Published Quarterly by Women Lawyers Volume 20, No. 3 Summer 2009 OWLS History: Our First 20 Years By Trudy Allen and Diane Rynerson WLS celebrates its 20th anniversary this previous years. On January 27, 1987, Susan sent year, and we will mark the occasion with letters to ten women, inviting them to join the Oa CLE and reception on September 25 in committee and “seize this opportunity to work Portland. (Please see with selected issues Co-Presidents page 3 for details.) facing women in our Gwyneth McAlpine In honor of the an- profession today.” As Heather Van Meter niversary, this article the committee worked Vice President, describes OWLS’ to define those issues, President-Elect Concetta Schwesinger formation and some it came up with a long highlights from the list of goals, and it Secretary Heather L. Weigler past 20 years. soon determined that Treasurer Like many things, a statewide effort Megan Livermore OWLS came about was needed to bring through an evo- together sufficient en- Historian Kathleen J. Hansa Rastetter lutionary process. ergy to tackle so many Board Members Q u e e n ’s B e n c h , goals. When Katherine Hon. Frances Roberts Burge a Portland-based Photo by Jodee Jackson O’Neil became chair Dana Forman women lawyers’ OWLS Founding President Katherine O’Neil (right) of the committee in Cynthia Fraser and our third president, Kathryn Ricciardelli Shari Gregory group founded in 1988, the impetus Maiya Hall 1948, had at times gained significant mo- Heather Hepburn called itself a state- mentum. At Saturday Cashauna Hill Kendra Matthews wide organization, morning meetings, up Linda Meng in part because to 30 women joined Hon. Julia Philbrook for many years it the discussion. Hon. Katherine Tennyson Shannon Terry hosted a breakfast Katherine asked Kate Weatherly for women lawyers Queen’s Bench, Lane Jane Yates Hon. Youlee You from all over the County Women Law- state at the Oregon yers, and Salem’s Mary Past Presidents Laura Caldera Taylor State Bar (OSB) con- Leonard Law Society Kellie Johnson vention. By the mid- to co-host and invite Norma S. Freitas 1970s, new women all their members to Kate A. Wilkinson Jennifer K. De Wald lawyers’ groups had attend an “organi- Sarah J. Crooks formed in Eugene Photo by Jodee Jackson zational breakfast” OWLS founding member Susan Hammer (left) and Elizabeth Schwartz and Salem, and by at the September 16, Lori E. Deveny founding board member Judge Ellen Rosenblum Debra Pilcher Velure the mid-1980s, they 1988, OSB convention Marilyn E. Litzenberger co-hosted an annual women’s event at the OSB in Eugene. The keynote speakers at the breakfast Teresa M. Kraemer Patricia L. Heatherman convention with Queen’s Bench. were retired Supreme Court Justice Betty Rob- Julie Levie Caron Voices had been calling for a true statewide erts and Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Phylis Chadwell Myles women lawyers’ organization, but nothing start- Mercedes Deiz, both of whom provided profound Helle Rode Diana Craine ed to coalesce until 1987, when Susan Hammer, inspiration to those present. (See page 5 for Kathryn M. Ricciardelli the first woman to serve as president of the excerpts.) They garnered unanimous support for Agnes Sowle Multnomah Bar Association (MBA), reconstituted the proposal to form a statewide women lawyers’ Katherine H. O’Neil the MBA’s Committee on the Status of Women, association. With that momentum, Katherine Executive Director which had been dormant for at least the two Continued on page 4 Linda Tomassi, 503.595.7831 [email protected] AdvanceSheet Editor OWLS 20th Anniversary Celebration and CLE on Sept. 25 Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 [email protected] Please see page 3 for details. www.oregonwomenlawyers.org

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 SUMMER 2009 Co-Presidents’ Message Save the Date! e are honored and excited Wto be the first co-presidents OWLS Fashion Show of Oregon Women Lawyers. Gwyn and Benefit for brings to the post her experience Dress for Success with corporate and nonprofit governance and budgeting, while Thursday, October 8, 4:30 p.m. Heather brings knowledge of liti- Dr. Martens gation and the courts, as well as 10 NW 10th Ave., Portland event organization. We chose to be co-presidents because, frankly, we were already close friends, Book Drive Begins Soon thanks to OWLS and the dragon Gwyneth McAlpine Heather Van Meter By Heather Vogelsong boat team, and if we can vacation overseas together, we can certainly take on the OWLS presidency together. We also he OWLS Coffee Creek Book Drive chose to be co-presidents to highlight the fact that women can achieve and contribute Twill take place the week of Monday, more by working together. Our skill sets are complementary, and we believe that this September 28, through Sunday, October 4. expanding statewide organization can benefit from our combined talents. We also Christine Furrer and Heather Vogelsong hope our co-presidency inspires other organizations and employers to think creatively are coordinating the drive, which collects about leadership opportunities to foster more diversity in leadership positions. books to donate to the Coffee Creek Cor- Gwyn has already been busy getting our corporate governance in place, including rectional Facility, located in Wilsonville. If proposing revisions to our bylaws to reflect the growth in chapters and the importance you can coordinate a drop-off site for books, of having statewide and diverse representation on our board. Gwyn also worked please contact Heather Vogelsong before with our prior executive director, Catherine Ciarlo, to finalize a policy manual that August 1 at [email protected]. And addresses topics such as political endorsements and the privacy of the OWLS member- please speak with Heather before seeking ship list. Heather has been working with Executive Director Linda Tomassi and board donations from outside of OWLS. members Cynthia Fraser and Kathi Rastetter to organize the OWLS 20th anniversary Hard- and soft-cover books will be ac- celebration, scheduled for September 25 at the Marriott Waterfront in Portland. The cepted. Books on CD are also acceptable, event will feature nationally known keynote speaker Sarah Weddington, who argued but NO books on tape. Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court at age 26, among other accomplishments. Any form of fiction is acceptable. Our theme is how far we have come as women lawyers, and how far we have yet to Mysteries, romance, and science fiction/ go. We are very excited about the event, and you won’t want to miss it! fantasy are the most popular. The women Additionally, Gwyn and Heather have worked with the board and Linda to create at Coffee Creek have a wide range of and adopt OWLS’ first employee handbook. Speaking of Linda, she is doing excel- reading abilities, as well as tastes in lent work as our new executive director, including organizing and attending events literature. If you read a book and liked throughout the state. In the past few months, Gwyn, Heather, and Linda have visited it, chances are that someone at Coffee half the OWLS chapters, and we plan to visit all chapters by year-end. These regional Creek will too. Books written for young visits serve the purpose of strengthening our chapter ties, offering program assistance adults are particularly needed. to chapters, and ensuring that our chapters know the important role they all play in Nonfiction is also acceptable, but NO making our statewide organization meaningful and valuable to everyone. true crime books, books on gambling, In closing, and consistent with the “How Far We Have Come” theme for our 20th law books (the facility buys those), or anniversary celebration, we want to acknowledge the advances recently made on textbooks of any kind will be accepted. Oregon’s judiciary. OWLS board member Frances Roberts Burge was just named as the Children’s books are also welcome— first minority female judge on the Douglas County Circuit Court. And at the Federal many of the women have children who Courthouse Connection on June 5, we were thrilled to honor Judge as visit them, and reading together is a Oregon’s first female U.S. District Court chief judge. Oh how far we’ve come. . . . great bonding experience. But please, NO coloring or activity books that have already been used or played with. Books must be in good-to-excellent condition. No books with torn covers. Gwyneth McAlpine Heather Van Meter No books that have been written in. No Co-Presidents, Oregon Women Lawyers books that are water damaged or have broken spines. The basic rule: Donate Congratulations, OWLS Members Recently Appointed to the Bench only books that you would give as gifts to friends. We are giving the women at Frances Roberts Burge, Douglas County Circuit Court Judge Coffee Creek gifts—and their high quality Cynthia Easterday, Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge will convey the message that we care. Karen Brisbin, Clackamas County Justice of the Peace Questions? Please contact Heather Vogelsong at [email protected]. Our mission is to transform the practice of law and ensure justice and equality by advancing women and minorities in the legal profession.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 2 SUMMER 2009 OWLS 20th Anniversary Celebration and CLE on September 25 in Portland Breaking Barriers: How Far We Have Come, How Far We Have to Go

