Published Quarterly by Women Lawyers Volume 20, No. 1 Winter 2009 NAWJ Conference, OWLS Fall CLE Inspiring By Heather L. Weigler ast October, OWLS welcomed members of Over 80 OWLS members attended a luncheon the National Association of Women Judges on October 17 that was planned by Lindsey H. L(NAWJ) to Portland for the NAWJ’s 30th Hughes, Friends Committee chair, and featured annual conference. keynote speaker Linda Greenhouse, a Pulitzer President Under the leadership of Hon. , Prize–winning reporter who covered the U.S. Laura Caldera Taylor the conference Supreme Court Vice Presidents, chair, many OWLS for T h e N e w Presidents-Elect members volun- York Times for 30 Gwyn McAlpine years. Following Heather Van Meter teered countless hours to make the luncheon, Secretary Jane Yates the NAWJ con- OWLS members Treasurer ference possible. and NAWJ mem- Concetta Schwesinger Hon. Mary J. Deits bers attended Historian and Elizabeth M. the joint OWLS/ Alice Bartelt Stephens chaired NAWJ CLE ses- Photo by Jodee Jackson Board Members the Education Left to right: Judge Julie Frantz, Linda Greenhouse, sions. In the first Nancy Cook C o m m i t t e e , session, Stanford Dana Forman and Judge Ellen Rosenblum Cynthia Fraser which planned law professor Bethany Graham a variety of CLE programs. Volunteers coordinated Pamela Karlan and Ms. Greenhouse discussed Shari Gregory by Libby Davis staffed the conference from morn- the U.S. Supreme Court under Justice Roberts, Cashauna Hill Megan Livermore ing until late night and included Hon. Jill Tanner, offering detailed observations. Julia Markley conference treasurer, and Heather L. Weigler, The OWLS Fall CLE portion of the program Linda Meng OWLS liaison. Hon. Julie Frantz chaired the social concluded with break-out sessions entitled Hon. Adrienne Nelson Leslie O’Leary events, including a reception at the OHSU Center “Resolving Disputes Out of Court—the Growing Hon. Julia Philbrook for Health and Healing that featured tram rides Role of Mediation” and “Bringing about Needed Kathleen J. Rastetter to the Women’s Health Center. Continued on page 6 Hon. Katherine Tennyson Shannon Terry Heather L. Weigler Past Presidents n essence, our firm’s decisions for which we are being honored were based on a Kellie Johnson Norma S. Freitas Ithoroughly supportable analysis, partly ethical and partly utilitarian. Kate A. Wilkinson Jennifer K. De Wald The ethical question was straightforward: is it right and good to create a workplace Sarah J. Crooks where women could thrive personally and professionally? Of course it is. All we Elizabeth Schwartz Lori E. Deveny had to do was think about the immeasurable value of working with women who Debra Pilcher Velure are great lawyers and great people, who, in addition to those attributes, bring a Marilyn E. Litzenberger different perspective and culture to work. If that isn’t enough, all we had to do was Teresa M. Kraemer Patricia L. Heatherman ask how we want our daughters to be treated. And what great value they bring to Julie Levie Caron the places they work. Phylis Chadwell Myles Helle Rode The utilitarian consideration, frankly, flowed from the ethical one. It is the right Diana Craine thing to do for the reasons above; it is also the valuable thing to do. The diversity Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Agnes Sowle mirrors the world we live in. Practices can thrive, clients can be better served, the Katherine H. O’Neil work environment can remain positive, careers are extended and don’t burn out. Executive Director Linda Tomassi, 503.595.7826 Thanks again, and thanks to all the great attorneys and staff I have the pleasure [email protected] of working with. AdvanceSheet Editor Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 Scott McCleery, upon accepting the OWLS Workplace Leader Award [email protected] on behalf of Gartland, Nelson, McCleery, Wade & Walloch on October 17, 2008 www.oregonwomenlawyers.org

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 WINTER 2009 President’s Message OWLS Board he recent and providing food and other basic needs Tweather for their families. And I started to think Seeks Candidates events left me about all the things OWLS members do his spring, the 21-member snowed in with throughout the year to give back to the TOregon Women Lawyers Board my seven- and communities we serve. of Directors will have openings. If nine-year-old In 2008, OWLS members were the you would like to play a leadership girls for the second-largest contributors to the Cam- role in OWLS’ work transforming greater part paign for Equal Justice. OWLS members the practice of law, consider serving of two weeks. donated more than 1,500 books to the on the board of directors. Board Every morn- Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. OWLS members provide financial oversight ing they woke members helped the Multnomah Bar and strategic direction, helping to Laura Caldera Taylor up with wide- Association raise over $120,000 to keep shape the future of OWLS policies eyed wonder- CourtCare open, and helped the OWLS and programs. Each board member ment; would school/winter camps be Foundation’s endowment reach $100,000. is asked to participate actively on at canceled yet again? And each day that OWLS members provided many hours least one working committee. the answer was yes, a snow-day dance of pro bono legal services to people in As a statewide organization, broke out in the Taylor home. need. Over the holidays, OWLS members OWLS is actively seeking board That same snow also prevented the contributed to food banks and homeless members from outside the Portland delivery of many of their presents. I have shelters, sent gifts to children with cancer, metro area. Regional representa- to admit, I fretted quite a bit about how wrote cards to members of the mili- tives serve as liaisons to our chapters they would react on Christmas when tary, volunteered at Red Cross shelters, and help OWLS understand and there were only a few presents to open. walked the streets of Portland handing serve the needs of women and mi- On Christmas Eve, with great angst, I set out packages to our city’s homeless, and nority attorneys around the state. out to explain that most of their presents contributed in many other ways. The Board elections take place in April, would arrive after Christmas. To my sur- truth is, I cannot list all the great things with new members taking office prise, there were no sad faces. Instead, OWLS members did in 2008—there are in May 2009 for a three-year term. the girls were excited that they would simply too many to count. Meetings are held eight times a year get to celebrate Christmas every day for As we head into 2009, I just want to say, on Saturday mornings. as long as it took the presents to arrive. keep up the good work! Our collective If you would like to help guide I spent a lot of time over the holidays efforts make a measurable difference. OWLS through the coming years— thinking about how fortunate I was to be and form valuable connections with fretting about delivery schedules when so other attorneys around the state in many parents spent the holidays worrying Laura Caldera Taylor the process—please contact one of about foreclosures, evictions, health care, OWLS President OWLS’ co-president-elects, Gwyn McAlpine (gmcalpine@perkinscoie. Goodbye Catherine, Hello Linda com/503.727.2091) or Heather Van Meter (hvanmeter@williamskastner. WLS said goodbye in December value,” she com/503.228.7967). to Catherine Ciarlo, who served said, “both to Oas our executive director (ED) for the individu- the past two years. Catherine’s tenure als who com- “It’s a privilege to work with people do- was marked by a significant increase in prise it and ing such important work in the world,” membership, an ever-more-professional to the legal Linda says, “and I see my role as helping look for the organization, and the unveil- community as to improve the culture in which they do ing of our new website. a whole.” that work.” Catherine notes that her time at OWLS Although Linda sees many opportunities to work was tremendously rewarding, both per- Catherine will with the membership and board of direc- sonally and professionally: “It has been b e m i s s e d , tors to help fulfill OWLS’ mission. “I’m re- inspiring to work with women who are OWLS is fortu- Linda Tomassi ally looking forward to traveling around successful in their own right, and who are nate to have the state to meet members and find out also committed to helping other women Linda Tomassi, our former administrative what we can do better.” She understands advance in the profession.” In January, director, stepping into the ED role. the need to focus energy and time on Catherine joined the staff of incoming Linda began working with OWLS on a diversity issues and has started meeting Portland Mayor Sam Adams to manage contract basis about five years ago, dur- with other organizations to collaborate transportation policy for his office. She ing a staffing transition, and she quickly in this area. promises, however, to remain an OWLS fell in love with the organization. She is Linda looks forward to meeting as member and volunteer. “I leave my po- delighted to move into the role of ED many people as possible at the Roberts- sition here with a clear sense of OWLS’ and is the second nonlawyer to do so. Deiz Awards Dinner on March 13. 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 2009 OWLS Members “Road to the Bench” Goes on the Road Win Elections By Heather Van Meter e v e r a l n October 27, OWLS led two presentation SO W L S discussions with local lawyers on to seriously m e m b e r s whether, when, and how to try consider a ju- won judicial O for a career in the judiciary. These “Road dicial career. and political to the Bench” presentations took place One person office in con- in Eugene and Grants Pass, sponsored at the Jose- tested races by Lane County Women Lawyers and phine County in Novem- Josephine County Women Lawyers. event drove ber. Lisa Greif Multnomah County Circuit Judge several hours, was elected Katherine Tennyson and OWLS Co–Vice from a nearby to serve on Sen. Suzanne Bonamici President Heather Van Meter facilitated county, just to the Jackson the discussions. The stars of the presenta- attend. Hon. Katherine Tennyson County Circuit Court, and Jenefer Grant tions were the local judges and lawyers in The speak- retained her seat on the Columbia County each location. Lane County Circuit Judg- ers discussed the importance of increasing Circuit Court. was elected es Debra Vogt and Charles Zennache pro- diversity in the judiciary, both to reflect Oregon’s secretary of state. Judy Shiprack vided valuable information about how the diversity within the communities won a seat on the Multnomah County judges have been selected in Lane served and to provide a full range of Commission. County. A helpful discussion about the viewpoints on the bench. In unopposed races, state Senator ups and downs of being a judge in Lane Another OWLS Road to the Bench pre- Suzanne Bonamici retained her seat in Dis- County generated interest in considering sentation will take place in Salem on Feb- trict 17, and Justice Martha Walters won a judicial career. ruary 18 at noon, sponsored by the Mary re-election to the . In Grants Pass, Josephine County Circuit Leonard Law Society. Join OWLS at Goudy Judges Diana Stuart and Kathie Steele Judge Lindi Baker discussed the current Commons on the Willamette University retained their seats on the Multnomah status of the judiciary in Josephine County campus for a brown-bag lunch. County Circuit Court and the Clackamas and gave excellent recommendations County Circuit Court, respectively. for pre-judiciary involvement in commu- Heather Van Meter, an attorney in the OWLS extends our warmest regards nity organizations and activities. Judge Portland office of Williams Kastner, is to all the candidates for their work to Baker encouraged all those attending the co–vice president of OWLS. increase women’s participation in the political arena. OWLS Political Leadership Lecture Series Starts Feb. 10 he OWLS Leadership Committee in- Tvites you to participate in the OWLS Political Leadership Lecture Series, six lectures in 2009 designed to encourage and equip OWLS members to take on leadership roles in politics. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with some of the best political minds in Oregon, and our hope is that some of you will run for office in 2010. The first session is Tuesday, February 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Stoel Rives LLP, 900 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 2600, in Portland. You’ll hear from Jeanne Duncan of Emily’s List, Amy Edwards of Emerge Oregon, and Rep. Mary Nolan of WINPAC. Their orga- nizations encourage and support women candidates running for elective office. If you’ve ever thought about putting your name on the ballot, join us to learn about some of the resources available to you and to start planning your campaign. Please RSVP to hlouweigler@gmail. com by February 1. This is a nonpartisan [email protected] lecture series, and members of all political Portland Seattle Spokane Coeur d’Alene National parties are welcome to attend. (503) 227-1544 (206) 622-3376 (509) 838-6000 (208) 667-1163 (800) 528-3335

