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Published Quarterly by Women Lawyers Volume 29, No. 1 Winter 2018 The Honorable Appointed to WLS congratulates Justice Adrienne Nelson When Justice Nelson on her appointment to the Oregon Su- graduated from high Opreme Court, which took effect January 2. school in Arkansas Justice Nelson moved to the Supreme Court in 1985, she had the from the Multnomah County Circuit Court, highest grade point In This Issue where she had served since 2006, having been average in her class appointed by former Gov. . Before and was thus slated to Justice Adrienne Nelson that, she was a lawyer at Multnomah Defenders, be the valedictorian, OWLS Fall CLE Inc. (1996–1999), the Portland law firm Bennett her school’s first vale- Hartman Morris & Kaplan (1999–2004), and dictorian of color. The President’s Message Portland State University’s Student Legal and school board decided, Upcoming OWLS Events Mediation Services (2004–2006). She earned a however, to bestow Justice Adrienne Nelson Councilor Jaimie Fender bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas that honor on someone who was white. Nelson’s and a law degree at the University of Texas. mother retained a law firm and filed suit, Justice Political Leadership Series Justice Nelson’s extensive community service Nelson was named valedictorian, and she decided Judge Fay Stetz-Waters currently includes chairing the board of Self En- to pursue a career in the law. Judge Danielle Hunsaker hancement, Inc. and serving on the Reed College Justice Nelson is the first African American to Gorge OWLS (GrOWLS) Board of Trustees and the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars serve on an appellate court in Oregon. She is, as Advisory Board. A longtime OWLS member, Jus- Gov. said when making the appoint- Roberts & Deiz Award Recipient tice Nelson has also served as an adjunct professor ment, “a widely respected civil rights champion, Workplace Leader at Lewis & Clark Law School and as president of whose perspective on the bench moves us closer Queen’s Bench Honors Judges Queen’s Bench, the Portland OWLS chapter. to our shared vision of justice for all.” Contract Lawyer Service Judges’ Forum: Hon. Susan Graber United We Stand, Divided We Fall OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter Judge Beth Bagley Dispatches from the OWLS Fall CLE Lane County Event By Rebecca Guptill Chapter Summit WLS members from around the state Arnwine poignantly described how our nation’s united on Friday, October 27, for an history and resulting vestiges of past structural Career Strategies for Introverts inspiring and informative CLE program racism continue to affect our policies today. As a OSB Awards to OWLS Members O tackling several diversity-related issues. result, she warned that the legal community must Working Parents Committee Barbara Arnwine kicked off the CLE with a call remain vigilant at identifying and counteracting OGALLA Gala to action. “If we don’t affirm each other, then policies, structures, and laws that continue to tilt how can we be affirmed?” asked Arnwine. “We the scales of justice. Book Review: Just Mercy need to embrace each other. It is most critical to So where do we go from here? Can we imag- Dragonflies be unified and take action.” Arnwine stated that ine the “what ifs,” Arnwine asked: What if we Susan Pitchford this is the first time in her life that lawyers are can reenvision and reimagine the concept of being seen as the heroes in our society, describing justice? What if we built “community mediation Thank You the numerous attorneys showing up at airports centers” instead of courthouses? What if strong to help immigrants and fight racist immigration police-recruitment policies could prevent the in- policies. It is key, she said, that we ask ourselves filtration of police forces by white supremacists? what we can do, particularly as women lawyers, What if Gideon’s Promise was the norm and to move the nation forward and help to disman- better indigent defense was provided? What if tle the racism of the past and replace it with a we had more social workers than police? What if future of justice. Continued on page 6

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 WINTER 2018 President’s Message appy equity and inclusion, and to promote the New advancement of women and minorities HYear! I within our profession, the political are- hope you and na, and the judiciary. OWLS held several your families networking events throughout the state had a won- with the goal of continuing to build a President Angela Franco Lucero derful holiday legal community that is ready and willing season. to advocate OWLS’ mission. Vice President, President-Elect Amber Hollister 2017 proved Statewide, OWLS chapters have in- Secretary to be a chal- vested their time and talents to build Hon. Allison Boomer lenging year a more equitable and inclusive legal Treasurer Angela Franco Lucero for many. profession and educate Oregon lawyers Megan Burgess Headline news about access-to-justice concerns. The Historian has often left me feeling discouraged, OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter (MLC) in Maya Crawford frustrated, and sometimes helpless. As I Salem was a leader in creating a new Board Members look back on the events of this past year, CourtCare program in Marion County, a Jacqueline Alarcón Maya Crawford however, I remain optimistic and hopeful service that provides childcare to people Sara Kobak for the year ahead. I am optimistic for with business at the courthouse so that Katharine Lozano our future because of the tremendous children are not exposed to conflict and Hon. Valeri Love Aruna Masih work that has been done this year by can experience a safe, child-friendly en- Jennifer Nicholls the Oregon legal community and OWLS vironment at the courthouse. The OWLS Kathryn Olney members. While my optimism may appear MLC also partnered with the Marion Yumi O’Neil Susan Pitchford naïve, I think it more accurately reflects County Bar Association and Legal Aid Adele Ridenour my philosophy that with struggle comes Services of Oregon to help educate and Kristin Sterling strength, courage, and perseverance. serve members of the Marion County Amanda Thorpe Val Tomasi In 2017, as a nation we witnessed the community on legal remedies for immi- Gloria Trainor implementation of a strict seven-country grant families. Past Presidents travel ban, the suspension of the DACA Lane County Women Lawyers recently Laura Craska Cooper program (Deferred Action for Childhood formed a Community Building Committee Elizabeth Tedesco Milesnick Kendra Matthews Arrivals), and rollbacks on legislation designed to provide monthly low-income Kathleen Rastetter impacting women’s rights and those of legal clinics to serve their local commu- Megan Livermore the LGBTQ community. These changes nity. OWLS welcomed a new chapter this Heather L. Weigler Concetta Schwesinger directly affect Oregonians and our legal past year, located in the Columbia River Gwyneth McAlpine community. Despite these challenges, I Gorge. The new chapter, better known Heather Van Meter have witnessed our community and OWLS as “GrOWLS,” has already proven to be Laura Caldera Taylor Kellie Johnson members unite to defend the rights of a much-needed and valued source of Norma S. Freitas our citizens, teach acceptance, and help support for women judges and attorneys Kate A. Wilkinson and inspire our fellow citizens to support working in Hood River and elsewhere in Jennifer K. De Wald Sarah J. Crooks and defend the rights of all Oregonians. the Gorge. Elizabeth Schwartz OWLS members have devoted time and Queen’s Bench remains a strong fix- Lori E. Deveny energy to help with DACA Renewal Day, ture in the Portland legal community by Debra Pilcher Velure Marilyn E. Litzenberger Refugee Adjustment Day, and the Home- offering its seminal monthly lunchtime Teresa M. Kraemer less Youth Law Clinic, and to help raise programing throughout the year. In 2018, Patricia L. Heatherman funds for the Campaign for Equal Justice Queen’s Bench will focus on educating Julie Levie Caron Phylis Chadwell Myles to support Oregon’s legal aid program, our legal community on challenges affect- Helle Rode to name just a few projects. ing refugees, attorneys with disabilities, Diana Craine Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Through the hard work of OWLS children with disabilities, women of color Agnes Sowle members, committees, and chapters in politics, victims of domestic violence, Katherine H. O’Neil across the state, this past year OWLS has and others. I look forward to attending Executive Director continued to strive to meet its mission to these talks. Linda Tomassi “transform the practice of law and ensure In sum, even though 2017 brought executivedirector@ oregonwomenlawyers.org justice and equality by advancing women difficulty and disappointment, I still have Editor and minorities in the legal profession.” much to be grateful for. I remain inspired [email protected] OWLS has offered varied programing by the OWLS membership and the great www.oregonwomenlawyers.org designed to promote conversations about Continued on page 3