he OWLS Fall CLE and 20th An- to 5:30 p.m. The distinguished panelists OWLS’ 20th niversary Reception and Awards will include Holly Fujie, president of the anniversary TPresentation will be on Friday, California State Bar; Janis Harwell, in- follows close September 25, at the Waterfront Mar- house counsel for Intermec Inc. of Everett, on the heels riott in downtown Portland. Celebrate Washington; and OWLS members Hon. of Queen’s women lawyers and join the discussion Darleen Ortega of the Oregon Court Bench’s 60th of “Breaking Barriers: How Far We Have of Appeals and Kris Olson, former U.S. anniversary, Come, How Far We Have to Go.” attorney. making this We are honored to feature as keynote The 20th anniversary celebration and a unique mo- speaker Sarah Weddington, lawyer, reception will follow the panel. All past ment to honor professor, and women’s rights advocate. OWLS presidents and board members, and celebrate She will speak at 3 p.m. about her expe- and all past OWLS chapter presidents Oregon wom- Sarah Weddington riences, including arguing Roe v. Wade and board members, are particularly en lawyers. at the U.S. Supreme Court when she encouraged to attend. We will present The cost of the CLE is $50 for OWLS was just 26 years old. She recalls being the fourth annual Workplace Leader members, $65 for nonmembers, and $20 asked repeatedly, “Who will argue the Award, as well as a new award to be an- for students. Look for a registration bro- case for you?”—the assumption was nounced. We will celebrate with a special chure in the mail this summer or register that a 26-year-old female attorney could anniversary cake, and we hope to enjoy online at www.oregonwomenlawyers. not possibly argue before the country’s book signings by both Ms. Weddington, org. CLE credits for elimination of bias/ highest court! of her book, A Question of Choice, and access to justice are pending approval. All The emcee will be OWLS’ first presi- former Justice OWLS members and friends are welcome dent, Katherine O’Neil, who will also , of her memoir, With Grit to attend the reception at no charge. moderate an impressive panel from 4:15 and By Grace. See you there! Cascade Women Lawyers Hosts OWLSNet Event By Bethany Graham he Cascade Women Lawyers chapter Tof OWLS (CWL) hosted a successful OWLSNet event in Bend on April 24. To adapt the inter-professional network- ing model to a smaller community with fewer professional women’s groups, CWL invited all the female members of the bar in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Coun- ties and asked each to bring a friend in a nonlaw profession. This approach worked well—about 50 women from a range of professions attended the event. In addition to offering wine, appetiz- ers, and good conversation, the event was a fundraiser for Legal Aid Services of Or- egon. Attendees were asked to donate at least $5, and the event raised about $250 for the Legal Aid office in Bend. Leigh Dickey, manager of that office, spoke about the vital services provided by Legal Aid attorneys to low-income residents of Central Oregon. Another guest of honor was OWLS Treasurer Megan Livermore, who traveled from Eugene to attend on behalf of the OWLS board. CWL thanks Schwabe, Williamson & [email protected] Wyatt [where the author practices law] Portland Seattle Spokane Coeur d’Alene National for sponsoring the event. (503) 227-1544 (206) 622-3376 (509) 838-6000 (208) 667-1163 (800) 528-3335

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 SUMMER 2009 OWLS History: Our First 20 Years continued from page 1 O’Neil became the catalyst for action in the legal profession. Subsequently the a support and referral network, and a and, the following year, the founding awards were given on December 14, 1993; source for finding personal and business president of OWLS. November 12, 1994; April 12, 1996; and resources. On September 24, 2004, OWLS Decisions needed to be made about then in March every year since. The gala sent out the first edition of its electronic what kind of organization this would awards dinner has become one of OWLS’ newsletter. be. Should it be a committee or interest most cherished events and certainly the One of OWLS’ most unusual activities, group of the Oregon State Bar? To make best attended, with a peak of nearly 550 first spearheaded by then-Executive that decision, women from all over the attendees in 2005. Director Sunny Radcliffe, is the OWLS state were called to dragon boat team, a meeting at the Or- OWLS founding board members included these women: the DragonFlies, which egon State Bar Center has competed in the in Lake Oswego on dragon boat races at Saturday, November 5, the Portland Rose Fes- 1988. After discussions tival and in other races in breakout sessions, around the Northwest. the group came to- The team has provided gether and by a large an outlet for athleti- majority determined cism, as well as a spe- that it was important cial camaraderie. to control our own des- OWLS has fostered tiny and therefore not many networking and to become part of the Hon. Mercedes Deiz, 1995 Agnes Sowle Sandra Hansberger advocacy activities Oregon State Bar. From over the years, includ- there it was a matter of ing the contract lawyer incorporating as a nonprofit (with service, the cable television show Ask 501(c)(6) status), and Agnes Sowle, the Lawyer, playgroups, mentoring OWLS’ first corporate secretary, filed circles, a speakers bureau, the Work- the Articles of Incorporation with the ing Parents Forum, Courthouse Con- Oregon secretary of state on March nections, and NightOWLS. All came 31, 1989, showing April 1, 1989, as about because individual members the date of formation. identified needs and provided lead- OWLS’ first major event was the ership to meet those needs. First Annual Spring Conference on Throughout OWLS’ existence, Saturday, April 1, 1989, which was former Justice Betty Roberts has dedicated to the women judges of Elizabeth Harchenko Phylis Myles provided immeasurable support Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. and inspiration to many OWLS ef- Among the speakers were , Over the years, OWLS has used a vari- forts (including serving on our founding former Oregon secretary of state, and ety of means to communicate in writing board of directors), and this was again Hon. Edwin Peterson, then the chief with its members. With the publishing of true when she was the speaker at OWLS’ justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. OWLS’ first quarterly AdvanceSheet issue first Leadership Empowerment Gathering The panelists included Hon. Jean Lewis, in fall 1989, a time-honored OWLS tradi- (fondly known as a “LEG-Up” event) on retired Multnomah County Circuit Court tion began. AdvanceSheet articles have Thursday, September 11, 2003, when judge and the first woman to have served profiled women attorneys and judges and she discussed the importance of gain- on the circuit court in Oregon; Multno- have focused on issues of particular con- ing power through networking and mah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge cern to women lawyers. The first annual mentoring. Justice Roberts has been an Donald Londer; and Roosevelt Robinson, membership directory was distributed at inspiration both individually to many then of the Oregon parole board and the 1990 Spring Conference. OWLS members and as a speaker at later a judge on the Multnomah County OWLS was one of the first women’s bar numerous OWLS conferences, CLEs, and Circuit Court. OWLS continued to have associations to have a website, due in no other events. an annual spring conference through small measure to the efforts of OWLS’ first Through its public presence and 2002. The tradition continues with an webmaster, Linda Kruschke. To provide behind-the-scenes efforts, OWLS has annual Fall CLE. more frequent news of OWLS’ and its gained a well-deserved reputation for At a dinner on April 3, 1992, capping chapters’ events, OWLS mailed a monthly pressing to the forefront the issues that the Fourth Annual Spring Conference, calendar to its members for many years women and minorities face in the legal OWLS presented awards to Justice Betty (through September 2005). Of course, profession. Much of OWLS’ success in Roberts and Judge Mercedes Deiz in their the listserve, which started in 2002 and moving forward as an organization has respective names—and thus initiated the had 450 members by October 1, 2002, has been due to the work of its executive practice of bestowing these awards on facilitated providing even more timely directors (listed in the sidebar) and board attorneys or judges who have made out- news bulletins. Over 900 members par- members (founding board members standing contributions to supporting the ticipate on the listserve today, providing a are listed in the sidebar). One hundred advancement of women and minorities valuable resource for discussion of issues, sixty-six people have served on the OWLS

