I am not have very similar beliefs on the key issues. really old yet, and I am not really young -

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 SPRING 2008 Yes, You Can Vote for Barack Obama By Heather W. Decker s a working mother and lawyer, I infrastructure, and global warming, no Finally, as much as I would love to see would like nothing more than hav- less a message is needed. a woman president, I am not willing to Aing a woman president; however, More than race and gender, Obama hold hostage to feminism all the other I am saying “Yes I can” vote for Barack and Clinton present generational differ- issues that plague this country right now. Obama for president and still call myself ences. Generation X and Y voters have Hillary Clinton can give us her experience a feminist. While the pundits would have spent our entire lives immersed in and and a woman in the White House, but us believe that Senator Clinton has a lock bombarded by media. Having been a she can’t give us the freshness, optimism, on women’s votes, particularly white highly sought-after demographic since and inspiration of Barack Obama. women’s votes, many like me are sup- infancy, we reflexively identify and then Supporting Obama does not compro- porting Senator Obama for president. In ignore pandering advertising and politi- mise feminist ideals. He supports the fact, in the Potomac Primaries (in Virginia, cal rhetoric. But, more so than Senator equality and advancement of women, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.), Obama Clinton, Obama has made it past our usual and he is pro-choice. I am grateful to garnered a majority of women’s votes, defenses with his message of candor and a generation of feminist pioneers who surpassing Hillary Clinton among women hope. Ever since Obama lit a fire under paved the way for their daughters to for the first time. Obama is a visionary Democrats nationwide with his speech at achieve our dreams, and for the genera- leader whose candidacy transcends tra- the 2004 Democratic Convention, he has tion of sons they raised who join us as our ditional identity politics of gender, race, shown obvious inspirational leadership— equal partners at home and at work. I am age, and even party affiliation, to infuse the likes of which this country has not also grateful for the freedom to choose Americans with new hope and passion seen for at least generation. As a result, Obama over Clinton without forsaking for a better future. Obama’s candidacy has unleashed a tidal feminism. When Bill Clinton left office and Hil- wave of enthusiastic support, particu- If Obama’s message resonates with lary ran for the U.S. Senate, I hoped she larly among 18- to 40-year-olds, many of you, yes, you too can vote for Barack would soon run for president because whom are participating in the political Obama and still call yourself a feminist. at that time she was the best leader the process for the first time. Just ask Governor Christine Gregoire. Just Democrats had. Even so, under Senator I believe that Obama is a better leader ask Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver. Clinton and other political leaders of the for this country at this pivotal time in his- Just ask U.S. Congresswomen Anna Eshoo last 20 years, we have been jilted and tory than Hillary Clinton. Obama’s vision and Zoe Lofgren. Just ask author Toni jaded into believing that our nation’s of change and unity make more sense Morrison, The Nation columnist Katha problems are (a) more or less unsolvable to me as a way to move forward than Pollitt, actor Kate Walsh, and Oprah. Just and (b) the other party’s fault. Obama does Clinton’s policy-wonk “watch your ask Kate Michelman (20-year president moves us past these doubts and helps back” or “tear down your enemies” po- of NARAL Pro Choice America) and Ellen us recognize that by working together larizing politics. Obama appeals more to Bravo (former director of 9to5, National instead of tearing each other down, we independent and Republican voters than Association of Working Women). Just ask can solve the problems that face our does Senator Clinton, and he has handily me. Yes, you can. nation and the world. In these times won many traditionally “red” states that Heather Decker is a contract attorney in of war, economic recession, crumbling tend to vote Republican in November. Milwaukie, Oregon. MLLS Celebrates Its Past Presidents By Lora Keenan n February 20, the Mary Leonard to another state, she contacted the state Law Society (MLLS) celebrated bar association and was given the number Oa very special group of women: for the women’s bar association . . . only our own past presidents. This after-work to learn that she’d been put in touch with event was generously hosted by Saalfeld the group of lawyers’ wives! Angelica Griggs PC, which provided a lovely venue Vega, who was encouraged to join the and tasty food and beverages. We en- MLLS Board by several co-workers at legal joyed a social hour with new friends and aid, reflected on the “among friends” old, and an opportunity to browse MLLS comfort level she has always felt as part memorabilia collected and displayed by Photo by Cathryn Bowie of MLLS. our historian, Emily Potts. MLLS presidents on February 20. Another past president, the Honor- Four of MLLS’s past presidents then “had ideas.” One of those ideas was the able Susan Tripp, aptly summed up both shared memories and reflections with long-running (pun intended!) annual the OWLS and MLLS experience and the us. Elizabeth Harchenko remembered race sponsored and organized by MLLS feeling of the evening: if you are part of both her time on the MLLS Board and the to raise funds for Salem charities. OWLS, you have a group of friends that earliest days of OWLS. Elizabeth recruited Involved with MLLS in the 1990s, Cindy you haven’t met yet. another past president, Bonni Canary, to Hunt vividly illustrated how special OWLS Lora Keenan is a staff attorney at the serve on the MLLS Board because Bonni and MLLS really are: when a friend moved Oregon Court of Appeals.