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 2018 Upcoming OWLS Events

Weekend of Service with OWLS Contract Lawyers GrOWLS OWLS Working Parents Committee and Sole Practitioners Portland Portland First Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m. Monday, January 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays: January 19, February 16, Hood River or The Dalles Community Garden Cleanup March 16, 12–1:30 p.m. Location varies. For details, contact East Portland OWLS Headquarters [email protected]. 121 SW Morrison St., Suite 1100 OWLS First Generation Joan Seitz Law Society Professionals Discussion Group OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter Roseburg Portland Pay Negotiation Panel First Tuesdays, noon Friday, January 19, noon Salem Daily Grind Café, 368 SE Jackson St. Multnomah County Courthouse Wednesday, February 14, 12:30–1:30 p.m. 1021 SW 4th Ave., #308 Willamette University College of Law Josephine County Women Lawyers Grants Pass OWLS Roberts & Deiz Awards Dinner First Wednesdays, noon Jaimie A. Fender & OWLS Foundation Fundraiser La Burrita, 1501 NE F St. on King City Council Portland Friday, March 16 Lawyers’ Association of Portland Art Museum Washington County OWLS & OAAP Hillsboro Second Mondays, noon–1 p.m. Women’s Wellness Retreat Surfside Resort, Cannon Beach Aybla Grill, 180 E Main St. Friday & Saturday, April 27 & 28 Third Wednesdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Registration: $90 Insomnia Coffee, 317 E Main St. Queen’s Bench Portland Second Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse WLS member Jaimie A. Fender was 1000 SW Third Ave. appointed to the City Council of OKing City in October. Councilor Fender, an associate at Robinson Tait in Durham, is also the Oregon New Lawyers Division 2017 Volunteer of the Year and the chair-elect of the OSB Military and Veterans Law Section. Her City Council appointment is through 2018, and she will run for election in November. President’s Message continued from page 2 work our members have done and con- tinue to do to improve our community. As we embark on the new year, OWLS will continue to take the lead on holding networking and educational opportuni- ties throughout the state so that we can Pacific Continental is now Columbia Bank. continue building communities ready and Your bank’s name might be changing, but rest assured, Columbia willing to advocate for change. I look Bank is still the right bank for your business. Find out more about forward to partnering with my fellow what Columbia Bank can do for you at stilltherightbank.com. OWLS members and specialty bar leaders to continue to create a more diverse and inclusive legal community.

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Angela Franco Lucero President, Oregon Women Lawyers

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 WINTER 2018 Political Leadership Series Features OWLS Members Vega Pederson and Fagan Appointed to Bench By Joslyn Keating n October, Gov. Kate Brown appointed OWLS member Fay Stetz-Waters to n October 11, the OWLS Leader- the Linn County Circuit Court, and in ship Committee welcomed Jessica I November, Gov. Brown appointed OWLS Vega Pederson, a Multnomah O member Danielle Hunsaker to the Wash- County commissioner and a former ington County Circuit Court. state legislator, and , a Judge Stetz-Waters “brings the former state legislator and a candidate experience for the Oregon Senate in 2018, to lead of a marine, a discussion about pathways to political a civil rights leadership positions for underrepresent- investigator, ed groups. The speakers encouraged and an admin- attendees to find a cause meaningful Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, istrative law to their lives and pursue a political path former Rep. Shemia Fagan (right) judge to the suited to championing that cause. For Linn County Commissioner Vega Pederson, the de- committee. They encouraged attorneys, bench,” Gov. plorable condition of her neighborhood especially women attorneys, to run for Brown said. streets and sidewalks motivated her to office. Women leaders help chip away “She will be first get involved in her neighborhood at the barriers that sometimes make balanced, fair, association. Fagan was driven to run for running for office difficult for women, Judge Fay Stetz-Waters and compas- a seat in the Oregon House by her own like administrative practices that conflict sionate—and also tough—as a trial court family experiences and her desire to help with caring for a child. Having more judge.” A graduate of Lewis & Clark Law real people. women in office makes the path to School, Judge Stetz-Waters has served as The speakers suggested that people leadership easier for the next generation president of Linn-Benton Women Law- interested in running for office could of women officeholders. Fagan pointed yers, vice president of the Linn-Benton start small to build up experience and out that attorneys are especially inclined Bar Association, and a board member of credibility, by volunteering, for exam- toward public office because they are the Center Against Rape and Domestic ple, or joining a community advisory comfortable fighting tough battles while Violence. remaining professional. This makes them Judge Hunsaker “will bring a genuine productive politicians. expertise in Vega Pederson and Fagan emphasized complex civil that there is no perfect time to run for litigation to office, especially for legal professionals the Washing- with busy professional and personal lives. ton County But with a strong support structure, pub- bench,” Gov. lic office is attainable for any motivated Brown said. candidate. Judge Hunsa- Joslyn Keating is an attorney for Cummins ker earned a Goodman Denley & Vickers in Newberg. law degree at She represents employers and businesses. the University of Idaho and Judge Danielle Hunsaker clerked for judges on the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal and the federal district court in Oregon. At the time of her ap- pointment, she was a partner at Larkins Creative Approaches Vacura Kayser in Portland, an adjunct to Complex Problems professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, and president of the Washington County © Bar Association. • Best Lawyers in America 2006 – 2016 • Oregon Super Lawyers© 2005 – 2016 • Oregon Mediation “Lawyer of the Year,” Best Lawyers® For more information • National Association of Distinguished Neutrals© Enjoying the Gorge OWLS (GrOWLS) about OWLS chapters and holiday party on Dec. 6 in Hood River activities, please visit www. 503-222-5949 are (from left) GrOWLS Secretary Bernice www.Susan-Hammer.com Melamud, Treasurer Diana McDougle, oregonwomenlawyers.org. and President Carrie Benson. To join GrOWLS, email [email protected].