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 SUMMER 2009 Board of Directors. Hundreds more have Excerpts from keynote speeches at the September 16, 1988, made significant contributions by serving formation breakfast at the Oregon State Bar Convention: on committees or chapter boards; writ- Judge Mercedes Deiz: ing articles for the AdvanceSheet; being organizers, speakers, or participants at By becoming a readily identifiable association, we can urge various positions conferences and events; attending chap- with authority. . . . I am convinced that the key to our success in our profession is ter meetings and welcoming new mem- organization and networking among ourselves as women lawyers. . . . We must bers; offering thoughtful comments to remember that one voice crying out loud alone is frequently ignored, whereas the listserve; or contributing in countless many voices loudly speaking through a spokesperson shielded by an organiza- other ways. Over the years, a multitude of tional framework will be heard and heeded. . . . Here is our opportunity. people have given their vision, wisdom, Justice Betty Roberts: energy, and talents to OWLS, its chapters, The problems women encounter now are much more subtle than they once and the OWLS Foundation. We are all were when we were dealing with overt discrimination practices. I don’t believe team members in OWLS’ efforts. And all the subtleness of discriminatory incidents means there is a conspiracy against us, members now share a 20-year heritage, but I do believe that none of us is exempt from being caught in a discriminatory of which we can be very proud. trap. . . . A women lawyers association would be uniquely capable of working on Trudy Allen is historian of the OWLS employment conditions that are considered to be primarily a women’s problem Foundation and general counsel of U.S. but in reality are societal and professional responsibilities. . . . In summary, I do Bancorp Equipment Finance,“ Inc. Diane not see a women lawyers association as a social organization. I see it as very Rynerson was the first OWLS executive necessary to the future welfare and prosperity of women lawyers in this state. director and is now the executive director of the National Conference of Women’s OWLS Executive Directors Bar Associations. S. Diane Rynerson (1990–1998) Loey Werking Wells (1998) Sania (“Sunny”) Radcliffe (1998–2000) OWLS Founding Loree Devery (Dec. 2000–March 2004) Paula Manley (Interim, March–July 2004) Board Members Betsy Kauffman (July 2004–June 2006) Jeanne Atkins Linda Tomassi (Interim, June 2006–Sept. 2006) Catherine Ciarlo (Sept. 2006–Nov. 2008) Kathryn Augustson (now Root) Linda Tomassi (Nov. 2008–present) Photo by Jodee Jackson Cynthia Barrett Diane Rynerson Nell Hoffman Bonaparte Hon. Nancy Campbell Hon. Mercedes Deiz “A Portland lawyer Sandra Hansberger called me at Janice Krem 4:12 pm and asked Debra Kronenberg if I could get him Corinne “Corky” Lai a reporter that Stephen Moore Phylis Myles afternoon and Katherine O’Neil again the next day. Agnes Petersen The location was We offer the same services as the other top Mary Anne Petersen aboard a Greek Portland reporting firms. We deliver the (now Anderson) ship which could same high quality product. The difference is Diane Polscer our personal commitment to superior service. Vernellia Randall only be reached Hon. Betty Roberts by a short ride Our reporter and a Greek interpreter were on board until 2:00 am and back later that day. Hon. Ellen Rosenblum in a small boat Sharon Smith Our client was impressed, of course. and a long climb Agnes Sowle If you want service, call Teach. 503.248.1003 up a rope ladder. Ruth Spetter It’s all about service. Elizabeth Stockdale There was only (now Harchenko) one thing to say. Irene Bustillos Taylor Celeste Whitewolf “Of course.” Ann Zeltmann 1500 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 —Catherine Teach 503.248.1003 or 800.230.3302

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 SUMMER 2009 Lewis & Clark Hosts Women in Law Program OWLS Celebrates By Hon. Jill Tanner Chief Judge Aiken hen you could do anything in the world, why would you pick the law, where ederal judges opened their doors “ you can’t succeed?” That question, asked by Judge Deanell Reece Tacha’s Fto OWLS members and friends at Wfather when she announced her intention to enter law school, ignited the the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in inaugural event for the Hon. Betty Roberts Women in the Law Program, hosted by Portland on Friday, June 5, for our annual Lewis & Clark Law School on April 16. Judge Tacha, who serves on the Tenth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals and was its chief judge from 2001 to 2007, participated on a panel Court- with Elizabeth Cabraser, founding partner of Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein h o u s e in San Francisco, and Donna Maddux, the attorney in charge of the Organized Crime Connec- Section at the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ). Their panel presentation was titled tion, at- “Listening to the Past, Working for the Future—Celebrating Women in the Law.” tracting Panel moderator Lydia Loren, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, asked the over 100 panelists to discuss the role that gender has played in their careers. Judge Tacha people, said that when she entered law school in 1968, it was a “lonely world” for women. includ- She described the change from then to now as “cataclysmic.” Elizabeth Cabraser ing judg- Hon. Betty Roberts (left) and encountered institutional limitations in the late 1970s. She said that women and es on the Chief Judge Ann Aiken men have not done enough to humanize the bar. “We haven’t done what we need Oregon to do,” she explained, “to transform the profession for future generations” because appeals and circuit courts, OWLS members the “burn out rate” for women “is too high.” Donna Maddux, who graduated from and their mentees, law students, and law school in 2002, said she has found at the DOJ that gender “barriers come down” the OWLS dragon boat team. The group when the work environment fosters collaboration. was welcomed by OWLS Co-Presidents In her keynote address, former Justice Betty Roberts, the first woman appointed Heather Van Meter and Gwyn McAlpine, to the Oregon Court of Appeals and the first woman appointed to the Oregon Su- who had something up their sleeves preme Court, discussed the changes that have occurred since she graduated from this year. law school in 1966. Most changes for women in the law, she noted, have occurred On February 1, Judge Ann Aiken be- in her lifetime. came the chief judge of the U.S. District The Hon. Betty Roberts Women in the Law Program is generously endowed by the Court for the District of Oregon. She is Portland law firm Williams Love O’Leary & Powers. the first woman to serve in that role. To Hon. Jill Tanner is the presiding magistrate of the Oregon Tax Court. mark the event, a surprise presentation had been brewing for months. Judge Aiken’s mentor, Justice Betty Roberts, spoke about her long relationship with the chief judge, following comments by one of the judge’s mentees, Carrie MacLauren. Heather and Gwyn then pre- sented a special gavel on behalf of OWLS to Judge Aiken, inscribed “OWLS honors Ann Aiken, First Female Chief Judge, U.S. District Court of Oregon.” Judge Aiken then made a few com- ments, encouraging those present to be a strong force in the wider community. “It’s not just what we do in the law, it’s what we do for the people in the community,” she said, asking the lawyers in the room to “stop and think about what we can do . . . it matters when you pull together.” Judge Aiken said that throughout her career, she had always chosen her family over her work, concluding that “when you stand up as women lawyers, you stand up for everyone.” While networking, the crowd enjoyed ice cream provided by Judge Aiken and a celebratory cake provided by Heather Van Meter, decorated with a blind lady of justice and “Hail to the chief.” OWLS thanks Jolie Russo, Judge Aiken’s assistant, and OWLS members Gosia Fon- berg, Amber Hollister, and Susan O’Toole for helping organize this celebration.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 SUMMER 2009 Judges Discuss “Road to the Bench” in Portland By Heather L. Weigler he OWLS “Road to the Bench” CLE The panel emphasized the importance known to people who may be involved program returned to Portland on of courtroom experience, especially try- in appointing judges. Judge Rosenblum TApril 24, after presentations in ing cases. “People don’t get the same commented that she is fairly certain that different parts of the state. The Portland opportunities to get to court now,” said her appointment to the bench in 1989 event, held at the World Trade Center, Judge Haggerty, “so you have to watch was attributable, in major part, to hav- was co-sponsored by the Oregon Minority others and seek out opportunities.” ing served on the governor’s corrections Lawyers Association and the OSB Diversity The judges also advised lawyers to be planning task force. The governor’s legal Section. U.S. District Court Judge Ancer involved in their communities. “Com- counsel, who always has an important Haggerty, Oregon Court of Appeals Judge munity involvement helps to keep you role in judicial appointments, was also Ellen Rosenblum, Multnomah County rooted in what life is about for the people the staff person assigned to the task Circuit Court Judge Youlee You, and you see before you,” explained Judge force. Becoming involved with your state Washington County Circuit Court Judge Hernandez. “While you need a basic set and county bar associations will help you Marco Hernandez generously shared their of legal skills, a diversity of experience network and connect with other lawyers perspectives on getting appointed to the is extraordinarily important.” Judge and develop your reputation in the legal bench. Describing their own paths to the Hernandez’s work as an advocate for community. judiciary, they emphasized that it takes migrant field workers before he became After the CLE, the audience visited with planning, professionalism, experience, and a lawyer now gives him insight into what the judges and others who stopped by civic involvement to become a judge. Spanish-speaking litigants must experi- to enjoy a social sponsored by Williams Lawyers with judicial aspirations should ence in court, for example. “Everything Kastner. OWLS, OMLA, and the OSB Diver- start by talking to their mentors and to that’s in your background, no matter sity Section are grateful to the panelists judges. “Talk to as many people as you how small or minute you think it is, may for sharing their thoughts on becoming a can about the