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 SPRING 2008 Queen’s Bench Celebrates 60th Anniversary By Barbara Smythe n March 11, at its regular monthly all the women attorneys in the state a women’s history room at the Oregon luncheon, Queen’s Bench cel- as its members, Trudy said. At the 1953 State Bar center, said Trudy. “President Oebrated its 60th anniversary. Oregon State Bar convention, Queen’s Kim Kaminski formed the Queen’s Bench Queen’s Bench Historian Trudy Allen, Bench put on a skit in the “tent show,” Historical Perspectives Committee, and who spoke at the luncheon, said that and many of the male attorneys in at- we collaborated with the bar,” Trudy said. the exact date of the founding is “lost tendance were surprised to find that “The project grew into something far be- in the mists of time,” but March 1948 there were 12 women lawyers on stage yond what we first envisioned—into the is a well-educated guess, and, as Trudy at one time! “There were actually 25 display that is now three panels totaling pointed out, Women’s History 24 feet long, with a timeline of Month seems an appropriate 101 items, plus 46 photos—and time to celebrate. much more.” In the spring of 1948, a small The 60th anniversary event, group of women attorneys which was the brainchild of gathered in Portland to hear Trudy and 2008 Queen’s Bench Gladys Everett speak about President Marja Selmann, drew her experiences as a regional a packed house, including the welfare officer in China for Honorable Betty Roberts and the United Nations Relief and former Queen’s Bench Vice Rehabilitation Administration President Lillian Meyers, both in 1946–1947. They enjoyed the Queen’s Bench members and presidents on March 11. of whom entered the prac- experience so much that they tice of law during the 1960s. decided to meet monthly, and the tradi- members of Queen’s Bench in 1948!” Katherine O’Neil, the founding president tion has continued for 60 years. Trudy proclaims. Today, Queen’s Bench, of OWLS, and a dozen past presidents The name “Queen’s Bench” is taken which includes only Multnomah County of Queen’s Bench [including yours truly] indirectly from the ancient English prac- members, has 963 members, both male also attended. tice of pleading one’s case directly to the and female. Barbara Smythe is an attorney at Klar- sovereign. More immediately, it was pla- In the 1970s, Lane County Women quist Sparkman in Portland. giarized cheerfully by our organization’s Lawyers and the Salem-based Mary Leon- foremothers from the Queen’s Bench ard Law Society were formed, and these Bar Association, a San Francisco women three groups held a joint breakfast at the Professionals Network lawyers’ group founded in 1921. annual OSB conventions. At this joint By Megan Livermore Trudy Allen, general counsel of U.S. breakfast in 1988, the groups decided to nother capacity crowd enjoyed Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc., and form OWLS, and Queen’s Bench became Athe OWLS Networking Commit- this year’s recipient of OWLS’ Justice its first chapter in 1990. tee (OWLSNET) inter-profession net- Betty Roberts Award for the promotion Trudy is a staunch believer in the value working event on January 24 at the of women in the law, is an amateur his- of local OWLS chapters. “We’re a valu- Red Star Tavern in downtown Port- torian who has documented the history able forum for OWLS members to meet land. The evening was co-hosted by of women in the legal profession in Or- frequently and to enjoy each other’s the Oregon Society of CPAs (OSCPA) egon. At the luncheon, she shared stories company and to exchange ideas and and the Oregon Banking Association about those women, including Portland’s information,” she says. (OBA) and generously sponsored by post–World War II female mayor, Dorothy Trudy also pointed out the accomplish- Tonkon Torp. Members of OWLS, the McCullough Lee; the fashionable 1930s ments of several more recent Queen’s OSCPA, and the OBA participated. litigator Neva Elliot; and Gladys Everett, Bench leaders, including Multnomah As has become the norm at OWLS- Portland’s first female judge, who was County Circuit Judges Merri Souther NET events, participants wasted no appointed to sit pro tem in 1935, when Wyatt and Adrienne Nelson, both for- time in networking, swapping busi- many states still barred women from mer presidents of Queen’s Bench, and ness cards, and making connections serving on juries. former board member Kate Brown, who for future business opportunities. For Trudy, Judge Pro Tem Everett claims recently stepped down as Oregon Senate “These events are a real asset to another