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 WINTER 2018 Chanpone Sinlapasai Okamura to Receive OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award at March 16 Event By Nadia Dahab hanpone Sinlapasai Okamura, the civil rights of some of the most vul- of Marandas Sinlapasai, PC, is nerable members of our society—from Cthe 2018 recipient of the OWLS advocating for crime victims to fighting Roberts & Deiz Award. Chanpone will for immigrants and refugees throughout be honored at the 26th annual Roberts our state and across the country. She & Deiz Award celebration on March 16 represents children, domestic violence at the Portland Art Museum. survivors, and victims of violent crimes Last month, we announced that 2018 and human trafficking. Her colleagues marks the beginning of a new era in the describe her as working tirelessly to OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award. Until this advocate for vulnerable populations of year, OWLS has presented separately undocumented immigrants, particularly the Justice Award and the in this era of rapid change to immigration Judge Mercedes Deiz Award, recognizing enforcement policies and practices. one individual as the recipient of each Chanpone is herself an immigrant, in 2002 as a member of the Cornelius award. That format, however, raised which drives her work in Oregon’s immi- Honor Society. some concerns for us and members of grant community. Born in Laos, Chanpone Since graduating from Lewis & Clark, our community about implicit and struc- and her family fled their war-torn country Chanpone has effected tremendous tural biases that the format created or when she was an infant and were forced change in the communities in which she allowed to persist. To address those biases to live in a refugee camp in Thailand. has worked. She has played a crucial in a way that we believe maintains the When she was five, Chanpone’s family role in building relationships with and integrity of the awards and the spirits resettled as refugees in the United States. between crime prevention partners and of both Justice Roberts and Judge Deiz, She grew up in Northern California, agencies, including the FBI, the United we have restructured both the awards earning her undergraduate degrees from States Department of Justice, and local and the nomination process. This year, Santa Clara University. Chanpone attend- law enforcement agencies. She serves as and in years to come, OWLS will present ed Lewis & Clark Law School, graduating Continued on page 6 a single award: the OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award. The OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award will be presented each year to one or more individuals who will be selected based upon their outstanding personal and professional contributions to promoting non-dominant cultures in our legal community. The OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award honors the legacies of both Justice Bet- ty Roberts and Judge Mercedes Deiz as promoters of those from non-dominant cultures, including women, people of color, LGBTQ, and those with disabilities. Justice Roberts was a leader in Oregon politics, the first woman appointed to the Oregon appellate bench, and a beloved mentor and advocate to women lawyers. Judge Deiz was a trailblazer in our legal community, as the first black woman to practice law in Oregon and the first woman of color on the Oregon bench. She overcame racial bias throughout her career, and created opportunities for those who might otherwise be mar- ginalized by society to access career and legal resources. As an immigration attorney, Chanpone Sinlapasai Okamura lives and breathes the mission behind OWLS and the legacies honored through this award. She has dedicated her life’s work to protecting

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 WINTER 2018 OWLS Fall CLE continued from page 1 we eliminated profit from criminalization Barbara Arnwine,” and she lectures at “smart on instead of maintaining the “prison indus- Columbia University. For more informa- crime” and trial complex”? What if we eliminated tion on Arnwine’s impressive background, “embrace racially predatory practices in lending? see the Summer 2017 issue of the OWLS radical What if we had more museums than pris- AdvanceSheet. transfor- ons and our prisons became museums? Arnwine’s remarks were followed by mation” What if we could eliminate monetary two informative panels. The first, “Mass of the sys- profit from bail and end debtors prisons? Incarceration: The Civil Rights Issue of tem. Singh What if there could be real community Our Time,” consisted of three panelists, said that oversight of police? all of whom are with the Oregon Justice “silence The United States has 5% of the world’s Resource Center (OJRC): Bobbin Singh, and com- population, but nearly 25% of the world’s the founder and executive director; Julia placency prisoners.1 That prison population is Yoshimoto, director of the Women’s Jus- are more disproportionately made up of racial tice Project, which helps provide critical toxic than minorities. Arnwine said that our nation reentry legal services for incarcerated anything has the funds to do more, but we choose women; and Kate Gonsalves, the political else” and to spend our money on the wrong things, director. that we building more prisons rather than focus- The second panel, “Serving the Un- “must re- Julia Yoshimoto ing on prevention and social programs. derserved: The Impact of Immigration ject the “How do you intervene and change Law and Policies on Our Citizens and politics and vernacular of fear and anger.” the dynamics and the system?” asked Communities,” consisted of moderator Echoing Arnwine’s call to action, Singh Arnwine. Her answer is to promote civic and immigration attorney Chanpone Sin- said, “If you are wondering what you engagement and to get more involved lapasai Okamura of Marandas Sinlapasai, would have done during the civil rights by taking action. Arnwine encouraged PC, who is herself a refugee; and panelists movement, you are doing it right now.” the attendees to get involved, saying, attorney Helietta González Hernández, The Mass Incarceration panelists “¡Si se puede!” consul of protection and legal affairs for encouraged the audience to engage Arnwine regularly speaks about how to the Mexican Consulate’s Portland office; with local stakeholders such as district ignite change and inspire action with re- immigration attorney Anna Ciesielski attorneys and police, and to spread the gard to justice and equality. She currently of the Oregon Immigration Group; and word regarding the need to disrupt mass hosts a weekly hour-long radio show on Serena Stoudamire Wesley, the director incarceration and create meaningful Radio One called “Igniting Change with of equity and community engagement in reform, including by giving power back the Oregon Governor’s Office. to judges versus district attorneys and The Mass Incarceration panel em- ensuring pay parity for defense counsel. phasized the need to focus on better The Immigration Law and Policies solutions versus more punishment in the panel was also extremely informative. face of a system in which “those at the There has been a dramatic change with margins are in the crosshairs,” as stated by the current presidential administration Singh. According to Singh, we need to be Continued on page 7