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 WINTER 2009 Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: An Inspiration for Women Lawyers By Susan Hammer h a d Many judges, bar leaders, law students, the most powerful woman lawyer and I t h e professors, and members of the bar jurist in the world. As she talked with a h o n o r and community had the opportunity to group of Willamette law students over of serv- interact with her in small meetings and breakfast, I was touched that she took ing as to hear her speak in large convocations. the time to be with them and seemed to Justice Much has been written about Justice love the interaction. Their questions were R u t h Ginsburg’s life and career. I’d like to share mostly personal: Who were your heroes/ B a d e r a personal view of this most remarkable heroines? How was law school different Gins- woman. for you than it is for us? How is being b u r g ’s Justice Ginsburg’s mother died the day on the Supreme Court different than e s c o r t before she graduated from high school. being on the court of appeals? What’s during Her mother gave her this advice: Be a lady the best part of your job? Do you miss her visit and be independent. These contrasting Justice O’Connor? at Wil- qualities give us just a hint about the Her answers, in kind, were personal. lamette complexity of this remarkable person. She Her heroines were Amelia Earhart and Univer- is tiny physically (I felt like I could have Nancy Drew. About law school experi- Photo by Frank Miller, Willamette University Photo by Frank Miller, Justice Ginsburg sity on been her bodyguard). Intellectually, she ence, she told a story about when she Septem- is a giant. She is soft spoken and kind; was a student at Harvard Law School. The ber 12 and 13. She came to Willamette nevertheless, bold and refreshingly can- dean invited the women law students to to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the did. She is encyclopedic on the law and dinner and asked them to explain why College of Law and to dedicate the new seems to be able to recall every Supreme they occupied a place that could have Oregon Civic Justice Center, home to the Court decision ever written. She is also gone to a man. Oregon Law Commission and an array of interested in opera, music, art, econom- About the difference between the court Willamette law programs. ics, work/family issues, and much more. of appeals and the Supreme Court—she At age 75, Justice Ginsburg has the As a judge, she wears a black robe, yet noted that she is more easily recognized energy to keep a demanding schedule is stylish and dresses elegantly. She can now. It’s easier to get someone to wait on that would tire a woman half her age. be very serious and very funny. her in Macy’s. Complete strangers say to She had ten events during the two days. Justice Ginsburg is recognized as her, “You look like Justice Ginsburg,” to which she replies, “People keep telling me that.” (That’s what I mean by her sense of humor.) The best part of her job, she said, was writing a dissent, then having four or five judges join in and it becom- ing the majority opinion. “That’s a real high,” she told the students. And about missing Justice O’Connor, she said, “The Court misses Justice O’Connor.” She recounted a number of 5–4 cases the year after Justice O’Connor’s retirement that would have gone the other way had she remained on the court. Shortly after her visit, I received a handwritten note from Justice Ginsburg, thanking me for being her guide and recalling the wonderful few days that she and her husband, Marty, had at Willamette. She signed it, “With appre- ciation and every good wish, Ruth and Marty.” I will cherish the card, savor the memories, and forever appreciate her contribution as a jurist, attorney, teacher, and role model.