distinction: her obituary sparked majority leader and is currently seeking OWLS. Their growing popularity is Trudy’s interest in the history of women the democratic nomination for Oregon’s a clear indication that professional lawyers in Oregon. “In 1986,” said Trudy, secretary of state. women want opportunities to net- “I clipped Gladys Everett’s obituary out Queen’s Bench celebrated its 50th an- work and connect with one another of the newspaper. With that one little niversary by publishing a 1998 calendar in an informal setting,” said Shari step I started my collection of the written featuring photos and short biographies of Gregory, OWLSNET chair. OWLSNET stories of women lawyers—that now fills our state’s early women lawyers. Oregon expects to hold its next event later a couple file cabinets in my home. With State Bar Executive Director Karen Garst this spring in Portland. the planting of such a little seed, my responded several years later by inviting Megan Livermore is an associate career as the archivist was born!” Queen’s Bench to compile a set of pic- with Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop Originally, Queen’s Bench was a tures of “several” women, to frame and in Eugene. statewide organization and included hang in what was originally going to be

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 SPRING 2008 Book Review: With Grit and By Grace continued from back page her career, she worked on some of the joining five other female gubernatorial from the Court, made after driving from most progressive, landmark legislation candidates in the United States that year. Salem to Portland in a rainstorm in which of that era, championing many causes Betty narrowly lost to Bob Straub in the her vision was obstructed by two large and working to give a voice to people Democratic primary, but another oppor- trucks: “Somehow, I again had to call on who had been historically marginal- tunity presented itself in July 1974. During that idea of faith leading me into a safe ized, including women and racial and his bid to unseat Senator and productive future. I wouldn’t be idle, ethnic minorities. Her priorities included in the general election, former Senator I knew that. So why not take a chance? civil rights, state-funded kindergarten, died. Betty was picked as It wouldn’t be the first time, and maybe ethics reform, tax credits for child-care the new Democratic candidate and given not the last.” payments, and women’s rights. She 84 days to campaign before the general With Grit and By Grace is a well- spearheaded campaigns to pass laws election. She lost a close race to Senator written, insightful account. A flowing decriminalizing abortion and allowing Packwood that year. narrative, historical snippets, and color- women to keep their last names after Betty, still in the Oregon Senate, con- ful participants (including some familiar marrying, and she worked tirelessly to tinued to work on issues of importance OWLS members) come together to make make Oregon the 25th state to pass the before being tapped by Governor Bob this a most interesting autobiography. . Straub in 1977 as the first woman ap- Through three marriages, numerous Betty served as a legislator during pointed to the Oregon Court of Appeals. careers, and some of this country’s most turbulent but triumphant personal times. She welcomed the challenge, and writes turbulent times, Justice Roberts displayed She and Frank Roberts were divorced that she looked forward to again being her trademark spunk and pioneering after four years of marriage; she failed successful in a male-dominated environ- spirit to break trails for herself and for the bar exam on her first attempt, but ment. As an appellate judge, she contin- women who would come later. passed in 1967 (giving credit to the skilled ued to advocate for the advancement Cashauna Hill is an associate at Ashcroft tutoring of Jena Schlegel, later the first of women in the legal profession, and Wiles Ammann in Portland. woman judge in Marion County); she won continued to offer advice to other women a difficult race for the Oregon Senate; and judges and law school graduates. With Grit and By Grace: Breaking Trails she and Keith Skelton, a fellow legislator, In December 1981, Republican Gov- in Politics and Law should be available were married in 1968. They maintained ernor appointed Justice in local bookstores. To order it online, a flourishing law practice together for Roberts to the Oregon Supreme Court, please go to http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ the next 10 years. where she served until 1986. Justice press/u-w/WithGrit.html. Or you can call At this point in her narrative, Justice Roberts writes of her decision to resign 1.800.426.3797. Roberts writes of her contentious dispute with the Oregon State Bar and state election officials. Although the attorney RAISING THE BAR ON general had issued an opinion serving as LEGAL FINANCIAL SERVICES. precedent for “allowing” women to keep their former names after marrying, the OSB referred to Betty as “Betty R. Roberts Skelton” upon her marriage to Keith. She protested this designation, determined to keep the name “Betty Roberts.” She won the battle with the OSB, but the registrar of elections refused to register her to vote unless she used her husband’s name, although she remained