Chanpone Sinlapasai Okamura continued from page 5 a force behind Refugee Adjustment Day protecting women and minorities and (RAD), an annual event in its tenth year does so in a way that inspires everyone that brings together nonprofits, volun- around her to continue to fight for the teers, and community members to help greater good. Every day Chanpone self- refugees adjust their immigration status lessly dedicates her time and energy to to become legal permanent residents. new lawyers, young lawyers, and future And, perhaps most visibly in our local lawyers, inspiring everyone around her Portland community, Chanpone mobi- to advocate as best they can for basic lized individuals and attorney volunteers human and civil rights. to welcome refugees to the Portland OWLS extends a tremendously heart- International Airport in the wake of the felt congratulations to Chanpone, and president’s travel ban. As noted by one of is grateful for the work that she does, her colleagues, Chanpone’s work reflects day in and day out, to help promote her creed, “We lift as we climb.” those of non-dominant cultures in the Chanpone exemplifies the qualities legal profession and in our community. Oregon Historical Society that we honor in both Justice Betty It is with great honor that we present 1200 SW Park Ave. Roberts and Judge Mercedes Deiz. She to Chanpone the 2018 OWLS Roberts & Portland, Oregon has provided leadership, mentorship, Deiz Award. www.ohs.org and guidance to vulnerable populations www.oregonblackpioneers.org and individuals of non-dominant cultures Nadia Dahab is an associate in the liti- in our community. She is devoted to gation group at Stoll Berne in Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 WINTER 2018 OWLS Fall CLE continued from page 6 from a focus on deportation based on The 2017 OWLS Workplace Leader criminal convictions to deportation of Award was presented to the Reynolds anyone with whom ICE comes into con- Law Firm. Accepting the award on tact who happens to lack the necessary Oct. 27 were (from left) Liz Carle, immigration status. This has resulted in Justin Wirth, Lorena Reynolds, and a great deal of fear and anxiety within Jamee Asher. the Latino community in Oregon. The Mexican Consulate assists any At the OWLS Fall CLE (below, from Spanish speaker, not just Mexican na- left): Back row: Kendra Matthews, Ann tionals, and can often assist if contacted Mercer, Liz Carle, Linda Tomassi; Front immediately after ICE has detained some- row: Maya Crawford, Angela Lucero, one. Ciesielski stated that video footage Barbara Arnwine, Lorena Reynolds of ICE contacts can be extremely benefi- cial in pushing back against current ICE policies. According to Stoudamire Wesley, the Governor’s Office is committed to Oregon’s refugees, immigrants, and re- ligious minorities, and Governor Brown renewed that commitment in February 2017 with Executive Order 17-04. Following the CLE, Judge Darleen Ortega presented the OWLS Workplace Leader Award to the Reynolds Law Firm, which is located in Corvallis. Lorena Reyn- olds, the firm’s founder, was present to A reception honoring Oregon wom- She is the acting chair of the Lawyers’ accept the award with some of her col- en judges followed the CLE and award Association of Washington County, the leagues. The firm is an excellent example presentations. Washington County OWLS chapter. of how a commitment to pro bono work, Rebecca Guptill is an attorney with the 1. “Commentary: The President’s Role in the representation of marginalized com- Harris Law Firm in Hillsboro, practicing Advancing Criminal Justice Reform,” Har- munities, and a workplace environment primarily in the area of family law. vard Law Review, 130 (January 2017): 816. that welcomes ideas can be not only successful, but an example to the entire legal community. To read more about the Reynolds Law Firm and why the OWLS Board of Directors awarded this honor Investment to the firm, at the recommendation of the OWLS Transformation Committee, troubles? see the article published in the Fall 2017 AdvanceSheet. To conclude the afternoon’s presenta- tions, Judge Jean Maurer spoke about the legacy of women judges in Oregon. The Oregon Women Judges project, spon- sored by OWLS and the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society, collects, preserves, and celebrates the histories and contributions of Oregon’s state and federal women judges. The project is currently in the process of creating a comprehensive website that will provide information on each of our state’s past and current woman judges. It is important, Judge Maurer said, to have a diverse bench with adequate female representation, both now and in the future. The Oregon Women Judges project is one way to inspire the next C AUGHEY ╫ RICKSON generation of women judges, just as M G E Judge Maurer made it a point to inspire Securities Claims & Investment Disputes young women who visited her courtroom to believe in themselves and envision 503-223-7555 | 65 SW Yamhill St., Ste 200, Portland 97204 | www.law7555.com themselves as judges.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 WINTER 2018 Queen’s Bench Honors Oregon’s Women Judges By Joslyn Keating ueen’s Bench honored Oregon’s serving on the Oregon Supreme Court Judge Anna Brown women judges at its annual hol- were women. (left) gave the Qiday luncheon on December 12. Judge Brown went on to venerate the keynote speech. Those Held at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland, careers of two trailblazing women judges. attending included the 2017 luncheon drew a larger crowd The first was the Honorable Jean Lewis, (from left) (below) Judge Pat McGuire, than any other in the luncheon’s 27-year a Portland native who was appointed Kristin Cornuelle, history. by Governor Mark Hatfield in 1961 as (bottom) Steve White, Early in the festivities, Queen’s Bench Oregon’s first female circuit court judge. and Angela Ferrer. presented a gift-wrapped novelty check Judge Brown next paid tribute to the for $500, representing its annual dona- Honorable Polly Higdon, who in 1983 tion, to Multnomah County CourtCare. became the first woman to serve on the OWLS President Angela Franco Lucero United States Bankruptcy Court for the then announced a restructuring of the District of Oregon. Justice Betty Roberts and Judge Mercedes Judge Brown then warmly welcomed Deiz Awards. Beginning in 2018, the two three newly appointed judges: Judge awards will be consolidated into one Ulanda Watkins, appointed to the Clack- and titled the “OWLS Roberts & Deiz amas County Circuit Court; Judge Patricia Award.” It will be given to one or more “Pat” McGuire, appointed to the Mult- individuals to recognize their commit- nomah County Circuit Court; and Judge ment to promoting women and others Fay Stetz-Waters, appointed to the Linn from non-dominant cultures in our legal County Circuit Court. Judge Brown said community. The crowd cheered enthu- that these appointments promote not siastically when Chanpone Sinlapasai only the perception of access to justice Okamura was announced as the 2018 but actual access to justice. The judges Judges for its efforts to develop a website recipient. are among only a handful of African to make the stories of women judges Senior U.S. District Judge Anna J. American women ever appointed to the more accessible to the public. The objec- Brown, who has served as a judge in Or- bench in Oregon. Judge Watkins is the tive is to inspire more girls, women law egon for over 25 years, was the keynote first African American to serve on the students, and women lawyers to pursue speaker. She delivered an uplifting speech bench outside of Multnomah County, judgeships. If they see women like them that began with a reflection on Oregon’s and the first woman of color to serve in sitting on the bench, they may be inspired progress toward gender equality in the Clackamas County. Judge Stetz-Waters is to pursue the same path. judiciary. She proudly announced that, as the first African American judge to serve To contribute to the Oregon Women of December 12, the number of women in Linn County. Judges project, contact Kendra Matthews who have served on Oregon’s state and Judge Brown emphasized that the legal at [email protected]. federal courts since 1859 is 147. Strikingly, community must continue to encourage Joslyn Keating is an attorney for Cummins 2017 also marked the first time in Oregon women and minorities to pursue judicial Goodman Denley & Vickers in Newberg. history that a majority of the justices positions. She lauded Oregon Women She represents employers and businesses. OWLS Contract Lawyers Discuss Marketing By Lora Keenan o people know who you are many options that could otherwise be and most people are likely to be flattered and what you do? Getting that overwhelming. Examples of marketing to be asked. Dmessage out is the heart of mar- goals range from inviting people to Finally, emphasize connection and keting. At its October 19 meeting, the write LinkedIn reviews to attending kindness. Thank your contacts and reach OWLS Contract Lawyer Service discussed a networking events to booking speaking out to your prospects, preferably in a variety of approaches to marketing one’s engagements. memorable way that reflects your per- services. The key to successful marketing, Traci also suggested “reverse engineer- sonality. And don’t forget to be kind to explained Traci Ray and Jessica Tim of ing” your marketing efforts: think of yourself. When you check off a marketing Barran Liebman, is knowing what you the top three ways you’d find a contract goal, reward yourself—even a small to- do—and then making sure other people lawyer if you were the client, and then ken (chocolate, anyone?) celebrates the know it, too. focus your efforts on making yourself accomplishment and encourages you to To get that message out, pick realistic, “findable” in those three ways. Another take the next step. achievable goals that work for you. Traci approach to finding clients is to reach Lora Keenan is a legal writing trainer and is a fan of the “three goal” approach— out to people who do what you want to coach, the writing specialist at Lewis & choosing three goals for the next month, do and ask what works for them. We’re Clark Law School, and a freelance appel- quarter, and year—explaining that a lucky to work in a supportive community, late lawyer. She co-coordinates the OWLS shorter list helps us triage among the Contract Lawyer Service meetings.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 WINTER 2018 In Praise of Mentors sonnets, mu- THE JUDGES’ FORUM sic, and art. hen I entered Yale Law School He was one in 1969, fewer than 5% of of the first WAmerican lawyers were women. to encourage Fewer than one in ten of my law school my secret am- classmates were female, which was typ- bition to be- ical; nationwide, women comprised only come a judge. 7.2% of first-year law students. All of my Two men- classes were taught by men; only one By Judge Susan P. Graber tors were in- woman served on the Yale law faculty at Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals strumental that time, but I did not take a class from in welcoming Judge Susan P. Graber her. Major law firms were just beginning My early successes came about through me to the le- to hire women for entry-level lawyer the mentorship of enlightened men, gal professional world here in Oregon. positions, and all partners at major law because so few women held positions In the summer of 1970, Sidney Lezak firms were men. of power. A few were close to home: My hired me as the first female law clerk in Now, in 2017, 36% of lawyers in the father, Julius Graber, believed that his the United States Attorney’s Office for United States are women. Importantly, daughters could accomplish whatever the District of Oregon. He introduced women have achieved near parity in we set out to do. A family friend, Tom me to many lawyers and judges in the participation in most (though not all) Reis, paid for my college and law school community and encouraged me to return aspects of the legal profession. In law education because he concluded that I to Oregon. Harry Chandler later hired me school, for example, about half of all could make a difference in the world. at Davies Biggs (now Stoel Rives) as the first-year students and nearly half of the My husband, Bill June, encouraged all first female labor/employment lawyer, faculty are women. The same is largely my ambitions and retired, while I was and he immediately gave me extensive true in private practice: about half of serving on the Oregon Supreme Court, responsibilities. starting lawyers at law firms are women, to raise our then-infant daughter as a And two Oregon mentors were in- though women hold fewer than a quar- stay-at-home dad. strumental in my development as an ter of partnerships. Some courts have While in law school, I had the privilege appellate judge. Chief Judge George more female judges than male judges. to become close to my constitutional law Joseph of the Oregon Court of Appeals The American Bar Association elected a professor, Charles Black. We discussed and Chief Justice Edwin Peterson of the woman of color as its president in 2014 everything from the Commerce Clause to Continued on page 10 and has since added to its presidential ranks two more women. How have women become leaders in the law, and how can we ensure that diverse leadership in the profession will continue in the future? One key, in my view, lies in the role of mentors. The very first mentor was a woman or, more precisely, as we sometimes like to think of ourselves, a goddess. In Homer’s Odyssey, Mentor was an old man and a friend of Odysseus. When he left to fight in the Trojan War, Odysseus asked Mentor to look after his son Telemachus. The goddess Athena visited Telemachus, dis- MEDIATION guised as Mentor to hide herself from the A RBITR A TION suitors of Telemachus’s mother. Disguised as Mentor, Athena gave Telemachus en- couragement and practical advice about 25 years civil and criminal how to deal with his personal challenges. trial experience. Hence the name Mentor became the noun mentor to mean someone who imparts wisdom to, nurtures the profes- sional or personal development of, and shares knowledge with, a less experienced colleague or friend. MULLEN ADR My own mentors were mortal but just [email protected] as helpful. Their assistance and guidance have been indispensable to my career. So 503-901-6199 many wonderful people have helped and taught me along the way that I cannot Molly Jo Mullen possibly list all of my mentors, but several stand out.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 WINTER 2018 In Praise of Mentors continued from page 9 Oregon Supreme Court were more than are likely to remain a key feature of the during my years at Stoel Rives is of the day colleagues; they truly welcomed me and legal profession. Many formal mento- when a less experienced lawyer, similarly, took the time to advise me helpfully on ring programs also now exist, as legal asked if he could shadow me and learn everything from processing paperwork organizations such as bar associations, the ropes. I, too, was eager to oblige. to writing to analyzing cases from the specialized groups, law schools, and law Experienced lawyers: you are role courts’ perspective. firms have recognized that mentorships models, even when you aren’t aware of The support of female mentors, provide an excellent mechanism for it. You mentor in small ways whenever though, has played a special part in my assisting with the career development you work with a less experienced lawyer life. My mother, Bertha Graber, encour- of newly minted lawyers. For example, and make suggestions. Be conscious of aged education and saw no barriers to in 2011, the Oregon State Bar and the your status as a mentor; embrace it; and her daughters’ accomplishments. The Oregon Supreme Court launched the New consider participating in, or establishing, women of Oregon Women Lawyers and Lawyer Mentoring Program. a more formal mentoring program in your the Oregon Women’s Political Caucus New lawyers: Whatever your area of community or workplace. gave practical advice and moral support practice, wherever you live and work, I relish the opportunity to teach (and along the way. And of course I am ever whatever you seek to attain, you will ben- to learn from) the idealistic new lawyers grateful for the guidance and wisdom efit from having a mentor. How can you who serve as my clerks. They reflect the of the incomparable Betty Roberts, who acquire a mentor if a relationship does changing face of our profession: women served as the first woman on the Oregon not grow naturally out of your situation? and men of differing ethnicity, national Supreme Court. Justice Betty Roberts as- Ask! Don’t be afraid to seek help, either origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, sisted me in many ways, from giving me on a specific matter or more generally. socioeconomic background, and educa- courage to step onto the electoral stage, Experienced lawyers (and others) usually tion. Giving to the next generation of to contributing the filing fee in my first are flattered to be asked for advice. lawyers, in whatever way fits with your state-court judicial race, to introducing When I was starting out in private position and personality, is one of the me to a diverse network of supportive practice in a small firm in Santa Fe, New most rewarding experiences that you lawyers, to advising me on the details Mexico, I found the idea of trying a case can have. Through it, you will impart of campaigning. to be utterly daunting. So I requested the values of the legal profession and My own experiences arose through in- that one of the partners teach me how. ensure that our profession will benefit formal means of networking and obtain- He was eager to oblige. from diverse leadership of which we all ing assistance, and informal mentorships One of my most enduring memories can be proud.