appointment process,” ultimately affect your getting an appoint- judge. Interested lawyers are encouraged advised Judge You. “It requires prepa- ment,” observed Judge Haggerty. “Don’t to obtain a copy of OWLS’ Road to the ration, and . . . you need to be strategic forget every aspect of your being—draw Bench handbook by emailing shawn@ about applications and references.” It is upon it.” oregonwomenlawyers.org. also important to guard your reputation Judge Haggerty and Judge Rosenblum Heather L. Weigler, the OWLS board sec- and credibility. “You have to list opposing also noted that serving on governmen- retary, is an assistant attorney general at counsel on the application,” she noted. tal committees can help you become the Oregon Department of Justice. Lewis & Clark Presents Mentor Awards By Libby Davis y mentor reminded me to trust This way to the future. “Mmy instincts as I enter the legal Announcing a new law firm 20+ years profession. During the year we worked in the making. Foster Pepper LLP has together, she made major choices con- changed its name to Roberts Kaplan LLP. cerning how to balance her family and Same practice. Same people. Same her career. . . . I can think of no better commitment to helping our clients role model than my mentor, Alex West, achieve their business goals. ’99,” said Patrick Foran, ’09, a fourth-year Our women lawyers: evening student, in nominating his men- Jacqueline Bishop Nancie Potter tor for the annual Andrea Swanner Red- Faith Graham Rebecca Thiebes ding Outstanding Mentor Award. Alex, Janet Larsen an OWLS member and a sole practitioner in Portland, received the award during Lewis & Clark Law School’s Spring Mentor Program Awards Reception on April 7. Four OWLS members who mentored first-year law students received First Year Partner Awards: Ashlee Albies, a civil rights and employee-side employment attorney at Steenson Schumann Tewks- bury Creighton & Rose; Maya Crawford, the associate director of the Campaign for Equal Justice; Mami Fujii, an associate attorney at Schwabe Williamson & Wy- SWNDAVENUE SUITEPORTLAND OREGON att; and Trung Tu, a partner at McEwen TOLL FREEROBERTSKAPLANCOM Gisvold. Congratulations, all.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 SUMMER 2009 Political Leadership Speakers Address Running for Office By Heather L. Weigler hree inspiring women candidates and support candidates. “We need to required to discussed the challenges and op- enrich institutions that help candidates get elected Tportunities for women interested with women in the leadership ranks,” said a n d s e r v e , in running for office at the third session of Cyreena. “We need a coordinated effort the panel- the OWLS Political Leadership Series, held to support women candidates.” ists agreed May 13 at the Portland office of Tonkon The panelists acknowledged that wom- that it’s never Torp. , Donna Maddux, and en running for office face challenges that too early to Cyreena Boston shared campaign stories, men don’t. A woman, for example, once run. Kate was offered advice on planning a run for of- told Cyreena that she would never vote first elected fice, and encouraged women to become for another at age 31; Donna, at 35; more involved in all aspects of politics. woman. Kate Photo by Libby Davis “I ran because I repeatedly saw things noted that and Cyreena Kate Brown fail because of a lack of a diversity of male elected was 28 when views,” explained Cyreena, currently a officials are she threw her hat in the ring. “Women field representative for U.S. Senator Jeff seldom asked feel like they have to wait, but men very Merkley and a past candidate for the about their rarely do,” she noted. Oregon House of Representatives. Noting family com- Regardless of the campaign’s outcome, that less than 30% of the members of the m i t m e n t s , the panelists agreed, the very act of run- Oregon Legislative Assembly are women, even though ning is valuable for the lessons learned Cyreena has m a n y m e n and the opportunity to connect with your no regrets also strug- Photo by Libby Davis community and challenge yourself. Donna Maddux a b o u t h e r gle to find The OWLS Leadership Committee will run for office, a healthy work/life balance, given the sponsor three more sessions of the Politi- even though demands of serving in office. cal Leadership Series this fall. For more she was not Kate credited organizations dedicating information, please contact OWLS. elected. “It’s to supporting women candidates with Heather L. Weigler, the OWLS board sec- i m p o r t a n t helping her get elected. Emily’s List, which retary, is an assistant attorney general at for women generally does not endorse candidates the Oregon Department of Justice. to run and in primaries, took the unusual step of to encourage supporting her in the hotly contested other women Photo by Jake Weigler Democratic primary for secretary of state Jane Bell Addresses Cyreena Boston to run so that in 2008. Kate, who may be the highest- Stress at April LEG-Up their perspectives inform government ranking bisexual elected official in the and lawmaking,” she said. United States, noted that early support By Maiya Hall Donna Maddux, a Tualatin City Council from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, n April 9, Stoel Rives generously member and the attorney in charge of the which helps elect LGBT leaders to all levels Ohosted an OWLS Leadership Commit- Organized Crime Section at the Oregon of office, also made a huge difference in tee LEG-Up in Portland, featuring Jane Department of Justice, is an example of her success. Bell. Jane explained that one can handle the value of gender diversity in govern- The speakers emphasized that candi- external stress by shifting internally. She ment. She was elected to an all-male city dates must make sure that voters rec- discussed the very simple, ever-present council in 2006. Since then, two other ognize their names. Although political tool of focusing on your own breath, women have been elected to the council, advertisements and the money to air and led the group in doing so. and women have told Donna how dif- them were necessary in Kate’s statewide Jane then explained the benefits of ferent it is to address a gender-diverse race, Donna and Cyreena both stressed mindfulness and meditation. She cited council rather than an all-male council. the importance of knocking on voters’ Full Catastrophic Living, by Jon Kabat- In addition to informing lawmaking doors in local and district races. “Knock- Zinn, PhD, which deals with meditative and governance, electing more women ing on doors was critical to my success, practice in a secular way. She also cited a to local offices is critical to creating a Donna said. “And it’s a great experience.” Harvard Negotiation Law Review article pipeline of potential candidates to run for Not only does it allow candidates to tar- by Leonard Riskin titled “The Contempla- higher office, such as OWLS member and get likely voters and garner their support, tive Lawyer: On the Potential Contribu- Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown. but “you get to know your community,” tions of Mindfulness Meditation to Law Kate also emphasized that it’s important added Cyreena. Students, Lawyers, and Their Clients” for women to support women candidates, The candidates encouraged partici- (May 2002), which contends that lawyers particularly financially. The harsh reality is pants to consider what it would take to who are less stressed-out are more able to that it takes money to mount a successful get elected. Whether you’re ready for a effectively solve their clients’ problems. campaign, and to increase the number run for office “boils down to your sense of Jane leads a weekly program on stress of women in office, women need to self, what you truly believe in, and what reduction for lawyers. Many thanks to financially support women candidates. you’re willing to sacrifice,” explained her and to Stoel Rives. Women also need to become involved in Cyreena. Although potential candidates Maiya Hall is an attorney with the law the leadership of institutions that endorse should be realistic about the work firm Alan W. Karpinski, PC, in Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 SUMMER 2009 Meet Josephine County Presiding Judge Lindi Baker By Janice Hazel residing Judge Lindi L. Baker, of took at job with the Josephine County Rogue River the Josephine County Circuit Court, Juvenile Court, where she worked until h o m e s h e Pbrings to the bench a dynamic she started law school in 1981. She earned shares with combination of personal qualities and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary stud- her husband life experiences that have contributed ies at SOU in 1978. For her thesis project, (in August, to her success as an effective leader, she designed and implemented the Victim they will cel- positive role model, and visionary of how and Witness Assistance Program for the e b r a t e 3 7 courts can help to make our communi- Josephine County District Attorney’s Of- years of mar- ties safe, strong, and healthy places in fice, a program still in operation today. riage) and which to live. At the Josephine County Juvenile Court, the youngest As the child of a father with a long she served as a counselor and a proba- of their three career in law enforcement (including tion officer, directed the court’s felony children. She Judge Lindi L. Baker serving as sheriff of Josephine County, intake caseload, initiated and super- says she has where she grew up) and a mother who vised volunteer programs, and served a “great, supportive family” that under- was a registered nurse, Judge Baker as the Children’s Services Division (now stands the pressures