on the ballot as “Betty Roberts.” Justice Roberts’s life story reads as that of a woman in the right place at the right time, who is intelligent and Named an Oregon Law Foundation Visionary Bank savvy enough to capitalize on opportuni- ties, and determined enough to create You work for your clients‘ best interests. So do we. opportunities where none existed. In 1974, Betty ran for , Our team of bankers works hard to make the most of your funds. We partner with you to provide personalized solutions that maximize opportunities while Save the date! minimizing risk. You get the experience and expertise you need through the Betty Roberts personalized banking we offer for legal professionals. Autobiography Release CLE and Reception Bend · Redmond · Prineville · Sisters · Sunriver Salem · Keizer · Portland · Ashland · Medford June 13, 2008, Portland Grants Pass · Boise/Treasure Valley Idaho Details on page 2 (877) 617-3400 · www.botc.com Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 SPRING 2008 With Grit and By Grace Breaking Trails in Politics and Law, A Memoir By the Honorable Betty Roberts ( Press, 2008) Book Review by Cashauna Hill

On Monday morning, February 8, Oregon. As a young woman, and after and begin a career. She graduated from 1982, three days after my fifty-ninth completing a year of college, Betty mar- Portland State College in 1958 and be- birthday, I raised my right hand and ried Bill Rice and moved with him to came a high school teacher. After divorc- said, “I, Betty Roberts, do solemnly Oregon, where he was a bank employee. ing Bill, Betty earned a master’s degree swear . . .“ in political science from the University . . . . of Oregon. She then set her sights on After the final words “. . . so help completing a PhD in political science. me God,” the applause went on Instead she went to law school. Her and on, thundering the audience’s book provides engrossing details about enthusiasm for the breakthrough how she became a lawyer, a story most my appointment represented for OWLS members have heard. She gradu- women. I swallowed once, twice, as I ated from Northwestern College of Law prepared to make my remarks. (now Lewis & Clark Law School) in 1966, Today, one woman. Tomorrow, one of two women in that class. many more. Even as a first-year law student, mother of four children, and full-time high school o begins the autobiography of for- teacher, Betty continued to display tenac- mer Justice Betty Roberts, With Grit ity and reach for new goals. She was first Sand By Grace. In 1982, Justice Rob- elected to public office in 1960, when erts became the first woman to serve on she won a term on the Lynch Elementary the Oregon Supreme Court. Twenty-five School District Board. Later that year, she years later, she completed this memoir. married Frank Roberts, then chairman of In her book, we may see and begin to the Multnomah County Democratic Party understand not only the importance of Central Committee. During her marriage documenting history, but also the legacy to Frank, Betty took his last name. In an that has been passed down to future ongoing discussion in the book, Justice generations of women lawyers. Her decision to marry Bill and her prag- Roberts writes about a woman’s deci- The final sentence quoted above matic approach to taking a husband will sion to use her husband’s name, versus reflects Justice Roberts’s philosophy on likely be of interest to many OWLS mem- her birth name or any other name she mentoring women lawyers and illustrates bers, as many working women across the chooses. It is a discussion that will surely her willingness to share her story in the country struggle with work/life balance, resonate with OWLS members, as the hopes of inspiring and assisting others. as well as whether and when to marry, 2007 discussion on the OWLS listserve Her autobiography highlights her profes- have children, or both. Justice Roberts il- about this issue evoked many heartfelt, sional successes, but also delves into the lustrates that these concerns are not new, poignant, and sometimes heated re- personal. Justice Roberts presents herself and that women can weather them and sponses from OWLS members. as a whole person, and her candidness will remain strong, successful individuals. In 1964, fired up from her 1962 loss in serve as a source of inspiration for OWLS Betty and Bill produced four children: a bid to win an Oregon House of Repre- members. In her struggles and triumphs, daughters Dian and Jo, and sons John and sentatives seat, Betty Roberts was elected we learn that we too can accomplish what Randy, and it is obvious that she sees them to the House from her East Multnomah others thought we never could. as some of her life’s greatest accomplish- County district. During her 13 years in Justice Roberts details her childhood ments. Even as a mother of four, Justice the legislature, Betty honed her skills as in and Texas, and writes with Roberts (then known as Betty Rice) was a politician and advocate. Throughout eloquence about the first time she saw determined to complete her education Continued on page 15

Oregon Women Lawyers PRSRT STD P.O. Box 40393 U.S. POSTAGE Portland, OR 97240 PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #2346

Spring 2008 Printed on recycled paper

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 SPRING 2008