Mary Leonard Chapter Co-hosts Luncheon The Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation, the 501(c)(3) sister organization to OWLS, is proud to focus on educating and supporting women and minorities in order Thank You to further their access to and participation for Supporting in the justice system. the We fund the Armonica Law Student Book Grant, the Vernellia R. Randall Bar OREGON Exam Grant, the Justice Betty Roberts WOMEN Leadership Conference Grant, and the LAWYERS Janis Hardman Medical Support Grant. To learn more about the Foundation, On Oct. 31, the OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter hosted its annual New Admittee FOUNDATION our grants, or to donate, please visit Luncheon with the Marion County Bar owlsfoundation.org. Association and the Willamette Valley American Inn of Court. The luncheon celebrated lawyers who were admitted in 2017 to the Oregon State Bar and provided an opportunity to network (and show off Halloween costumes). The Honorable Adrienne Nelson delivered the keynote address. Enjoying the event are (clockwise from top left) chapter President-elect Rachel Hungerford, Joel Hungerford, and new admittees Josanne Jeremiah and Kayla Wardrup.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2018 Meet Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge Beth Bagley By Nora Coon he Honorable Beth Bagley’s first that the proceeding—however it turned encounter with lawyers wasn’t out—was fair. Texactly auspicious. During her According to Judge Bagley, both Or- final year of college, she interned at a egon Women Lawyers and the Oregon small personal injury firm. “My intern- Asian Pacific American Bar Association ship,” she recalls, “involved nothing more (OAPABA) have offered her “an incred- than being an office clerk for free. One ible amount of support over the years.” day the filing cabinet fell on top of me Both organizations provided resources and they were terrified I would sue them during her career as a lawyer, especially . . . for my personal injury.” Despite that on her road to the bench. Judge Bagley painful first experience, Judge Bagley encourages all lawyers, particularly new persevered, and now she is beginning her lawyers, to get involved with OWLS, fifth year as a Deschutes County Circuit OAPABA, and similar organizations. As Judge Beth Bagley Court judge. a young law student in Minnesota, she When Judge Bagley was growing up, lacked guidance and didn’t know where the Bar or informally with lawyers you her grandmother told her there were to look; she says that OWLS and OAPABA admire and respect in your field—and to three worthwhile professions: medicine, are opportunities for community and create and nurture balance in your life.” engineering, and law. But law was hardly mentorship that also help lawyers “form When Judge Bagley is not working, a foregone conclusion; rather, with a lasting professional connections and she enjoys the “bounty of outdoor recre- brand-new political science degree and friendships.” ation that Deschutes County has to offer: no jobs in sight, she turned to law school Judge Bagley offers these words of cross-country skiing, paddle boarding, “to bide more time as a continuing stu- wisdom for young lawyers: floating the Deschutes River, trail run- dent.” Her first two years of law school “I think following your heart and ning with friends, hiking, camping and brought little clarity, as she felt out of doing meaningful work is so important. attending my kids’ sporting events all place in the large lecture halls and frus- My advice to young lawyers, especially over the state.” trated that professors seemed to have no women, is to seek out and form commu- Nora Coon is a law clerk to Judge Robyn practical knowledge to impart. It was only nity with others, to develop relationships Ridler Aoyagi of the Oregon Court of when she first stepped into a courtroom, with mentors—either formally through Appeals. in a third-year trial practice class, that her path became clear: she wanted to be a trial attorney. A California resident who traveled to Minnesota for law school, Judge Bagley came to Oregon after graduation with AMATO MEDIATION a U-Haul and a fellow law student who happened to be her future husband. She says it’s the best decision she’s ever made. Once in Oregon, Judge Bagley began her career as a trial lawyer, “practicing law be- fore judges who were (and are) brilliant legal minds. They were also exacting, and demanded nothing short of excellence LISA AMATO from the attorneys in their courtroom.” DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES She credits those experiences with her development as a lawyer. And it was the TELE 503.789.3262 example of those judges that inspired her to seek judicial office. “It was plain EMAIL [email protected] to see that whatever their decision—big WEB amatomediation.com or small—it always made a difference in someone’s life.” MEDIATION • ARBITRATION Judge Bagley says that the most mean- ingful moments in her judicial career are “the moments that allow me to see the difference a judge can make in the lives of others, how a judge can impact a person’s view and understanding of the fairness of our judiciary.” She wants the litigants who appear before her to feel that they have been heard and understood and