of the judiciary and was introduced early in life to the dual Department of Human Services) liaison, “unabashedly” pampers her. She loves concepts of the rule of law and compas- presenting all dependency, abuse, and to garden (flowers and vegetables), and sionate care. These concepts lent them- neglect petitions in court. As a result, she her recreational passions include sailing selves well to an evolving, and ultimately decided to become a lawyer. (she and her husband once lived on their lifelong commitment to promoting access Judge Baker graduated from the Uni- sailboat in San Francisco Bay), snowmobil- to justice and building programs to ad- versity of San Francisco School of Law ing, fishing, boating and all water sports, dress the growing problems associated in 1984 and stayed in San Francisco for and travel within the United States and with substance abuse and at-risk families about 14 years. She served as a staff at- beyond, including to Eastern Europe, the in Josephine County. torney for the California Supreme Court South Pacific, and the Caribbean. In 1974, Judge Baker graduated from (criminal division) and then practiced When asked what advice she would Southern Oregon University (SOU) with complex commercial litigation, real estate have for young women lawyers today, a bachelor’s degree in criminology and law, and financing at a large San Francisco Judge Baker offered this insight: law firm before accepting an “of counsel” First and foremost, don’t go into MLLS Hosts CLE on 1965 position with Schultz, Salisbury, Cauble the law unless this truly is your & Dole in Grants Pass. passion. I worry that many young and the Right to Vote In 2003 Governor Kulongoski appoint- women don’t really know what they By Lora Keenan ed her to fill a vacancy on the Josephine are getting into when they apply for County Circuit Court, and in 2004 Judge law school. It is too much work if you he Mary Baker was elected to her current six-year don’t really love what you do. Leonard T term. The first (and only) female circuit Also, I think it is extremely im- Law Society court judge in Josephine County, she now portant to stand up to your own hosted a CLE standards. Do not let the “practice on April 21 serves as presiding judge, carrying, in ad- of law” turn you into something titled “1965, dition to her administrative duties, a full that you are not. Be true to yourself Selma, Ala- (and varied) regular court docket. and know your own priorities. Draw b a m a , a n d Due to the relatively small size of the that line, across which you will never the Right to Josephine County court system, docket Photo by Shannon Terry venture. For if you do not, then you Vote,” pre- specialization is not feasible and a full Ron Silver may find yourself unwittingly pulled sented at Wil- range of cases are allocated among its into a place you do not wish to be. lamette University by Ron Silver, an judges. Judge Baker regularly hears family Work hard, be professional and assistant U.S. attorney in Portland. court matters, but the greatest volume of never underestimate yourself. Ron recounted the context, execution, her case load involves criminal matters of and aftermath of the 1965 civil rights all types. One source of great satisfaction Regarding a career in the judiciary, march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala- is serving on the drug court, which, she Judge Baker said, “I encourage other bama. Culling material from historical says, is a highly effective program. women to consider judicial careers and photos and accounts, music, speeches, The challenges of her job demand hope that they find it as rewarding as and newspapers, as well as his own visits enormous focus and sustained energy, but I have. It is the hardest job I ever had to sites in the South where important Judge Baker says, “I believe that I have the (long hours, lots of pressure, inadequate civil rights events took place, Ron vividly best job in the world as a judge and I love resources, etc.), but the rewards and true recreated the political and social atmo- every day on the bench (admittedly some sense of satisfaction far outweigh any of sphere of the civil rights movement in the days I love more than others!). I honor the these sacrifices.” 1960s. Thank you, Ron, for your terrific rule of law and feel privileged to serve Janice Hazel is a lawyer in private practice presentation. as a member of the judiciary.” in downtown Portland, specializing in Lora Keenan is a staff attorney at the An early riser, Judge Baker relishes small business, nonprofit organizations, Oregon Court of Appeals. the morning solitude and quiet of the and personal and business tax matters.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 SUMMER 2009 A Further Step in the THE JUDGES’ FORUM have different expectations Dialogue Between and ideas of Mentors and Mentees what success looks like than n the last issue of the AdvanceSheet, our peers did. Susan Hammer compiled advice for W e a l s o mentees that she had gleaned from should expect I that we have a conversation with several experienced By The Honorable Darleen Ortega mentors. (“Tips for Mentees from Your Oregon Court of Appeals plenty to learn from each oth- Mentors,” Spring 2009.) I do a fair amount Hon. Darleen Ortega of mentoring myself—and shortly after er. The peers of methods of communication that are sec- the article came out, I began to hear our mentees ond nature to women in their twenties reactions to the article from some young are now our colleagues as well. There is (like Facebook and texting). women whom I mentor. It struck me a lot written about miscommunication Who’s got the power? Some women that publicizing those responses would between, for example, those labeled felt that the article lacked recognition encourage helpful dialogue—and since “baby boomers” and “Generation X.” that the mentor is inherently in a position those young women didn’t feel comfort- Perhaps our mentor/mentee relation- of power over the mentee. They missed a able with attribution, I offered to collect ships can help us to avoid imposing our sense that the authors expected to take their thoughts and include them in this expectations on each other in the way some responsibility for setting bound- column. that we women have struggled against aries and communicating expectations. Reviewing those responses has brought with regard to expectations that we They didn’t feel that it was fair to expect to mind some additional thoughts about regard as male. mentees to know about boundaries and cross-cultural conversation among Additionally, we all need to do a better expectations that the mentor has not women. But first, a sampling of the job of communicating our expectations. communicated. They also felt that, in responses I got from about ten women This takes work, since all of us have expec- some instances, mentees will find it dif- two to three years out of law school, tations that we haven’t even identified ficult to come up with a focused agenda who have worked with mentors in formal as expectations—we only expect what for meetings and to initiate everything. It programs and informally with professors inherently makes sense, right? Except can be hard to know what you need when and co-workers: there isn’t much that inherently makes your understanding of how to succeed Good advice, but struggled with the sense to everyone. While the women in the profession is still shaky. tone. In general, the women I heard from I heard from appreciated hearing the Conflicting expectations. Some felt mostly appreciated the advice included perspective of those who contributed that the article set up some conflicting in the article, but found parts of it to to the article, I think all of our mentees expectations. For example, how should be condescending. They bristled at the would most appreciate hearing what mentees balance being responsive to suggestion that some younger women their particular mentors expect of them. criticism that they only call when they lack “some basic life-training.” Several Sometimes we discover our expectations need something with being respectful missed a sense that mentors expected when they are not met—and at those of how busy their mentors are? to learn from the relationship, too. They moments, it’s important to have the con- got the impression that the authors were A lot has been written about cross-cul- versation that we perhaps neglected to surprised by the need to communicate tural communication problems between have earlier about where our boundaries expectations—but isn’t communicating women and men (as well as between are and what we expect. That goes for expectations something one would an- people of other outsider cultures and both mentors and mentees. ticipate needing to do as a mentor? those in power in the legal profession). Finally, it strikes me that we all need How much should younger women Generational differences are another to extend each other a little grace. I be expected to assimilate? The article cross-cultural divide that we all should hope we can be courageous enough to expressed an expectation (or at least a be prepared to navigate if we are going ask for feedback from each other—and wish) that mentees should accommodate to effectively support each other in suc- then look for what is valuable in what more senior women’s views regarding ceeding in the legal profession. we hear, even if we have to look past such matters as dress code and methods As mentors, we need to keep in mind problems in the delivery. Even better, I es- for expressing thanks. The women I heard that success will look different as mani- pecially hope that we mentors can make from felt particularly insulted by the com- fested in our mentees than it does in us. our relationships with our mentees safe ments about dress, expressing the view The barriers they will encounter may be enough that they can ask us questions, that no one thinks “cleavage . . . make[s] similar to what we have encountered, and well formed or not; that we can listen you look smarter.” Some felt that the ad- we may well have experiences to share to their stories deeply enough to help vice about dress wasn’t concrete enough that will help them to navigate those them discern what it is they need rather and just undermined their confidence in barriers. But the solutions they devise than imposing on them what we think their ability to judge what is appropri- may not always look like what we would they need; and that we create a context ate. They wondered to what degree, if devise—even when they have listened to where they feel safe enough to ask for any, people of the older generations are our advice and taken it quite seriously. our perspective and also free to do with willing to accommodate dress that is, for That makes sense because their experi- our advice whatever they can. example, more casual—not to mention ence is also different, and their peers also 

