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Published Quarterly by Oregon Women Lawyers Volume 30, No. 1 Winter 2019 Fall CLE on Oregon Refugee Experience By Stephanie Engelsman n October 26, the OWLS Fall CLE took General Rosenblum said that in Oregon, “we place in the beautiful Mercy Corps build- welcome refugees: clearly, it is the right thing Oing in downtown Portland. The topic was to do.” She noted efforts now underway at the “Journey to America: Access to Justice and the federal level to drastically reduce the number Oregon Refugee Experience.” OWLS President of refugees allowed into the United States. The Amber Hollister welcomed new admittees and most recent figure—a maximum of 45,000 refu- In This Issue law students and thanked everyone for being gees allowed in in 2018—is the lowest number Fall CLE present to help welcome refugees. since the United States Refugee Act of 1980 was Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a enacted. The number will be capped at only Time’s Up Program founding member of OWLS and Oregon’s first 30,000 for 2019. President’s Message woman attorney general, made opening remarks, Attorney General Rosenblum reminded us that OWLS Members Win in Nov. listing notable refugees such as Albert Einstein, we are a nation of immigrants and that immi- Madeleine Albright, and Gloria Estefan. Attorney grants make us richer and stronger. This is why OSB Awards Continued on page 10 Upcoming OWLS Events Board Seeks Candidates Chapter Summit Panelists at the OWLS to Honor Judge Tennyson OWLS Fall CLE and Elisa Dozono included (left to right) Smoothing Path to Reentry Salah Ansary, Sunshine for Seniors Lee Po Cha, Jan Elfers, Annual Report Kelsey Keswani, Judges’ Forum and Fowzia Abdulle. Women’s Trial Academy Rogue Women Lawyers Save the Date: Time’s Up Program on May 8 Capitol Update eaders from Oregon’s specialty bar organizations are collaborat- OWLS for a Fresh Start CLE ing to produce a dynamic program entitled “Time’s Up Oregon: CLE on Indian Law LReckoning with Sexual Harassment in Oregon’s Legal Community.” With sponsorship by the Oregon State Bar Diversity & Inclusion Depart- Judge von Ter Stegge ment, this event will take place Wednesday, May 8, at the Benson Hotel Judge Kasubhai in Portland, starting at noon. Free Federal Law Clinic Multimedia programming will include a specially developed video presentation and speakers with expertise in developing tools to address Board Member Sara Kobak sexual harassment. The keynote speaker will be Tina Tchen, co-founder Queen’s Bench Luncheon of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, former chief of staff to FLOTUS Mary Leonard Chapter Obama, and executive director of the Council of Women and Girls under President Obama. Tina Tchen “The overwhelming majority of those who come forward with claims are telling the truth, and we need to believe them … not to vilify them, not to try to undermine their stories,” said Tchen in a September 2018 interview with the online news station Newsy. We “need the C suite involved” to address sexual harassment in the workplace, Tchen said. Join colleagues from Oregon’s specialty bars for this special lunch and afternoon programming as we take a much-needed look at the landscape of harassment laws, acknowledge stories of ha- rassment in Oregon’s legal community, and learn how to interrupt harassment in the workplace. The cost is $60, and $25 for those making $60k/year or less. It is free to law students, and limited scholarships are also available. For scholarship information, email [email protected].