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 WINTER 2018 Lane County Event: The Art of the Possible OWLS Chapter By Kimberly Koops-Wrabek Summit n October 27, Lane County Women Lawyers joined with U.S. District Court Judge , the University of Oregon School of Law’s Center for Career By Jennifer Nicholls OPlanning and Professional Development, the UO Women’s Law Forum, and the n October 27 in Portland, 26 Federal Bar Association to present “The Art of the Possible: Harnessing Innovation leaders representing seven OWLS and Creativity to Unlock Professional Potential.” Designed to inspire law students and Ochapters attended the fourth an- new lawyers to think creatively and use innovation to build their careers, the event nual OWLS Chapter Summit. As in prior featured a diverse group of lawyers from a wide range of practice areas, professions, years, the summit was held immediately and geographic locations. It also served to welcome and honor the two newest before the annual OWLS Fall CLE. justices on the Oregon Supreme Court, Justices and . This year, the summit explored the topic Over 180 attendees enjoyed lunch and opening remarks by Judge Aiken. Carmen of empowering and engaging members Voillequé, CEO of Best Practices Media and co-founder of Strategic Arts and Scienc- at the local level. The event began with es, served as the keynote speaker during lunch. Her address, titled “It’s Your Life’s a keynote address delivered by OWLS Work: Make It Work for You,” set an inspirational tone for the afternoon’s panel member Rima Ghandour. presentations, which included judges from the circuit and trial court benches, law Following the keynote, representa- firm partners, and government attorneys focused on both civil and criminal practice. tives of the Mary Leonard Chapter and Panelists shared valuable insights on ways to attain personal and professional success Cascade Women Lawyers spoke about while giving back to the community. the success each chapter has had in A reception followed, with remarks from Michael Callier, a nationally recognized recent years increasing local member thought leader in legal innovation, who spoke about the importance of using inno- engagement. Tiffany Hamilton described vation and creativity throughout one’s career. UO Law Dean Marcilynn Burke then the Mary Leonard Chapter board’s work thanked the speakers for inspiring law students and alumni to think strategically to complete a strategic review of goals and innovatively about their careers. and programming. This review led to Kimberly Koops-Wrabek is a public law and policy fellow and 2L at the University new programming that has been well of Oregon School of Law. received by members, as indicated by the significant increase in participation in chapter events. Kathryn Olney spoke about the efforts of Cascade Women Lawyers to increase local participation. Kathryn and Queen’s Bench member Anne Milligan then described ways that their chapters have used social media to engage members. Attendees especially enjoyed Anne’s list of different ways to use Facebook to market events. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie Beckerman emceed the event. The fourth annual OWLS Chapter Sum- mit was organized by Judge Beckerman, Ericka Langone, Rebecca Guptill, and Jennifer Nicholls, and was generously supported by the OWLS Foundation. The Oregon Supreme Court Justices Rebecca Duncan (left) and Meagan Flynn address the fifth annual OWLS Chapter Summit will crowd at the October 27 event in Eugene. be held immediately before the 2018 OWLS Fall CLE. All chapter leaders and Need help with a big case? Want to take a vacation? those interested in chapter affairs are Contact the OWLS Contract Lawyer Service. We can help! welcome to attend. For more information about chapter activities, please visit www. oregonwomenlawyers.org/chapters/. Contact us with project/job information. Jennifer Nicholls, a partner at Brophy We immediately post the announcement to our Schmor in Medford, serves on the OWLS contract lawyer listserve. You are promptly contacted Board of Directors. by contract lawyers who meet your criteria. No fee to post jobs or projects. You pay the contract lawyer you hire. OWLS contract lawyers are statewide. Many levels of experience. Many types of expertise.

FForor momorere iinformationnformation oorr ttoo ppostost a jjob,ob, contactcontact CassondraDiane R Sumrallynerso nat: 50503.841.57203.841.5720 oror [email protected]@oregonwomenlawyers.org