Susan Hammer has been a member of OWLS since it was formed in 1989. She is an active mediator of business, employ- ment, professional liability, and injury cases. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Willamette University.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 WINTER 2009 Judge Patricia Sullivan and Judge Richard C. Baldwin To Be Honored at Roberts-Deiz Dinner on March 13

he Honorable Patricia Sullivan, has been a driving force in the creation g a r n e r e d former OWLS board member and of the Oregon State Bar Diversity Section; tremendous TU.S. magistrate for the District he has been a leader in establishing, sup- respect and of Oregon, has been selected to receive porting, and defending the elimination- a c c o l a d e s the 2009 Justice Award of-bias (now from friends, for the promotion of women in the law. the access-to- colleagues, The Honorable Richard C. Baldwin, Mult- justice) MCLE and members nomah County Circuit Court judge, will requirement; of the legal receive the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award and he has community. for promotion of minorities in the law. s e r v e d a s He is known

The award recipients will be honored the chair of as a “true Photo by Jodee Jackson at the 17th annual OWLS Roberts-Deiz the Oregon believer” of Judge Richard C. Baldwin Awards Dinner, on March 13, 2009, at Judicial De- diversity and the Governor Hotel, in“ Portland. partment Ac- equality, with a compassion and sensitiv- U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Sullivan cess to Justice ity that few embody. OWLS is pleased to is the “epitome of professionalism with for All Com- recognize Judge Baldwin’s considerable a human touch.” For 25 years, Judge mittee. His Judge Patricia Sullivan contribution to the promotion of minori- Sullivan has served as a guiding light for contributions ties in our profession and the community women in Pendleton. Whether spear- have also reached the community at at large by awarding him the 2009 Judge heading the Rebecca J. Bloom chapter large through his work with Uniting to Mercedes Deiz Award. of OWLS or founding the Pioneer Relief Understand Racism, by promoting aware- Information about tickets for the Nursery to prevent child abuse and ne- ness of the dynamics that promote and Roberts-Deiz Awards Dinner, to be held glect, Judge Sullivan has blazed a trail for perpetuate racism in our communities to March 13 in downtown Portland, can all women in eastern Oregon to follow. prevent their reoccurrence. be found at the OWLS website, www. As a wife, mother, and civil litigator, her Judge Baldwin’s humility, professional- oregonwomenlawyers.org, or by calling incredible commitment to her family is ism, and commitment to diversity have 503.595.7826. constantly juggled effortlessly with her ability to handle complex civil matters and mentor young lawyers. Judge Sullivan’s personable and down- “A client asked if to-earth manner promotes friendship I would take a and a sense of belonging to the legal community. With the utmost grace, she deposition at the routinely demonstrates her genuine McNeil Island concern for children, education, access to justice, and women in the legal pro- penitentiary. It fession and her belief that all attorneys would entail an who cross her path must maintain a high eerie 20-minute level of professionalism and ethics. For those reasons, OWLS is pleased to rec- boat ride through ognize her contributions to the women the fog, walking We offer the same services as the other top of Oregon by awarding the 2009 Justice the gauntlet past Portland reporting firms. We deliver the same Betty Roberts Award to the Honorable high quality product. The difference is our Patricia Sullivan. a line of inmates, personal commitment to superior service. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge and spending the Richard C. Baldwin has long been an ac- It wasn’t the most comfortable situation for any tive and outspoken champion of diversity day next to a guy of us, but our client was impressed, of course. in Oregon. He has dedicated his career who had murdered to educating others on the dynamics of his wife with a racism in the legal culture and remains If you want service, call Teach. 503.248.1003 committed to eliminating patterns and baseball bat. To It’s all about service. practices that perpetuate racism in the me the answer legal community and elsewhere. Judge Baldwin is a supporter of the Oregon was easy. State Bar Affirmative Action Program and of Opportunities for Law in Oregon “Of course.” 1500 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 (OLIO), an orientation program for minor- —Catherine Teach 503.248.1003 or 800.230.3302 ity law students in Oregon. Judge Baldwin

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 WINTER 2009

“Of course.”

—Catherine Teach NAWJ Conference, OWLS Fall CLE continued from page 1 Lane County Women board member Kathleen Rastetter, the Lawyers Presents CLE roundtable provided an opportunity for local attorneys and leaders of the national By Karrie McIntyre legal community to share ideas and per- ane County Women Lawyers (LCWL) spectives about transforming the practice Land the Eugene-based CPA firm of law for women and minorities. Kernutt Stokes Brandt & Co. co-hosted On October 17, following the Fall CLE, a half-day CLE on November 21 at the NAWJ and OWLS members went to the University of Oregon (UO) School of Law Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse for in Eugene. Attendees garnered four hours a chic and green reception planned by of mandatory CLE requirements on access Judge , honorary conference At the conference: Judge Ann Aiken (left) to justice and child abuse reporting. co-chair, and hosted by the Oregon fed- and Justice Martha Walters The afternoon began with a catered eral judges. The reception began on the lunch, which attendees enjoyed while 16th floor, where guests enjoyed stunning listening to UO law professor Caroline views of Mt. Hood and locally sourced Forell’s presentation on the link between food and wine, and concluded in the jury animal abuse and domestic violence. room with dessert and the presentation of Professor Forell provided practical tips the third annual OWLS Workplace Leader for better accommodating the needs of Award. The award went to Eugene law domestic violence victims. firm Gartland, Nelson, McCleery, Wade Following raffle drawings for wine, din- & Walloch and was accepted by partner Left to right: Judges Eve Miller, Kathleen ner, and gift certificates, Raquel Hecht, a Dailey, and Marilyn Litzenberger Scott McCleery. Thanks to Judge Aiken Eugene attorney specializing in immigra- and her clerk, Jolie Russo, OWLS had an tion law, discussed U.S. immigration law, opportunity to demonstrate a concrete offering insights on dealing with some example of its efforts to promote change often-forgotten members of our commu- in the legal profession. nities, people who are not citizens. Although the gift bags included um- After a break, Valeri Love, of the Eu- brellas to shield the judges from inevi- gene law firm Gleaves, Swearingen, Potter table October showers, the stars aligned & Scott, led the class in a brainstorming to showcase some of the best of what session on how to best serve the groups Oregon and its legal community have in our culture who seem to have the least to offer. From the beautiful October access to justice. The attendees benefited