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 SUMMER 2009 

Meet Teresa Schmid, Executive Director of the OSB By Cashauna Hill eresa Schmid became the new Graduate Uni- would like to see the OSB move toward a executive director of the Oregon versity and will model that is able to meet the representa- TState Bar (OSB) in January. I re- soon earn an tion needs of low-income clients. cently enjoyed an opportunity to inter- executive doc- Teresa says she has been lucky to have view her for the AdvanceSheet. torate in law had great mentors help her along the Originally from Ohio, Teresa spent her and policy from way, and so she offers this advice to high school years in Atlanta, Georgia. Northeastern women attorneys: While in college elsewhere, she met and University in s $OAJOBTHATYOULOVE married her first husband; the two then Boston. s .ETWORKINGHAPPENSINCONTEXT moved to his native Oregon, and she T e r e s a ’ s make sure you talk to others obtained a BA in English at Oregon State business back- Teresa Schmid about work and skills, and try to University. She later earned a law degree ground provides share ideas and skill sets when- from Lewis & Clark Law School. some context ever possible. Beginning in 1979, Teresa spent seven for the views she expresses about an is- s #ONSTANTLYBEPREPAREDRE CREATE years in private practice in Washington sue important to OWLS: diversity. Teresa yourself by learning new things. County. In the early 1980s, she was a sole is committed to increasing ethnic and In her free time, Teresa enjoys spend- practitioner sharing office space with racial diversity in the OSB, and she would ing time with her husband, a certified two other women lawyers. Their three- like to see the OSB prepare itself for the airframe and power-plant mechanic who woman shared offices were sometimes globalization of law practice. Teresa was owns a general aviation repair facility referred to as “the Bunny Hutch” within instrumental in forming a diversity plan- based in Los Angeles. She is an avid reader the local legal community. ning task force that reported to the OSB and also enjoys weight lifting, hiking, Teresa’s legal experience covers an ar- Board of Governors in June 2009 with a and taking walks. ray of practice areas. In her solo practice, long-range plan to increase the number OWLS welcomes Teresa back to Oregon she focused on family law, including juve- of ethnically diverse lawyers in Oregon. and wishes her success at the OSB. nile dependency and delinquency cases, Another issue that Teresa sees as para- and consumer law. Teresa also served as mount is the idea that low-cost legal ser- Cashauna Hill, an OWLS board member, an assistant disciplinary counsel at the vices providers are the interface between is the fair housing staff attorney at the OSB for a year before accepting a litiga- the individual and the economy. She Oregon Law Center in Portland. tor position at the State Bar of California, where she spent ten years in the field of attorney disciplinary enforcement. After a year in private practice in Los Angeles, Teresa worked for three years at the Los Angeles County Bar Association before becoming executive director of the State 0  1   1+ Bar of Arizona, a position she held for five years before returning to the OSB. Having lived and worked all over the country, Teresa says that OWLS is by far the most active of any women’s bar as- sociation she has encountered. When asked what has been instru- mental in her career progression, Teresa noted the importance of foresight and the ability to think ahead. Continued edu- cation, she says, is a cornerstone of her         success. She has an executive master’s in business administration from Claremont         For more information on OWLS and     our activities, please visit our web-  !  site, www.oregonwomenlawyers.org. ! "#$ %     You’ll find photos, an events page,  "%& ' () * historical information, chapter con- +  + tacts, and volunteer opportunities.   ,  -.     / 

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 SUMMER 2009 Diane Polscer: An OWLS Founding Mother By Julia Waco his spring, I had an opportunity to ships. “Clients themselves have a family they and many visit with one of the people who and they like to get to know you. So other won- Tfounded OWLS, Diane Polscer. personalize yourself!” She suggests that derful wom- Diane is the managing partner in her we find ways to appropriately incorporate en founded firm, Gordon & Polscer, and works in our family life into our business, profes- OWLS. Diane its Portland office, specializing in com- sional, and community activities. served on the mercial litigation. She is president of Diane encourages philanthropy in her OWLS board the Oregon chapter of the International children by being active with them in from 1989 to Network of Boutique Law Firms (INBLF) many charitable and community organi- 1991, as its and a member of the National Associa- zations. Her professional and civic activi- first recording tion of Minority and Women Owned Law ties are enough to fill a second article, but secretary and Firms (NAMWOLF). She is a frequent some in particular have been dear to her chair of the Diane Polscer speaker and author and a past faculty heart. She was appointed to the Oregon Professional member of the National Institute for State Board of Bar Examiners in 1991 and Liaison Committee in 1989–90, and then Trial Advocacy. served for three years. Since 2001 she has as treasurer in 1990–1991. Diane believes that it is important to volunteered for the Children’s Cancer As- Diane offers three pieces of advice to embrace who we are as women in the sociation, and from 2006 to 2008 she was women lawyers: First, find balance in your legal profession. Some of us choose not an Oregon Special Olympics liaison and life—that is the key, she says, to having to get involved with women and minority vice president for the National Charity a successful career and family life. If you groups because we think that admitting League. She was also a founding member cannot find balance at a big firm, start we are different means we are unequal. of the Gus Solomon Inns of Court, and for your own firm or find a different job in Diane firmly believes that this is not true, 20 years found it a terrific opportunity the public sector. Second, use your skills and that there is strength in our numbers to mentor attorneys. as a lawyer to make a difference in the that creates new opportunities. Developing a women’s professional world. Some of Diane’s most rewarding Diane decided that she wanted to be network has always been a passion experiences as a lawyer have come from a lawyer in the first grade, when her for Diane, and it ultimately led her to using her litigation skills to help others class went on a field trip to the local become an OWLS founder. When Diane less fortunate through pro bono work courthouse. After growing up in Penn- first began practicing law in the 1980s, and by volunteering at various philan- sylvania and earning a BA in political she was actively involved in Washington thropies. Third, follow your heart. science at Pennsylvania State University, Women Lawyers (WWL), and she realized Thank you, Diane, for your inspiration she attended the how important it was for women to have and your dedication to making our world School of Law, graduating in 1984. She a “women’s network” and a support sys- a better place. then clerked for federal Judge Robert tem of other women lawyers. When she Julia Waco is in-house counsel for First McNichols in Spokane. came to Oregon and began practicing at Diane’s graduating law school class was Bullivant Houser Bailey, she learned that Commerce LLC in Lake Oswego. She’s about one-third women. In school she Oregon had no equivalent to WWL, so also an artist; her work is shown at First found no barriers to the advancement she called Katherine O’Neil, and in 1989 Avenue Gallery in downtown Portland. of women, Diane says, but that changed when she first became a lawyer in private Multnomah County Judges Welcome Kids to Court practice. The first time she stood up in By Janice Hazel court to represent a client, the judge peered over his glasses at her and asked, o the delight of a growing throng of enthusiastic chil- “Young lady, are you a lawyer?” Tdren, each year OWLS sponsors its unique version of Diane says that her grandparents and Take Your Kids to Work Day in Portland. This year over 120 Judge McNichols were the most