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 WINTER 2018 Career Strategies for Introverts By Susanne Aronowitz n October 25, Perkins Coie partner and considers all the options. She tends techniques, such as relaxing your gaze, Sarah Crooks joined Shari Greg- to exude a sense of calm during times which signals to your brain that you are Oory, the assistant director of the of crisis, which likely instills a sense of not under threat, or focusing on your Oregon Attorney Assistance Program, confidence in those around her. breathing. Both of these techniques can for a teleconference for OWLS members Sarah also described some routines that be done discreetly and help you regain titled “Career Strategies for Introverts.” she relies on to recharge her energy on your equilibrium quickly. The program was the first to come from the weekends. She has a Sunday morning Shari reminded participants to recog- a new OWLS working group focused ritual of enjoying tea while reading the nize the strengths they bring as introverts on helping introverts succeed in the New York Times, and she also attributes to their organizations and their clients. profession. exercising, listening to podcasts, and In her experience, people who identify According to Susan Cain, the author reading books as a way to reclaim some as introverts are seen as more deliberate of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a much-needed solitary time. and thoughtful with their words and World That Can’t Stop Talking, introverts Shari Gregory expanded on Sarah’s actions, and are effective listeners. As have “a preference for quiet, minimally strategies by discussing additional ap- lawyers, this ability to earn the trust of stimulating environments. . . . Shyness proaches introverts can use in challenging colleagues, clients, judges, and opponents and introversion are not the same thing. work and networking situations. She is invaluable. Shyness is the fear of negative judgment, reminded us to have compassion for our- The OWLS Introvert Working Group and introversion is a preference for quiet, selves; rather than becoming frustrated is considering additional programs for minimally stimulating environments.”1 when we feel drained or overwhelmed, OWLS members. If you are interested Cain has observed a cultural bias that we should treat ourselves with more in getting involved in the group, send a favors extroverts, and this is true for grace and understanding. All of us message to OWLS at admincoordinator@ lawyers, too. “Studies show that we operate on a continuum between intro- oregonwomenlawyers.org. rank fast and frequent talkers as more version and extroversion, and our own Susanne Aronowitz is a career coach competent, likable, and even smarter preferences might fluctuate depending based in Portland. than slow ones.”2 on the situation. It may come as a surprise that Sarah If you find yourself feeling stressed 1. Susan Cain, “Are You Shy, Introverted, Crooks, who has a complex business lit- at work or at networking events, Shari Both, or Neither (and Why Does it Matter)?” igation practice and currently serves as recommended a few simple relaxation 2. Id. the managing partner of Perkins Coie’s Portland office, identifies as an introvert. After describing her career trajectory from legal aid to several judicial clerkships to her work at Perkins Coie, she revealed several strategies she uses to support her long-term success. Sarah has developed several ways to create the space she needs to concentrate on her work and replenish her energy. When she’s in trial, she prioritizes walk- ing alone between the courthouse and her office in Portland’s Pearl District as New Year, a way to clear her mind and prepare for New Leadership the day’s work and then to decompress at the end of a court day. When she at- tends networking events, she focuses on having a few meaningful conversations rather than “working the room.” Never- theless, she’s developed a few tactics to make crowded events as comfortable as We are thrilled to congratulate Kirstin Abel as Bodyfelt’s new managing partner! possible: she’ll position herself with her back to a pillar or wall near the periphery Kirstin’s legal talent, determination, and passion for leadership will serve us all of the room to avoid the crowds that well. A huge thank you to Deanna Wray for guiding the firm for the past five years. typically form near the bar, and she’ll In 2018, Deanna (and Kirstin) will continue to stand up for people and try cases. wear eye-catching jewelry that invites others to initiate conversation with her. As managing partner, Sarah has found that being an introvert has helped her cultivate an effective leadership style. BodyfeltMount.com She is deliberate in her decision making, 503.243.1022 listens carefully to understand an issue,

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 WINTER 2018 Six OWLS Members Receive Awards from Oregon State Bar By Teresa Statler ix OWLS members received awards Marion County Circuit Judge Mary from the Oregon State Bar at its Merten James, on behalf of the Oregon Sannual awards luncheon held on Bench & Bar Commission on Profession- November 8. Each year, the OSB honors alism, presented the Edwin J. Peterson a select group of lawyers and judges who Professionalism Award to Julia Hagan. have made outstanding contributions to Julia, who practices family law at Gevurtz the community and the profession. OSB Menashe in Portland, was honored for President Michael Levelle presided and being “the model of an exceptional gave out the awards. lawyer,” someone who holds herself to The President’s Membership Service the “highest level of professional stan- Award was given to Erin N. Dawson. Erin dards in law and life,” Judge James said. practices at the Portland firm Parsons Julia mentors younger lawyers through Farnell & Grein. Erin was nominated for OWLS’ Family Law Mentoring Circle, this award by the Honorable Jill Tanner, and Judge James noted Julia’s “calming who said that Erin “epitomizes the ideal influence” on both her clients and other volunteer” and that she has a “can-do lawyers. Julia also does pro bono work, attitude [and] brings out the best in is an active church and school volunteer, others.” Erin has been an active volunteer is an OSB House of Delegates member, with several bar groups since she was a and has served on bar committees. Julia law student, including the OWLS Mary received a standing ovation from the Leonard Chapter, the OSB’s New Lawyer luncheon crowd. Mentoring Program, the Marion County Rima Ghandour and Diane Schwartz Bar Association, and the Campaign for Sykes were both awarded the President’s Equal Justice. Diversity & Inclusion Award. President Sheryl Balthrop and Theressa Hollis Levelle noted Rima’s long history of advo- both received the President’s Public Ser- cating for the most vulnerable members vice Award. Sheryl, a family and business of our society and her focus on promot- lawyer in Eugene, was honored for her ing diversity and ensuring that minority Clockwise from top left: Rima Ghandour, extensive involvement in helping those voices are heard in our communities. He Diane Schwartz Sykes, Sheryl Balthrop, in need. She has volunteered with Shelter lauded her organizational skills in getting Theressa Hollis, Erin Dawson, Julia Hagan Care in Lane County since 1992 and has lawyers to respond to the Trump adminis- provided services to the city’s homeless tration’s January 2017 Muslim travel ban in Oregon. President Levelle described through her involvement with the Eugene by going to the Portland International her as always “poised and confident” Mission, including serving on its board of Airport to meet people as they arrived. and noted that she “practices what she directors. She received the Lane County Rima is also an active volunteer with preaches.” Diane has also served on Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award in 2012. the Arab-American Cultural Center. She various OSB committees, including the President Levelle described Theressa practices construction law, real estate, Diversity Committee. She, too, has her Hollis as “the volunteer every organi- and business litigation at Ghandour Law own law practice in Portland. zation wants.” Theressa has provided in Portland. OWLS congratulates these six women “hands on” pro bono legal services in Diane was recognized for her many on these well-deserved awards. the area of elder law since 1999. She is years of legal work, both at the Oregon Teresa Statler, chair of the AdvanceSheet a partner at Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Department of Justice and in private prac- Committee, has a solo law practice in Marmion in Portland. tice, for disenfranchised people of color Portland emphasizing immigration law.