Photos by Jodee Jackson weather to the joint sessions with OWLS, from helpful reminders about serving Judge Ellen Rosenblum, conference chair the conference was a resounding suc- groups such as children, elders, people (left), and Heather Weigler, OWLS liaison cess. NAWJ Chief Operating Officer Jeff with developmental or physical dis- Changes in Law Firms.” OWLS member Groton remarked, “The conference was a abilities, and those with racial or cultural Hon. Darleen Ortega was a panelist in the huge success, and it could not have been characteristics different from our own. latter session, and OWLS members on the done without the outstanding efforts The afternoon ended with Lane County mediation panel were Jeffrey Batchelor, of the wonderful OWLS volunteers.” Circuit Judge Debra Vogt, who spoke Hon. Susan Leeson, and the moderator, OWLS thanks NAWJ for the opportunity to the group about child abuse report- Hon. Mary J. Deits. to participate in the conference, as well ing. Judge Vogt focused on how to best The Multnomah Bar Association and as all the local judges and attorneys who prevent abuse and therefore reduce our OWLS co-hosted a roundtable discussion volunteered their time and effort. need to report it. Her fresh perspective for attorneys the following morning to Heather L. Weigler, an OWLS board mem- on a mandatory requirement left the at- encourage more conversation about best ber, is an assistant attorney general with tendees with useful information for our law firm practices. Organized by OWLS the Oregon Department of Justice. professional and personal lives. Over 40 people attended the CLE, some Call me for a 30-minute, traveling from as far away as Medford no charge consultation . . . and Bend. Lane County Women Lawyers about how I may team hopes in the coming years to provide with you to enhance this interactive CLE for attorneys all over your bottom line and the state. Many thanks to the OWLS and reduce your anxiety. LCWL members who prepared, presented, IN OUT Heidi O. Strauch and attended the event. LCWL donated Professional Contract Attorney 25% of the proceeds to the UO Child and Family Law Association for its assistance in P.O. Box 30235 Do you have piles of files? making the event a success. Some of the Portland, OR 97294 proceeds were also donated to a Women- 503.201.7642 space family for the holiday season. [email protected] Karrie McIntyre is a partner with Parrish and McIntyre in Eugene.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 WINTER 2009 Where You Bank Matters Judge Jean Maurer at Nov. LEG-Up By Elise Bouneff By Sara Staggs f you’re an attorney, then where you udge Jean Maurer is the first female I n h e r bank matters. Thanks to the Oregon I presiding judge in Multnomah spare time, Law Foundation’s (OLF’s) Interest on JCounty. She talked about her jour- Judge Mau- Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, ney from law student to judge at OWLS’ rer teaches law firms and banks have been coming November 13 LEG-Up, hosted by Tonkon as an adjunct together since 1989 to generate funds Torp in Portland. professor at that support legal aid, legal education Judge Maurer graduated from Santa Lewis & Clark for the public, and other activities to im- Clara Law School in 1974. As a student, Law School. In prove the quality of justice. This funding she considered a career as a law librari- the past, she resource continues to enhance the qual- an—because she loved books, libraries, has served as ity of life for thousands of Oregonians. and the law. After graduation, however, a a high school As chair of OLF’s Revenue Enhancement friend told her of an opening at the DA’s m o c k t r i a l Judge Jean Maurer Committee, I’m privileged to be part of office in Salem, and thus Judge Maurer coach, both this very successful partnership between began her legal career in the Marion at her children’s school in Lake Oswego the legal and financial communities. County District Attorney’s Office. and at Jefferson High School in Portland. Here’s how the IOLTA program works: She later moved to the Multnomah She has been a member of the Solomon Client funds that are too small in amount County DA’s office and worked there until Inns of Court for 14 years, which she or held for too short a time to earn inter- the birth of her son, at which point she especially enjoys because it allows her est for the client, net of bank charges took the allotted six weeks’ maternity to meet attorneys that she may never or administrative fees, are placed in a leave. At the end of the six weeks, she de- otherwise have met. pooled interest-bearing trust account. cided to extend her maternity leave and Judge Maurer’s husband (the other Participating financial institutions remit left the DA’s office. She began to work Judge Maurer) is the presiding judge in the interest from these accounts at least part-time at a private law firm, and she Clackamas County. “It really makes us quarterly to OLF. Interest earned on IOLTA worked part-time for eight years, until sound more interesting than we are,” she accounts supplies services to those who both of her children were in school. She said with a laugh. Continuing the Maurer ordinarily wouldn’t have access to legal then returned to the Multnomah County legal tradition are their two children: services and education. DA’s office, where she worked until 1996. their son works in the Rochester, New The program has three goals: provide Then she was appointed to the bench. York, DA’s office, and their daughter is a funding for legal aid groups, promote di- When asked for advice on how to build first-year law student at Lewis & Clark. versity in the legal sector, and educate the and keep a good reputation in the legal “As many advances as we have made as public about the law. Since its inception, community, Judge Maurer said, “Treat women in the legal profession, the one OLF has distributed more than $20 million other people well. Be committed to your area we haven’t mastered is balance,” in IOLTA dollars to worthy organizations work, and turn out a finished end product cautioned Judge Maurer. “If you aren’t that empower the most vulnerable in our that is a good product.” She reminded us personally fulfilled, you won’t stay in the society, build strong communities, and of something that is sometimes forgot- profession.” If you find yourself out of ensure that there is justice for all. In 2007, ten in the practice of law: you can be a balance, she said, take a step back and try the board approved over $2 million in strong advocate, but you should work to to find it. “I am living proof that one can grants to 13 special projects around the be calm and dispassionate in your writings take a slightly unusual path and achieve state. Recipients ranged from the Associa- and communications. “Never overstate your goals.” tion of Oregon Legal Services Programs something,” Judge Maurer advised. “Never OWLS thanks Judge Maurer for sharing to the Classroom Law Project. A complete personalize your work. It’s never about her insights and experiences, and Tonkon list of recipients and a description of their you—it’s always the case.” Torp for hosting the event. work is available on the OLF website, www.oregonlawfoundation.org. Sara Staggs is an associate at Wiles Law Group in Portland. Financial institutions are critical to the IOLTA program’s success. The amount of can be found on the OLF website. “It is more important than ever to funding generated each year depends on The FDIC insurance coverage on IOLTA keep your IOLTA account at a bank that several factors, including interest rates funds was recently expanded as part of pays a high rate of interest,” says Judith and bank-imposed service fees. Law the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Baker, OLF’s executive director. “If your firms can help OLF by establishing IOLTA Program. Under this program, noninter- firm’s bank is not a Leadership Bank, ask accounts at banks that are committed to est bearing transaction accounts have the bank to consider raising its interest maximizing the rate of return. unlimited FDIC deposit insurance. The rates on IOLTA accounts. If your firm’s How do you know which bank will FDIC amended the definition of “non- bank is a Leadership Bank, thank them. maximize the return on IOLTA funds? OLF interest bearing transaction accounts” The message of the Oregon Law Founda- has identified banks that make a com- to include IOLTA funds, so IOLTA funds tion is that where you bank really does mitment to pay a higher interest rate on are now fully FDIC insured with no limit matter.” these accounts; called Leadership Banks, through December 31, 2009. For details, Elise Bouneff is a vice president and they are organized into three levels— visit www.fdic.gov and see the FDIC’s final professional banking officer at Bank of visionary, advocacy, and supporting. A list rule regarding the Temporary Liquidity the Cascades, which has been named a of the banks, showing relevant details, Guarantee Program, 29 CFR 370. Visionary Leadership Bank by OLF.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 WINTER 2009 A Call for Women Leaders THE JUDGES’ FORUM of minority experience—because we still know what it is like to be misunderstood ur culture is in some ways very and underrepresented—women often confused in its view of women. have ears to hear the experiences of OOn the one hand, more women people who have trouble getting a hear- are highly educated and more are visibly ing. We can identify with the experiences successful in business and the professions of underrepresented people, at least to than ever before. I spend a lot of time the extent of knowing what it is like to mentoring high school girls and young By The Honorable Darleen Ortega be overlooked and misunderstood. women in law school and entering the le- Oregon Court of Appeals For example, I know that sometimes gal profession, and my anecdotal sense is when I have communicated things to my that many women, by the time they enter struggle to find a way to be understood male colleagues in the way that comes a profession, aren’t conscious of having or to be seen as successful and worthy of most naturally to me, they look at me as faced barriers to their success. They expect respect. Legal employers may be happy though I’ve just said something that calls to be judged on their merit and to have to recruit us—but once we arrive, they my sanity into question. I then must make pretty much the same chances of success want us to be like men. I don’t mean the effort to communicate things in a that men do. And men expect that to that is a conscious thought—I just mean way that they can hear, but that feels to happen for women as well. they aren’t prepared to address the es- me like speaking in a foreign language. However, women are not so well- sentially cultural differences that often I don’t do it as easily, and don’t always represented in positions of leadership. make succeeding in the legal profession feel like I’ve expressed exactly what I want Women leave the legal profession in particularly challenging for women. It to say. Because I’ve had that experience much higher numbers than men do, and is generally up to us to identify those (pretty often, in fact), when I read a make up only a relatively small percentage differences and to find ways of navigat- legal brief or hear an argument from a of law firm partners and judges. Many ing them. litigant that sounds crazy, I know to step women continue to experience real dis- Yet, because nearly everyone agrees as back and question whether the speaker crimination in the workplace and struggle a matter of principle that women should is really crazy or just trying to express to come up with productive responses that have access to all the opportunities that something that doesn’t come across well will not hurt them in the long run. men do, it is perhaps harder than ever to in the language the speaker is forced to Even more women—perhaps most shed light on the special challenges that use. My experience as a woman in this of us—experience subtle moments in women continue to face. Most people culture is part of what teaches me to ask which our experience or our way of see- (particularly those who benefit the most those questions. ing things is discounted, and we must from the status quo) are invested in be- There’s another way in which our “mi- lieving that the world operates as a true nority-like” experience as women gives meritocracy, and that everyone gets ex- us something important to contribute as actly what he or she deserves. Otherwise, leaders. Because we have benefited less ,.,'& !&&+ their own achievements would be called from the way things are now, we are Nfejbujpo!Tfswjdft into question. So, if you are struggling, it often in a better position to see what is must be something you are doing. broken and needs fixing. I’ve seen that Women are not a statistical minority— happen time and again—it is so often the but we have a minority experience when women and ethnic minorities who have it comes to setting the terms of public the inclination to ask questions that no conversation about so many things, be- one has yet thought to ask, not because cause those terms are set by people in we are inherently more perceptive and power, and too often that is not us. I am insightful, but because we are not so not arguing that women are inherently invested in things being done the way better than men or deserve power more. they have always been done. My point is that women, who make up The urgency of our need for woman half the population, regularly do not leaders in positions of influence is some- have a voice in making the laws, setting thing I think about virtually every day. So the policy, and influencing the debates my first goal in this column is to dispel that shape everyone’s lives. any lingering misgivings you may have -