influen- children, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old, participated tial people in her life. She often repeats in the April 23 noontime event, which featured an inside to her children one of her grandmother’s glimpse of the judicial system and an opportunity to meet favorite sayings: “You can be bitter or bet- and ask questions of 12 Multnomah County judges. ter.” Judge McNichols taught Diane about As in prior years, the highlight of the program was the being a good trial lawyer and the value mock criminal trial, which had the children assuming the of preparation and common sense. Photo by Thi Pham-Gordon judge, attorney, witness, and jury roles. The courtroom drama As a mother of two children, ages 5 Judge Julie Frantz and played out under the patient coaching of the participating and 15 (Maddy and Kelly), Diane is very Brittni Ann Gordon judges, with multiple juries delivering their verdicts to a busy with their activities and her many somewhat raucous reception. philanthropic pursuits. Diane enjoys “This positive learning experience in court, with half the bench and all the leader- needlepoint with her daughter Kelly, ship being women, gives girls a chance to see what they can become and normalizes and they have visited the Royal School of women as leaders for all,” said OWLS Executive Director Linda Tomassi. Needlepoint in England. Diane points out OWLS thanks all the participating judges. that our world revolves around relation- Janice Hazel is a lawyer in private practice in downtown Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 SUMMER 2009 May LEG-Up Meet Board Member Cashauna Hill Examines Business By Mavel Morales Financing Solutions ashauna Hill, an OWLS board new attorneys member since spring 2007, is a is to “be open By Helen Yu Cnative Oregonian. She grew up to a variety of t the May 14 OWLS LEG-Up, Aaron in northeast Portland and attended opportunities, Stoffers, a business banking offi- Fernwood Middle School. At age 14 she build relation- Acer at IronStone Bank, and Karen moved with her parents to Atlanta, Geor- ships through O’Keefe, president of Evergreen Funding gia. Cashauna majored in political science organizations Group, provided a solid overview of busi- at Spelman College and graduated from l i k e O W L S , ness financing options for legal profes- Tulane University Law School in 2005. She a n d a b o v e sionals, offering many helpful insights. then returned to Portland and clerked for all, be nice: a good attitude Aaron addressed business lending basics two years for Judge Ronald Cinniger of Photo by Jodee Jackson during the various stages of the business the Multnomah County Circuit Court. can take you a Cashauna Hill cycle, and Karen explored the funding Cashauna worked next at the Wiles long way.” options for plaintiffs and their attorneys Law Group in Portland, litigating con- One of Cashauna’s true passions is when pursuing litigation. struction defect cases. In April 2009 she volunteering. She says she is guided by Aaron discussed the business cycle from joined the Oregon Law Center as its fair the knowledge that she didn’t get where start-up to maturity. He first addressed housing staff attorney; she is located in she is today by herself. She helps coach the general considerations associated the Portland office. the Jefferson High School mock trial team with starting a business—everything Cashauna became an OWLS member and serves on the board of the Interstate from leasing office space to ensuring because she wanted to give back to Firehouse Cultural Center. She also men- that one has the necessary equipment the organization that had given her so tors several high school, college, and to run a business. much support and wisdom through its law students. This spring, Cashauna was Regarding on-going business concerns members when she returned to Portland awarded the Multnomah Bar Association and growth opportunities, Aaron dis- as an attorney. In addition to serving Young Lawyers Award of Merit. cussed the usefulness of lines of credit and on the OWLS board, she is a writer for OWLS thanks Cashauna for her great permanent working capital to support the AdvanceSheet, a paddler for the energy and dedicated service to OWLS. one’s practice. Financing opportunities DragonFlies, and a member of the OWLS Mavel Morales is the attorney at the are available for almost any need, he Transformation Committee. Her advice to Oregon Law Center in Hillsboro. said, and now is a great time to borrow. Most important, Aaron reminded us that the key to successful business financing is a sound plan. Karen turned our focus to options for funding litigation. What should be done when one is expending substantial resources while waiting for a case to run its course? Karen discussed two types of vehicles available to assist plaintiffs and their counsel during the litigation process: non-recourse transactions and full-recourse transactions. Non-recourse transactions are contingency-based advances made both before and after settlement without personal guarantee. Full-recourse transactions are lines of credit with personal guarantee. Karen then reviewed a law firm’s bor- rowing schedule while its capital was tied up in case costs, and demonstrated how non-recourse options coupled with a line of credit allowed the firm to grow its practice while awaiting the conclusion of the pending litigation. Thank you, Aaron and Karen, for shar- ing your expertise, and thanks to Miller Nash for hosting this event in Portland. Helen Yu is corporate counsel at Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing America in Eugene.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 SUMMER 2009 Around Oregon OAPABA Begins Cascade Women Lawyers. In addition For information about upcoming LCWL OWLS con- to its regular networking lunches, Cas- events, please see the OWLS events page gratulates cade Women Lawyers (CWL) hosted a online or contact Jane Yates at yates@ the Oregon three-hour access-to-justice CLE, “Un- gleaveslaw.com. Asian Pacific derstanding Poverty and Working with Linn-Benton Women Lawyers. LBWL American Low-Income Clients,” on March 10 at meets every other month for dinner Bar Associa- the First Presbyterian Church in Bend. and networking at Sybaris Restaurant tion (OA- The CLE, supported by a donation from in Albany. OWLS Co-President Heather PABA) on Deschutes County, was presented by Van Meter and Executive Director Linda its recent Dr. Donna Beelge. On April 24, CWL Tomassi joined chapter members for formation. held a very successful OWLSNet event at dinner on May 20. LBWL meeting dates OAPABA Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt in Bend; Julia Markley can be found on the OWLS events page p l a n s t o please see page 3 for details. CWL’s next online. For more information, please foster communication among Asian networking lunches are on Sept. 16 and contact Fay Stetz-Waters at 541.926.8678 Pacific American (APA) attorneys Nov. 18. For more information, please see or [email protected]. and the community, advance APA the OWLS events page online or contact attorneys in the legal profession, Lori Harris Hancock at 541.749.4060 or Mary Leonard Law Society. Betsy Earls, and advocate for the interests of [email protected]. general counsel for Oregon Associated APAs in the legal profession and Industries, spoke at the MLLS lunch on Clackamas Women Lawyers. Clackamas the community. March 17. On April 21, the chapter Women Lawyers hosted bestselling au- For more information, contact hosted a CLE, “1965, Selma, Alabama, thor Chelsea Cain on Feb. 12 for a book OAPABA President Julia Markley at and the Right to Vote,” presented by reading and signing event at Bugatti’s [email protected]. Ron Silver; please see page 9 for details. in Oregon City. Chelsea read from her OWLS member and Oregon Secretary of latest novel, Sweetheart, the second of State Kate Brown shared her leadership events page online or contact Kristin three thrillers set in Portland. The chapter story at the May 19 MLLS luncheon, also Sterling at [email protected]. held a luncheon CLE on April 16 at the attended by Gwyn McAlpine, OWLS co- Clackamas County Courthouse. Attorneys Rebecca J. Bloom Chapter (Umatilla and president; Concetta Schwesinger, OWLS from Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Morrow Counties). The Rebecca J. Bloom vice president; and Linda Tomassi, OWLS Services provided an excellent presenta- Chapter meets monthly for lunch at El executive director. For more information, tion on how immigration laws can help Charrito in Pendleton. The chapter will contact Shannon Terry at 541.554.6915 or victims of abuse and crime. host a social in Hermiston on Saturday, [email protected]. On May 5, the chapter hosted a gath- August 15, with U.S. Magistrate Judge ering to meet the five members of the Queen’s Bench. Queen’s Bench meets Pat Sullivan, who will distribute copies Clackamas County Board of Commission- monthly for lunch in Portland. At the of OWLS’ Road to the Bench handbook. ers. The board serves as the governing Feb. 10 lunch, the speaker was Mary-Beth OWLS Co-President Heather Van Meter body of Clackamas County and directs its Baptista, the new director of the Portland and Executive Director Linda Tomassi general administration. Over 20 chapter Independent Police Review Division. At will also attend, and they look forward members attended the event, as did the March 10 lunch, Multnomah County to meeting local lawyers. For more in- three members of the OWLS Executive Circuit Court Judge Kristena LaMar talked formation, please see the OWLS events Committee, Gwyn McAlpine, Concetta about preparing and advocating effec- page online or contact Sally Anderson Schwesinger, and Kathi Rastetter, who tively in a civil settlement conference. Hansell at [email protected] coordinated the event. Liz Baxter of the Archimedes Move- or 541.567.7800. For more information, please see ment spoke at the April 14 lunch about Rogue Women Lawyers. RWL meets for the OWLS events page online or con- the citizens’ movement to improve and lunch or dinner each month. On May 27, tact Bonnie Carter at 971.344.3003 or restructure health care in Oregon. At the RWL hosted a ‘’Road to the Bench’’ pre- [email protected]. May 12 lunch, Susan Anderson, director sentation in Medford, featuring Judge of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Devel- Josephine County Women Lawyers. JCWL Lisa Greif and Judge Patricia Crain. All opment, talked about what that office continues to meet monthly for lunch and RWL events are listed on the OWLS events is doing to alleviate global warming and conversation at the Bistro in Grants Pass. page online. For more information, please what individuals can do to reduce their For upcoming dates and times, please see contact Debbie Mitchell at dmitchell@ carbon footprint. Queen’s Bench and the OWLS events page online. For more brophymills.com. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge information, contact Victory Walker at welcomed new Oregon Washington County Women Lawyers. [email protected]. attorneys at the annual New Admittee WCWL meets on the third Tuesday of Lane County Women Lawyers. LCWL Luncheon on June 9. each month for a brown bag lunch at hosted a social hour at Adam’s Place in The Queen’s Bench monthly lunches the Washington County Courthouse. Eugene on Jan. 20. On March 19, LCWL are held on the second Tuesday of the For more information, see the OWLS and the University of Oregon’s Women’s month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the events page online or contact Mary Bru- Law Forum held an event to raise funds Rock Bottom Brewery in Portland. For ington at [email protected] or and collect clothes for Dress for Success. more information, please see the OWLS 503.846.3413.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 SUMMER 2009 The 2009 Legislative Session criminal sentences for repeat property offenders and provided incentives to he 2009 Oregon legislative ses- complete substance abuse treatment sion ended on June 29, 2009. To programs. In light of the deteriorating balance the 2009–2011 budget, economy, legislators were faced with T making significant reductions to public the legislature cut $2 billion, used federal stimulus dollars and state reserve funds, safety agency budgets unless a different and modestly raised taxes on corpora- revenue source could backfill the budget tions and wealthy Oregonians. Majority shortfall. The bill that finally emerged Democrats point to expanded health care keeps Measure 57 in effect until Febru- By Susan Evans Grabe coverage to uninsured Oregonians and ary 15, 2010, and then suspends it until a transportation funding bill as major Judicial System Surcharge Account. January 1, 2012. The savings will help achievements. The session, however, Initially, $10 million from this account fund state police, corrections, and Oregon will also be remembered for the major- will be distributed, 65% to the OJD and Youth Authority operations. ity’s decision to balance the budget by 35% to the Public Defense Services Com- Next Session. The legislature will likely raising taxes. mission (PDSC). Further distributions will convene in February 2010 for a second Bills to increase corporate and personal require legislative action. The bill also experiment with a short session in the income tax rates face a likely referendum creates an Interim Committee on State second year of the biennium. The Febru- next January. If the tax hikes reach the Judicial System Revenues, which will ary session will address difficult budget ballot and voters reject them, lawmakers make recommendations on permanent issues if the two tax measures (increasing returning to Salem in February will make court fees, fines, surcharges, and the the corporate minimum tax and the tax further cuts in spending, which may not distribution of the revenue. on wealthy Oregonians) are rejected by bode well for the courts. Indigent Defense. The PDSC fared bet- the voters. The legislature will then have OJD Budget. Although it appeared, ter than expected this session, receiving to regroup and cut budgets. early in the legislative session, that court $214.6 million for the 2009–2011 bien- If the economy does not rebound, the funding might be dramatically reduced, nium. Nonetheless, it faces a potential legislature may be forced to meet again Chief Justice De Muniz’s tireless effort to deficit of $10.6 million to cover the pro- before February. The next revenue fore- identify revenue sources and persuade jected caseload for the biennium. That cast is due in September. legislators of the critical nature of the means that the PDSC will likely run out Susan Evans Grabe is the public affairs services at stake resulted in a budget for of money to fund trial-level representa- director at the Oregon State Bar. the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) tion in May 2011, five weeks before the that includes reductions but preserves biennium ends. core functions and staff. The 2009–2011 Legal Aid. The legislature showed its biennium budget cuts roughly ten per- commitment to civil legal services for cent of the OJD’s general fund allocation low-income Oregonians by passing two ,.,'& !&&+ in the last budget cycle, but some of that measures. SB 687 requires that aban- Nfejbujpo!Tfswjdft shortfall will be made up with funds from doned funds in lawyer trust accounts filing fee revenues generated by HB 2287. be reported to the Department of State The legislature anticipates that those Lands and forwarded to the bar for fund- revenues will restore the OJD budget ing legal services programs. The bar will to no less than a 7.5% reduction, which reimburse a claimant who comes forward translates into a loss of approximately after the funds are transferred. This bill 11% of its workforce. The legislature is expected to generate about $10,000 requested that the OJD assign priority per year. to the Citizen Review Board, court ref- Additionally, in the close-of-session erees, pre-trial release programs, pro se reconciliation bill (HB 5054), the legisla- facilitation programs, and paid mediation ture made a general fund appropriation programs and that it not backfill other to Oregon Legal Aid of $1 million. Half funding reductions until these programs the appropriation will be retained until have been restored. July 1, 2010, in case budget exigencies

Filing Fees. To deal with budget short- require its use on other priorities. The -

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 SUMMER 2009 Oregon Women Lawyers PRSRT STD P.O. Box 40393 U.S. POSTAGE Portland, OR 97240 PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT #2346

Summer 2009 Printed on recycled paper

OWLS Officers, Board 2009–2010 (Left to right) Seated: Jane Yates, Concetta Schwesinger, Heather Van Meter, Linda Meng, Heather Weigler Standing: Kate Weatherly, Heather Hepburn, Hon. Julia Philbrook, Cashauna Hill, Shannon Terry, Maiya Hall, Gwyn McAlpine, Megan Livermore, Linda Tomassi, Dana Forman, Kathi Rastetter, Hon. Frances Roberts Burge Not pictured: Cynthia Fraser, Shari Gregory, Kendra Matthews, Hon. Katherine Tennyson, Hon. Youlee You OWLS Welcomes New Officers, Directors Advertise Here t its annual retreat in May, the OWLS a senior county counsel for Clackamas Consider advertising Aboard selected new OWLS officers, County, joins the executive committee in the OWLS AdvanceSheet. who serve from May 2009 to April 2010. as historian. All OWLS officers are also Sharing the role of president are Gwyn members of the board. Your ad will reach McAlpine, an associate at Perkins Coie, The newly elected and re-elected OWLS and Heather Van Meter, an attorney at board members are Hon. Frances Roberts 1500 attorneys, judges, Williams Kastner. Both are located in Burge from Roseburg; Dana Forman, and others who support Portland. Gwyn previously served as co– Maiya Hall, Kendra Matthews, Hon. Julia Oregon Women Lawyers. vice president and treasurer of OWLS, Philbrook, and Hon. Youlee You, all from and Heather previously served as co– Portland; Heather Hepburn from Bend; Affordable rates. vice president and secretary. Concetta and Kate Weatherly from Eugene. Design services available. Schwesinger, the district attorney liaison Board members continuing their ser- to the Oregon child support program in vice are Cynthia Fraser, Shari Gregory, Contact us at 503.595.7831 or Marion County, remains on the executive Cashauna Hill, Linda Meng, and Hon. [email protected]. committee, moving from treasurer to Katherine Tennyson, all from Portland; vice president. Shannon Terry from Salem; and Jane Megan Livermore joins the executive Yates from Eugene. Advertising supports OWLS’ work committee as treasurer, and Heather OWLS extends gratitude to outgoing to transform the practice of law Weigler joins as secretary. Megan is an board members Alice Bartelt, Nancy Cook, and ensure justice and equality by associate with Gaydos, Churnside & Bal- Julia Markley, Hon. Adrienne Nelson, and advancing women and minorities throp in Eugene. Heather is an assistant Leslie W. O’Leary. OWLS also thanks Laura in the legal profession. attorney general with the Charitable Caldera Taylor, outgoing board president Activities Section of the Oregon Depart- and an associate at Bullivant Houser Bai- ment of Justice. Kathleen Hansa Rastetter, ley, for her dedicated service.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 SUMMER 2009