Above: The OWLS Working Parents Committee met for lunch before the Fall CLE in Portland on Oct. 27. From left: Jennifer Meisberger, Lee Pritchard, Maya Crawford, Adrian Brown, Lindsay Kearl, and Charlotte Hodd. Right: OWLS board members, staff, students, and new friends enjoyed the OGALLA Gala on Oct. 20.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 WINTER 2018 Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption By Bryan Stevenson (Spiegel & Grau, 2014, 336 pages) Book Review by Bridget Budbill here is no shortage of books white woman in 1986, despite having a in 2013, was one of the more than 125 confronting critical questions dozen witnesses place him at a church fish wrongly convicted people on death row Tof fairness, prejudice, and the fry 11 miles from the crime scene when for whom Stevenson and his colleagues ways in which the legacies of slavery, the murder took place. A jury sentenced at the Equal Justice Initiative have won segregation, and racial and class disen- McMillian to life in prison. The judge relief. franchisement have stained the criminal (named Robert E. Lee Key) overrode the Many other stories in Just Mercy justice system. What sets Just Mercy apart jury’s sentencing verdict and imposed the chronicle Stevenson’s tireless work to is attorney Bryan Stevenson’s capacity to death penalty. By the time Stevenson won reform, among other practices, how child address these questions through the lens McMillian’s exoneration through a series offenders and the intellectually disabled of an individual’s humanity. To this end, of post-conviction appeals, McMillian had are treated while incarcerated. These pas- Stevenson extols the ideas that the “true spent more than six years on death row sages are no less poignant or powerful. measure of our character is how we treat for a crime he did not commit. During the Though ostensibly a memoir, Just the poor, the disfavored, the accused, appeals, Stevenson brought to light that Mercy shares relatively little information the incarcerated, and the condemned” prosecutors had withheld exculpatory about the parts of Stevenson’s life not and that “the opposite of poverty is not evidence, and the state’s witnesses had tethered to his social justice work. That wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.” lied on the stand. such advocacy is constant and consuming Perhaps no story better evokes those When Just Mercy was published, is clear. But after 30 years, Stevenson’s threads than that of Walter McMillian. three states—Delaware, Florida, and work has just begun. For those who seek McMillian was an African American man Alabama—allowed judicial override of a humanity in the justice system, Just Mercy from Monroe County, Alabama, (the jury’s life sentence, though the practice will ring like a clarion call. fictionalized setting of Harper Lee’sTo occurred with regularity only in Alabama. Bridget Budbill is a natural resources Kill a Mockingbird) who was wrongfully In the years since, all three states have attorney in the Office of General Counsel convicted of murdering an 18-year-old ended that practice. McMillian, who died of the Bonneville Power Administration. OWLS Dragonflies Bring Home Medals By Lindsey Craven he OWLS Dragonflies is a team of legally connected women pad- Tdling dragon boats and enjoying each other’s company. We had an amaz- ing 2017 race season, lining our walls with medals from all over the Northwest. Following an excellent recruitment early in the year, we started the season strong with a second-place finish at the St. Martin’s University race in Olympia, Washington, and a first-place win at the Rainier Dragon Boat Festival in Tacoma, Washington. We then braved the heat of a 100-degree day in Salem to bring home yet another first-place win in the World Beat Festival. In July we again pulled out a win at the The Dragonflies in Olympia, Washington, April 29, 2017 Kent Cornucopia Days festival, bringing home gold medals in the B Division. tive teams. We wrapped up the season Rose Festival races in June. Any women During August, the team took to dry land with a trip to Las Vegas, participating interested in coming out to see what all and put together a Hood-to-Coast walk- in the Rose Regatta race, a fundraiser the fun is about may contact team cap- ing group, while a few other members for Nevada-area hospitals and breast tain Lindsey Craven at lindsey.e.craven@ traveled to Eastern Oregon to paddle in cancer screening programs. Once again, gmail.com. the Seven Wonders Cup at Wallowa Lake. gold bling was added to the Dragonflies’ The Dragonflies would like to thank In September, at the major home race sparkly collection! our families, friends, and sponsors for in downtown Portland, the ‘Flies pulled Practices will start up again in late yet another wonderful season! out a surprising fourth-place win, put- January, as the team hits the water in an- Lindsey Craven runs the appellate depart- ting up a competitive showing against ticipation of another great season, which ment at Schneider, Kerr & Robichaux, a premier and internationally competi- will include paddling in the Portland Social Security disability firm in Portland.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 WINTER 2018 Meet OWLS Board Member Susan Pitchford By Stephanie Engelsman WLS board member Susan Pitch- to enact one. When she took leave to ciation (FBA) ford, a partner at the Chernoff bond with her newborn son, Chernoff and is presi- OVilhauer law firm in Portland, is Vilhauer supported her and made her a dent-elect of also a runner, a soccer mom, and a woman partner. Her boys are now in the 3rd and the FBA’s Fed- dedicated to community service. Susan 4th grades and enjoy swimming, soccer, eral Litigation believes that it is incumbent on us to do and Cub Scouts, and her youngest loves Section. our best to improve the practice of law, golf (which is a total surprise to Susan, as Susan’s ad- improve ourselves, and help others. “Be neither she nor her husband play). The vice to young grateful—and do something helpful” is firm’s dedication to the independence women law- a motto by which Susan lives. of each partner means that Susan has yers is to re- In 2001, while working as a family the flexibility to arrange her schedule member that law attorney with Gevurtz Menashe in to accommodate volunteering, family, you are re- Susan Pitchford Portland, Susan decided to go back to and work. sponsible for school and took night classes at Portland Susan credits her extremely supportive creating the life you want. “No one State University in electrical engineering. husband, Michael Beaty, as a reason she thought going from family law to patent She also prepared for and passed the can do as much as she does. As a lawyer law was going to be easy. It wasn’t, but patent law bar exam. When Susan joined himself, he understands the demands of it wasn’t impossible either. It took hard Chernoff Vilhauer in 2004, she was one the profession. Michael is the son of a work to prepare for a new area of law and of only a few female lawyers in field of single mom, and he learned, early on, the to find allies who could help open doors. patent law, and she is pleased to see more need to navigate the various schedules, For their help, I am truly grateful. And I women becoming patent attorneys. “I am demands, and pressures of parenthood want to be that ally for other women.” very grateful for the supportive attorneys, and full-time work. men and women, who encouraged me Susan has been an OWLS board mem- Stephanie Engelsman is an attorney with along the way.” ber for three years. She serves on the the Metropolitan Public Defender in When Susan and her husband decided Community Service and Leadership Com- Portland. She is part of its major felony to start a family, the firm had no offi- mittees. She is also on the board of the unit and also does “crimmigration” work cial family-leave policy, so she worked Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Asso- with MPD’s Padilla Project. Thank You OWLS thanks these OWLS members for renewing at an enhanced level.

Mary Anne Anderson (Portland) Amber A. Hollister (Tigard) Kathleen J. Rastetter (Oregon City) Kelly Battley (Portland) Sara Kobak (Portland) Adele Ridenour (Portland) Kathryn M. Belcher (Salem) Edie Lander (Portland) Meagan Robbins (Portland) Hon. Allison Boomer (Salem) Elizabeth M. Large (Portland) Nicole Schaefer (Portland) Adrian Lee Brown (Portland) Angela Franco Lucero (Lake Oswego) Candice Wilson Stayer Michele Buck-Romero (Portland) Tamara Maher (Portland) (Lake Oswego) Megan K. Burgess (Bend) Aruna Masih (Portland) Kayla Steindorf (Eugene) Carmen M. Calzacorta (Portland) Kendra M. Matthews (Portland) Kristin H. Sterling (Portland) Sally Rose Claycomb (Eugene) Linda Meng (Portland) Laura Caldera Taylor (Portland) Christine Coers-Mitchell (Portland) Christine N. Moore (Portland) Hon. Katherine E. Tennyson Laura Craska Cooper (Bend) Molly Jo Mullen (Portland) (Portland) Maya Crawford Peacock (Portland) Marsha J. Naegeli (Portland) Amanda C. Thorpe (Grants Pass) Christy Amber Doornink (Portland) Jennifer Nicholls (Medford) Heather J. Van Meter (Salem) Dana M. Forman (Portland) Emily Oberdorfer (Portland) Edie Van Ness (Rogoway) Tiffany R. Hamilton (Salem) Leslie W. O’Leary (Eugene) (Portland) Susan M. Hammer (Portland) M. Kathryn Olney (Bend) Stephanie Vardavas (Portland) Stephanie M. Harper (Portland) Susan Pitchford (Portland) Hon. Nan Waller (Portland) Meredith Holley (Eugene) Kathleen Profitt (Clackamas) Dr. Genevieve Weber (Milwaukie)

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 WINTER 2018