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 WINTER 2009 

responsibility Don’t get me wrong; women who for child rear- make the decision to opt out generally It was no easier for the ing, for keeping are making a very intelligent and reason- women who went before us. their house- able choice, one with which I genuinely holds running sympathize. It is very difficult to juggle They faced all of the same smoothly, and the demands of raising a family along struggles, even more so. for caring for with feeding the hungry tiger of a legal And yet my sense is that t h e i r e l d e r s , career. The image of leadership that they stuck with it at a not to men- people start with is still strongly male— tion tending and men typically have not faced the higher rate . . . . to their loved same mix of demands that women face. Hon. Darleen Ortega ones’ emotional It’s a challenge to try to fit into the exist- needs. The last ing models of leadership while juggling a Unfortunately, I don’t have a complete thing you need is for someone to lay an- lot of responsibilities that men have his- answer—but I do have a suspicion about other responsibility on your shoulders. torically left to the women in their lives. part of the answer. I suspect that the I’m aware of all that, not only be- Especially when children come into the women who went before us knew from cause it is true of nearly every woman I mix, women’s priorities quickly change— the beginning that they were going to know, but because it is true of me, even indeed, they should change. And beyond struggle. They were headed into arenas though I am not a parent. So before I that, many women begin to feel that the where few if any women had gone explain what I mean, let me talk about struggle for professional recognition is before. It was plain from the beginning a concern I have. more difficult and less rewarding than that they would have to be prepared to When I graduated from law school in they had hoped. blaze a new trail. 1989, about a third of the students in my Here’s my concern, though. It was no So, it’s something like the difference graduating class were women. In the early easier for the women who went before in how you pack if you think you are 1960s, women made up about 3% of law us. They faced all of the same struggles, heading for a month-long trek in the school graduates; in the mid-70s, less than even more so. And yet my sense is that Amazon jungle and how you pack if you 10%. By 1990, the year after I graduated, they stuck with it at a higher rate than think you are heading for a few days’ 40% of graduating law school students has been true for women of my genera- visit with a kindly aunt and uncle. I sus- were women; by 2000, 50%. tion and younger. Why is that? pect that the women who went before But here’s a curious thing. My women I’m genuinely interested in your us expected the journey to be arduous friends who graduated from law school thoughts on that question. It’s a question and long; they expected to have to make in the 1970s tell me that a relatively high I’ve been stewing about for some time. Continued on page 10 percentage of their women colleagues attained leadership positions. In fact, I know a group of them who meet once a year for dinner—they call themselves the Women Litigators of the ‘70s—and they are all judges and law firm partners and community leaders. I, on the other hand, 0  1   1+ would have a hard time assembling such a group among the women who gradu- ated when I did. And with the notable exception of the Multnomah County Circuit Court, where half the judges are women, the number of law firm partners and judges who are women has not risen at a rate that reflects the increase in our proportionate numbers over the past 15–20 years. In politics, a disturbing lack of increase in the number of women         leaders also persists. What I have noticed among women of my generation and particularly women         younger than I, is that when they begin raising children, they tend to lose energy for pursuing leadership positions. This     often happens right at the critical point in  !  their careers when, all other things being ! "#$ %     equal, people tend to pick up momentum  "%& ' () * and start to make the connections that +  + launch them into bigger opportunities. It is at that critical point that many women   ,  -.     /  begin to opt out.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 WINTER 2009 A Call for Women Leaders continued from page 9 sacrifices. They brought along the right So, I have two bits of advice to offer such opportunities, even though they equipment because they could tell early you under the heading of responsibility deserved them. Consider whether you can on what they would need. They braced to the community. The first is to pack give those women a voice. Thinking that themselves for a real challenge. But for a difficult journey. Expect the road way won’t tell you whether to pursue a women who have come after, even those to be difficult; expect that, despite the given opportunity, or how to balance the who expect a long drive, likely don’t fully opportunities that are open to women other demands on your time. But it is part understand how tired they will become, now, in 2009, the struggle is not over. You of the reality that I hope will influence how unfamiliar the terrain will be, how are going to have to fight harder than the hard choices you will surely face. heavy their luggage will feel. And often you imagine. I don’t say that to scare you, One more thing. Many of you entered they find the journey is a lot more like only to prepare you so that you are not so the legal profession because you are a trek in the Amazon jungle. They may surprised when you get there. When you drawn toward exercising leadership. You wonder why they wanted to go on this struggle, know that others have struggled like the idea, even if it scares you. Oth- trip in the first place. before you. They can guide you, and offer ers have likely told you that you possess I don’t want to carry the metaphor you words of encouragement and advice leadership potential, that you are a born too far, but perhaps you are beginning for the journey. leader. Pay attention to that; nurture it. to get a glimpse of what I mean. Because The second is to carry with you a sense Even if you are not a religious person, I we’ve come to believe as a culture that of reverence for the opportunities that encourage you, in whatever language all opportunities are open to women, it come to you. Others have paved the way makes sense to you, to think about takes longer for us to realize that we’re in for each success that you attain, and each whether you may be somehow called to for a pretty hard struggle. Many women opportunity you find is a gift, even if you be a leader. begin to seriously question whether it have worked hard for it. Whether or not The writer Frederich Buechner has said is worth the effort, especially given the you are a religious person, I hope you’ll that your calling is “the place where your other demands on their time and the recognize the truth in the biblical New deep gladness and the world’s deep hun- other pulls on their heartstrings. Success Testament saying that “to whom much ger meet.” The world has a deep hunger in the other arenas of their lives may look is given much will be required.” (Luke for women leaders (even if it doesn’t a whole lot more attainable than success 12:48) The world needs women leaders; realize it). Consider whether leadership in law or politics. with each opportunity you encounter on is a place of deep gladness for you. If it I don’t assume that all the women who the way to becoming a leader, I encour- is, strap yourself in for a difficult journey. come to that point should ignore those age you to keep in mind the many capable And carry with you a sense of responsibil- concerns and stay the course toward women who were never presented with ity to a community that needs you. becoming leaders in their profession or in politics. For many of them, opting out may be absolutely the right deci- sion. But here’s where my point about responsibility comes in. My observation has been that when many women now come to that critical decision point, they approach the decision looking at their lives in isolation. They weigh the pros and cons in terms of their own lives, their immediate responsibilities, their own families. A sense of responsibility to the community is not factored into the equation in a very conscious way. Here again, my sense of the women who went before us is that they were more apt to start out with a sense of mission that is often missing in those of us who came after. They knew they were blazing a trail; it is part of what motivated them to make the sacrifices they were prepared to make. When they came to those points of decision, they approached the moments with a sense of responsibility to make good on the opportunities they had achieved so far. The sacrifices that they and others had made that allowed them to reach each critical point in their journey were more firmly in mind.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2009 The 2009 Legislative Session are concerned that the combination of budget woes and the cost of implement- hen the 2009 Oregon legislative ing Measure 57 (which increased prison session begins on January 12, sentences for specified drug and property WDemocrats will be in charge of crimes) will overwhelm the state budget. both the Senate and the House. Mirroring The likelihood of significant damage to the tide that swept the national elector- education and state programs and ser- ate, Oregon voters in November unseated vices, as well as the justice system, is of U.S. Senator Gordon Smith and moved great concern—the cuts could be larger from the Oregon House than those suffered in the 2001–2003 to the U.S. Senate. This, in turn, set off By Susan Evans Grabe biennium, when the courts were closed a series of dominos that fell into place stimulus package at the beginning of the on Fridays. in Oregon. session to help lift the Oregon economy Beyond the budget issues that will hurt Kate Brown won her statewide race out of the recession. Leaders in both the courts and the legal system, at this for secretary of state, as did Ben West- chambers appear poised to move quickly, point we have not seen any proposed lund for treasurer and Brad Avakian for having announced committee member- statutory changes that will dramatically labor commissioner—all legislators who ships in the middle of December and an affect the practice of law in Oregon. vacated seats in the Oregon Senate for ambitious agenda. Many predict that However, we anticipate that various those positions. Nonetheless, in January things will move quickly and the session groups will submit the usual 3,000 or the Oregon Senate will look familiar, will end in June. so bills, and from this mass of proposed with 18 Democrats and 12 Republicans. In light of the state budget woes, the laws the legislature will enact a number Sen. will continue in his co-chairs of the Joint Ways and Means of measures that will change procedural position as Senate president, and Sen. Committee, Sen. and and substantive law across a broad range Richard Devlin as majority leader. Sen. Rep. Peter Buckley, will take on new and of legal specialties. Ted Ferrioli will also retain his leadership significant roles this session. Governor Other pressing issues for the courts and position as Republican leader. Kulongoski has proposed a combination practitioners will be the implementation In the House, where about one-third of program cuts and tax increases to help of Oregon eCourt throughout the state of the members are new, there will be balance the state budget. What all this and the progress the legislature makes to 36 Democrats and 24 Republicans. Rep. means for the courts, indigent defense, address our deteriorating courthouses. Dave Hunt will replace Merkley as speaker district attorneys, and other public safety Susan Evans Grabe is the public affairs of the House, and Rep. Mary Nolan will agencies is yet to be seen, but many director at the Oregon State Bar. assume the role of House majority leader. Rep. Bruce Hanna will continue in his role as the Republican leader in the House. Law Improvement Proposals John Kroger, the newly elected at- On December 11, the Interim Judiciary Committees met and introduced leg- torney general, will emphasize environ- islation requested by Oregon State Bar sections and committees as well as mental, consumer, and business issues in other interest groups and state agencies. A total of 27 bills were introduced addition to his responsibility to represent at the request of the bar. To read the proposals, please see www.osbar.org/ state agencies. pubaffairs/2009proposals.html. The most pressing issue for the legisla- ture in 2009 will be the revenue shortfall. Legally Trained Legislators The bleak economic and revenue fore- There will be five members with legal training in the Oregon Senate, four casts issued at the end of 2008 required Democrats and one Republican: Floyd Prozanski, Peter Courtney, Betsy John- immediate cutbacks in existing programs son, Suzanne Bonamici, and Dave Nelson. Sen. Floyd Prozanski, from Eugene, and services to ensure that Oregon met will chair the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Suzanne Bonamici, an OWLS the constitutionally required balanced member, will also serve on that committee. budget for the biennium ending June 30, The Oregon House will have eight members with legal training, six Demo- 2009. Although these reductions amount crats and two Republicans—a net gain of two. All but two are new this cycle. to about 1.2% of the general fund, they Dennis Richardson and Phil Barnhart have served before, and although Cliff amount to about 5% of the remaining Bentz had been appointed to fill out Rep. Tom Butler’s term, this is his first budget. In view of the cratering national election. Other newcomers include Brent Barton, Chris Garrett, Nick Kahl, Judy economy, the outlook for 2009–2011 is Steigler, and Jefferson Smith. An experienced veteran of the legislative process, even more dire. Rep. Jeff Barker, formerly with the Portland Police Bureau, will chair the House Mirroring the incoming Obama admin- Judiciary Committee. Judy Steigler will serve as vice chair. Other lawyers on the istration, albeit on a smaller scale, the committee include Brent Barton, Chris Garrett, and Jefferson Smith. governor and legislative leadership have announced plans to pass an economic

OWLS Member Beth Allen Honored by OGALLA On October 18, the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association (OGALLA) honored longtime OWLS member Beth Allen with the OGALLA Award of Merit. The Award of Merit is inscribed, “For exemplary contribution to justice in striving for equal rights for all Oregonians.” Congratulations, Beth.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 WINTER 2009 The Honorable Patricia Crain: Making a Difference By Hon. Jill Tanner he Honorable Patricia Crain to getting their charges dismissed, is to in the Jack- opened the door to the first adult finally get the treatment and support son County Tdrug court (ADC) serving Jackson they need to “kick their habit.” The ADC District and County in February 2006. The court works program includes substance abuse treat- Circuit Courts. collaboratively with the district attor- ment, frequent drug testing, probation G o v e r n o r ney, Southern Oregon Public Defender supervision, and regular status hearings K i t z h a b e r Inc., private defense attorneys, private with Judge Crain, who describes ADC a p p o i n t e d nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment as “very satisfying” because “we are Judge Crain providers, the state probation depart- there watching and helping as much as to the Jackson ment, and other county agencies and we can.” County Circuit organizations. Judge Crain describes Judge Crain, who earned her under- Court in 1997. ADC as an opportunity to make a differ- graduate and law degrees from the The appoint- Judge Patricia Crain ence in the life of someone who, when University of Oregon, decided to pursue ment fulfilled surrounded by those who care and hold a career in law even though she had a goal she had had for many years. the person accountable, can break free “never talked to a lawyer or been in a While continuing to serve as ADC from the clutches of drug addiction and law office, or even in court, before law presiding judge, Judge Crain returned alcohol dependency. school.” When she entered law school, this month to the community family The court accepts a variety of criminal she found a great influx of women who court, where she had previously spent offenders, including first-time offenders were generally older than their male three years. Her case assignments have (who may be able to have their cases classmates and “fairly assertive.” Profes- shifted from criminal to juvenile and dismissed if they complete the program) sors’ sexist jokes were met with hissing probate matters. to longtime criminal offenders who have from the women, and before long every- Judge Crain, a mother of two grown spent more years in prison than out. Some one “became accustomed to the idea of children, encourages everyone to remem- participants get diverted from prison, and so many women in class.” ber that being a lawyer is an important others simply have drug court added as In 1977, her legal career began in do- job, but it is “still just a job.” She believes a condition of probation. Judge Crain mestic relations and criminal defense— that it is very important to seek mentors notes that often the motivation offend- two areas of law she continued to pursue, whom you can reach out to whenever you ers have to enter drug court, in addition with most of her trial work taking place have problems, questions, or concerns. The most influential people in Judge Crain’s life were her mother, who is still living, and her father, who worked hard and taught her the “value of education, ethical behavior, and respect for all living beings.” Having taken time away from work for the birth and first year of her children’s lives, Judge Crain advocates a healthy work/family balance, including “outside interests and friends, so you won’t get stale.” She is an avid reader and loves to travel. Judge Crain divides her time outside the court among several organizations and committees, including the National Association of Family and Juvenile Court Judges and the National Association of Women Judges. Even away from the court, Judge Crain cannot escape being a judge—she finds herself organizing the local mock trial competition and volun- teering to judge the local gingerbread house competition. Of the contestants in the latter, she says, “Wow, are those folks amazing!” OWLS thanks Judge Crain, a longtime OWLS member, for her judicial service and wishes her many more years on the bench. Hon. Jill Tanner is the presiding magis- trate of the Oregon Tax Court.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 WINTER 2009 Gen Y in the Legal Profession OWLS Fashion Show By Kathleen J. Rastetter & Fundraiser a Success hey are called Generation Y— to the community, and they want their people born between 1980 and community work to be valued by their T2000—or, the millennials. Who employer. are they, and what do they want from A few respondents said they expect the legal profession? to see diversity in their firms, which As a group they tend to be techno- they view as an effort by the firm to be logically savvy and independent. They progressive. are also collaborative, well educated, So what does this mean for law firms? open-minded, and social.1 So what are Provide flexible, personalized environ- they looking for in a legal position? ments for associates. Give them meaning- We conducted an informal poll in the ful work with client contact, and respect Kirsikka Van Doren (left) and Portland area and found some interest- and value their input. Take advantage of Cashauna Hill at the fundraiser ing trends.2 their electronic literacy and collaborative First, most want flexible jobs and sched- natures to solve client and workplace is- he October 9 OWLS Annual Fash- ules and are willing to earn less money to sues. Set clear standards for performance Tion Show and Fundraiser for Dress get them. Work/life balance is at the top expectations and policies. for Success, organized by the OWLS of their list of “must haves” in a position. Kathleen J. Rastetter is a senior county Leadership Committee, was a resound- A few respondents work for firms that counsel for Clackamas County and an ing success. Nearly 100 OWLS members have low or no set billable-hour require- OWLS board member. and friends attended the event, held at ments. Others said that they work best Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt in Portland, when they can be flexible about when 1. Stephen Stine, “Managing the Millen- donating hundreds of professional outfits nials,” Virginia Employment Law Letter, and where they work—for example, and some much-needed cash. April 4, 2008. when they can work nontraditional hours Vendors donating their time and 2. Via the OWLS listserve, I invited interested or at home. millennials to contact me; I interviewed the products to the event included Banana Most respondents want to work in a eight who responded by the deadline. All Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Cath- smaller environment, both to develop had been out of law school a few years and erines, with makeup by Arbonne and personal relationships within the work- were in private practice, either on their own hair by Fada Salon. Many thanks to all place and to gain earlier opportunities or with a firm. who participated. for greater responsibility in their work. Many want and receive quality mentor- RAISING THE BAR ON ing by their firms, which they rate as very important. LEGAL FINANCIAL SERVICES. Variety of work is also important to them. Just as important is the feeling that the firm or employer is investing in the attorney. As one attorney noted, the firm’s investment in him makes him loyal to the firm. Many said that their workplace feels more like a “family” than a corporate entity—collegiality is high on their list. Gen Y’ers also want their employers to respect and value their input. One attorney said that her firm treats the associates like the future of the firm, which she believes will result Named an Oregon Law Foundation Visionary Bank in greater retention of associates. Another way firms are investing in You work for your clients‘ best interests. So do we. their younger attorneys is to introduce them to clients and give them greater Our team of bankers works hard to make the most of your funds. We partner client contact. Most firms and employers with you to provide personalized solutions that maximize opportunities while provide their attorneys with technology, such as laptops and BlackBerries, which minimizing risk. You get the experience and expertise you need through the enable them to work more flexibly and personalized banking we offer for legal professionals. efficiently. Gen Y attorneys spoke of their wish to be intellectually challenged and to help Bend · Redmond · Prineville · Sisters · Sunriver Salem · Keizer · Portland · Ashland · Medford people as guiding principles in selecting Grants Pass · Boise/Treasure Valley Idaho a legal position. They derive personal (877) 617-3400 · www.botc.com Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender satisfaction from providing a service

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 WINTER 2009 Meet Judge Tracy A. Prall Nancy Goss Duran Talks to MLLS about By Kathleen J. Rastetter Executive Appointments n July 15, 2008, the Honorable This position Tracy A. Prall became a judge on afforded her By Lora E. Keenan Othe Marion County Circuit Court. experience in t the November 18 meeting of the Her path to the bench was an unusual civil law and AMary Leonard Law Society (MLLS), one. She first became interested in the the opportu- Nancy Goss Duran, executive appoint- law when she was just 14 years old, living nity to get to ments director for Governor Kulongoski, in Keizer, Oregon. Early one morning, one know the civil discussed the opportunities available of her father’s former employees shot practitioners through service on one of Oregon’s many at the family home while Tracy and the in the area. boards and commissions. The governor others were sleeping inside. The pros- In August makes appointments to more than 200 ecutor on the case was John Wilson. He 2005, Judge boards and commissions, ranging from took the time to meet with the family at Prall accepted Judge Tracy A. Prall the Board of Accountancy to the Youth their home and familiarize them with the a position as Conservation Corps Advisory Committee. courtroom. The teenager was impressed a full-time pro tem judge and referee These boards and commissions have by the way all the public servants involved for Marion County. In November 2005, a huge impact on the everyday lives of in the case worked together to resolve the the county courthouse was closed after Oregonians. Serving as a member also dispute and help the family regain its se- a man drove a truck through the front presents a terrific opportunity to learn curity. That’s when she knew she wanted door and set multiple fires in the build- about a subject and about Oregon gov- to be involved in the justice system and ing. As a result, Judge Prall was moved to ernment. Board and commission members give back to her community. the Marion County Court Annex, where regularly interact with other members Judge Prall attended Western Oregon she became part of a four-judge team from around the state and with legisla- State College, and at the end of her fresh- responsible for handling the in-custody tive and executive branch staff. man year she contacted the now-Judge criminal trials. Judge Prall was on the Nancy explained that while some posi- John Wilson and asked him to be her team for just over a year, during which tions have particular training or profes- mentor. Judge Wilson was generous with she tried more than 30 jury trials and sional prerequisites, many opportunities his time and wise with his advice. Judge dozens of court trials. The experience exist for those with less experience. Many Prall attended Willamette University she gained was invaluable. boards and commissions must include College of Law, where she was active in When she is not in the courtroom, public members to ensure that the in- moot court competitions and secured a Judge Prall is active in the community. terests of Oregonians generally are rep- clerkship with the Marion County District She serves on the board of the Marion resented. Nancy stressed that there are Attorney’s Office. Following law school, County Bar Association, chairs the Oregon always plenty of opportunities for smart she accepted a position as a deputy State Bar Litigation Section Executive people who are willing to commit to do district attorney, and prosecuted every- Committee, and participates as a judge their homework and attend the meetings. thing from low-level property crimes to for the Oregon Trial Advocacy College. She noted that Governor Kulongoski, a major felonies. She focused on drug- and She is also an active member of the lawyer himself, views lawyers as valuable gang-related crimes and was appointed Keizer Rotary Club. Judge Prall credits her members of any board or commission. a special assistant United States attorney community and bar work with helping Terms of service range from one to during her last year in the district attor- her become known in the community, four years. Nancy’s office tracks the ney’s office. important for anyone considering a path status of all board and commissions; a When she was ready to make her way to the bench. list of vacancies is at http://governor. to the bench, her mentors advised her Judge Prall advises newer attorneys to oregon.gov/Gov/boards.shtml. You can to obtain some civil law experience. She get involved in their communities and apply for a particular vacancy, or simply then went to work for Garrett Hemann participate in bar activities and admin- apply generally to serve, and Nancy’s Robertson in Salem. Her practice focused istration. Developing relationships with office will match your background and on general civil litigation, including medi- other lawyers in the community, she says, interests with current openings. Some cal malpractice, employment, construc- can assist lawyers in any area of practice. appointments are subject to approval tion, and workers’ compensation law. She also advises attorneys to be prepared by the Oregon Senate, which can take and maintain a professional demeanor several months, but appointments to Consider supporting with all parties in the courtroom. other positions can happen in a matter Judge Prall lives in Keizer with her OWLS’ work by placing of weeks. husband, Jay Prall, a Keizer police officer, Service on an Oregon board or com- an ad in the AdvanceSheet. and their two children. She keeps busy mission is a great way to build skills and Your ad will reach assisting with her children’s activities contacts, and Nancy’s talk was another and traveling with her family all around 1500 attorneys, judges, building block in the MLLS program the state. OWLS wishes Judge Prall many theme this year: “Empowering Women, and others who support years of success on the bench. Engaging in Leadership.” Oregon Women Lawyers. Kathleen J. Rastetter is a senior county Lora E. Keenan is a staff attorney for the Call 503.595.7826. counsel for Clackamas County and an Oregon Court of Appeals and secretary of OWLS board member. MLLS, the Salem chapter of OWLS.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 WINTER 2009 Working Mother Magazine Names OSB Honors 50 Best Law Firms for Women OWLS Members By Teresa Kraemer By Teresa Statler orking Mother magazine, in s OFTHElRMSALSOOFFEREDPAID n December 4, the Oregon State conjunction with Flex-Time paternity leave to lawyer fathers. OBar honored seven OWLS members with awards for their contributions to Lawyers, a national consulting s OFTHElRMSOFFEREDPAIDADOP- W the legal profession. firm, recently released the results of its tion leave to lawyers. The Wallace second annual survey “Best Law Firms for s OFTHElRMSHADWRITTENPOLI- P. Carson, Jr., Women.” The survey, published in the cies for reduced hours, and 94% al- Award for Judi- October 2008 edition of the magazine, lowed reduced hours for reasons cial Excellence contains data and results from 2007. other than child care. was given to Firms with at least 50 lawyers were s 7ITH REGARD TO THE ADVANCEMENT Hon. Elizabeth eligible to complete the survey and of reduced-hour lawyers, 100% of Perris, chief thereby apply for the designation, and the Best Law Firms allowed these judge of the the applicant pool was self-selected. lawyers to be eligible for at least U.S. Bankruptcy The survey included questions about nonequity partnership consider- Court for the issues important to the retention and ation. District of Or- promotion of female lawyers. Based on Judge Elizabeth Perris s OFTHElRMSHADFEMALEMANAG- egon. Judge the survey responses, 50 “Best Law Firms ing partners, and 18% had women Perris was honored for her well-deserved for Women” in the United States were members of their management or reputation for fairness, consistency, dili- selected. executive committees. gence, and the compassionate application The average number of lawyers at the s &ORTHECOMBINEDYEARSn of common sense. As 2008 OSB President 50 firms was 576. Sixty-two percent of the Richard Yugler stated on December 4, Best Law Firms for Women were located 29% of newly admitted equity partners were women, and 33% of her career “exemplifies the concept of in New York City, Washington, D.C., the judicial excellence.” San Francisco area, or Chicago. The only newly admitted nonequity partners were women. Libby Schwartz was honored with the Pacific Northwest firm to make the list President’s Membership Service Award. s OFTHE"EST,AW&IRMSOFFERED was Seattle-based Perkins Coie. Perkins Libby did an exceptional job chairing mentoring circles for women Coie was recognized for its recent study Oregon’s Board of Bar Examiners, volun- lawyers; 68% offered mentoring on how it handled diversity and women’s teering hundreds of hours and leading targeted toward senior women as- issues, as well as its desire to increase the the search committee to replace Marlyce number of women promoted to leader- sociates or newly admitted women Gholston (who had administered the bar ship positions. partners. exam for more than 50 years). The Working Mother magazine’s na- s  OF THE lRMS HAD PHASED RE- Judge Steve Todd was honored with tional survey uncovered the following tirement or transition programs the President’s Public Service Award. information about the 50 Best Law Firms to assist mature lawyers who were Judge Todd is the host of the bar’s cable for Women: transitioning to retirement and television show, Legal Links, and actively wanted to work reduced or flexible s 7OMEN REPRESENTED  OF AS- participates in its production. He has also hours. sociates, 38% of counsel, 27% of devoted considerable volunteer time to nonequity partners, and 19% of s  OF THE "EST ,AW &IRMS HAD revising and editing scripts for the bar’s equity partners. formal programs to keep in touch Tel-Law/Web-Law program. with, identify, and rehire lawyer Hon. Darleen Ortega, Trung Tu, and s -OTHERS REPRESENTED  OF AS- mothers who had taken time off Hon. Janice Wilson were honored with sociates, 56% of counsel, 67% of for child rearing. the President’s Affirmative Action Award. nonequity partners, and 71% of They shared exceptional dedication equity partners. At a luncheon in October in New York to ensuring the continued success of City honoring all the winners, Deborah s &ORTHECOMBINEDYEARSn bar’s Affirmative Action Program, and Epstein Henry, the president of Flex-Time women represented 48% of first- each played a key role in guiding the Lawyers, said that “revealing the gender year associate hires, 45% of lateral program’s many stakeholders through associate hires, 39% of lateral coun- gap for women equity partners is critical recent challenges. sel hires, 24% of nonequity lateral to demonstrating the relative lack of Jane Paulson was honored with the partner hires, and 20% of equity power and earning potential for women President’s Special Award of Apprecia- lateral partner hires. in law firms.” Although improvements tion. Jane was a key volunteer with Or- s 7ITH REGARD TO MATERNITY LEAVE have certainly been made concerning the egonians Against One-Sided Measures, on average, the Best Law Firms of- retention and promotion of women in which fought two initiatives that would fered lawyer mothers 14 weeks of these firms, the survey results neverthe- have had harmful effects on the public’s full-paid leave. Associates took an less indicate that they still have a long access to justice. average of 16 weeks of maternity way to go. Congratulations, all. leave; counsel and partners took an Teresa Statler, a sole practitioner in Port- Terri Kraemer is a director at Deloitte & average of 11 weeks. land, practices immigration law. Touche LLP in Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 WINTER 2009 Queen’s Bench Honors Women Judges at Annual Luncheon By Trudy Allen ueen’s Bench, the Portland OWLS Qchapter, held its 19th annual holiday luncheon honoring women judges on De- cember 9. One hundred forty-nine people attended, including 23 women judges. The speaker was Hon. Jean Maurer, the first woman presiding judge of the Multnomah County Circuit Court. She Photo by Jodee Jackson reflected on how far women have come in At the Queen’s Bench luncheon, left to right: Judge Janice Wilson, Chair of the the world and in the legal profession since Motion Panel; Judge Julie Frantz, Chief Criminal Judge; Judge Jean Maurer, Presiding Judge; Judge Nan Waller, Chief Family Law Judge; Judge Kris LaMar, Chief Alternative Queen’s Bench was founded 60 years ago, Dispute Resolution Judge; and Judge Katherine Tennyson, Chief Probate Judge the year before she was born. She was the only woman serving in the Marion of either the district attorney’s office or Judge Maurer noted that such an County District Attorney’s Office when the public defender’s office in Multno- environment has been created at the she started practicing law in 1974. mah County—and why women say they Multnomah County Circuit Court. The Though women have joined the legal would turn down a position of leadership result is that the leadership of the court profession in greater numbers since then, if it would affect special family needs. is currently all women. She asked those Judge Maurer emphasized the impor- “Women and men,” Judge Maurer said, leaders to come to the podium to be tance of seeing women in positions of “must have a work environment which recognized; they are shown above. leadership. She questioned why there gives them an opportunity to maintain Trudy Allen is general counsel of U.S. Ban- has not yet been a woman at the helm their careers and their families.” corp Equipment Finance, Inc., in Tigard. Thank You Our thanks to the following members who renewed their OWLS membership at an enhanced level $500 Annual Membership $125 Annual Membership Leslie O’Leary Pamela Beery Marsha J. Naegeli Linda Green Pierce Coleen S. Clemente Karen O’Keefe Jenny Cooke Kathryn Smith Root $275 Annual Membership Lori E. Deveny Krystin Rose Alice M. Bartelt Bethany Graham Concetta Schwesinger Carmen M. Calzacorta Stephanie M. Harper Susan Stearns Teresa Kraemer Kristin Sterling Linda K. Eyerman Hon. Virginia Linder Hon. Jill Tanner Sara L. Gabin Megan Livermore Laura Caldera Taylor Linda Meng Linda C. Love Hon. Katherine E. Tennyson Candice Wilson Stayer Heather Martin Debra Pilcher Velure $200 Annual Membership Gwyn McAlpine Hon. Nan Waller Karrie McIntyre Heather Weigler Julia E. Markley Molly Jo Mullen Deanna L. Wray Heather J. Van Meter Kevin Myles Jane Yates

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Winter 2009 Printed on recycled paper

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 WINTER 2009