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 WINTER 2019 President’s Message appy and people of color began attending New law school in larger numbers. In 1948, HYear! the Queen’s Bench was founded by 2019 is a year Portland-area women lawyers to en- in which we gage in the “promotion of professional celebrate an advancement, comradeship, and good President Amber Hollister important fellowship among women members of milestone for the legal profession.” One Queen’s Bench President-Elect Hon. Allison Boomer Oregon Wom- founder, Helen F. Althaus, reflected on Secretary en Lawyers— the environment for woman lawyers and Maya Crawford Peacock it has been recalled that when she accepted a job at a Treasurer Amber Hollister 30 years since law firm following her clerkship, she was Megan Burgess OWLS was cre- told that the firm would place only her Historian ated. Just over 30 years ago, trailblazing initials (not her name) on the firm’s door Jacqueline Alarcón women convened around a kitchen table because partners feared “a woman’s pres- Board Members to map out the creation of Oregon’s first ence might alienate clients.” Twelve years Sara Kobak Ericka Langone statewide organization to advocate for later, in 1960, Mercedes Deiz became the May Low women and minority lawyers in the legal first Black woman lawyer admitted to the Aruna Masih profession. Oregon State Bar. Jennifer Nicholls Kathryn Olney This year, OWLS is planning several In 1988, a Multnomah Bar Association Susan Pitchford opportunities for our members to cel- committee co-hosted a breakfast at the Adele Ridenour ebrate OWLS’ continued vitality in the OSB’s statewide convention with three Kristin Sterling Silvia Tanner legal community. In summer 2019, OWLS existing groups of women attorneys: Amanda Thorpe and its sister organization, the Oregon Queen’s Bench, Lane County Women Val Tomasi Women Lawyers Foundation, will co-host Lawyers, and the Mary Leonard Law So- Gloria Trainor Hon. Katharine von Ter Stegge a 30th Anniversary Celebration. OWLS ciety in Salem. Recognizing the common Past Presidents will also host a reception after the 2019 struggles faced by women and people Angela Franco Lucero Fall CLE to mark the occasion and honor outside the dominant culture in striving Laura Craska Cooper OWLS’ founding mothers. to succeed in the legal profession, attend- Elizabeth Tedesco Milesnick Kendra Matthews For those members seeking to memo- ees resolved to create OWLS—Oregon’s Kathleen Rastetter rialize their support of OWLS during this first statewide organization to advocate Megan Livermore special year, we are offering a special for women and minority lawyers in the Heather L. Weigler Concetta Schwesinger 30th Anniversary Roberts & Deiz Award legal profession. As OWLS founding Gwyneth McAlpine Dinner Platinum sponsorship opportunity. mother Justice Betty Roberts explained, Heather Van Meter Lawyers and firms that elect this level of OWLS was formed in part for the “sheer Laura Caldera Taylor Kellie Johnson enhanced support will be listed as Plati- camaraderie and support it will provide in Norma S. Freitas num Sponsors of both the 2019 Roberts a male-dominated profession.” Vernellia Kate A. Wilkinson & Deiz Award Dinner and the OWLS 30th Randall, a former OWLS vice president, Jennifer K. De Wald Sarah J. Crooks Anniversary Celebration. To secure a noted that she was motivated to take Elizabeth Schwartz sponsorship, please contact OWLS Head- a strong role in OWLS because of her Debra Pilcher Velure quarters for more information. frustrations with discrimination and her Marilyn E. Litzenberger Teresa M. Kraemer It is impossible to truly appreciate this hope that OWLS would take a strong Patricia L. Heatherman milestone without understanding the role in “removing sexist behavior from Julie Levie Caron long path that led to OWLS’ creation. all levels of the legal system.” Phylis Chadwell Myles Helle Rode The creation of OWLS as we now know it OWLS was incorporated in 1989 as a Diana Craine was a long time coming. The story might 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional associ- Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Agnes Sowle start on April 13, 1886, when, months ation with a mission to “transform the Katherine H. O’Neil after the Oregon legislature mandated practice of law and ensure justice and Executive Director the admission of women to the bar, Mary equality by advancing women and mi- Linda Tomassi Gysin Leonard became the first woman norities in the legal profession.” Soon, executivedirector@ admitted to the Oregon State Bar. It was founding president Katherine O’Neil oregonwomenlawyers.org not until 1903 that the first Black person, took the helm, and founding OWLS Editor Elise Gautier McCants Stewart, was finally admitted board members Jeanne Atkins, Kathryn S. [email protected] to the bar. Auguston, Nell Hoffman Bonaparte, Hon. www.oregonwomenlawyers.org Decades passed, in which women Nancy Campbell, Hon. Mercedes Deiz, gained the right to vote and women 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 2019 OWLS Members Receive OSB Awards ight of the 15 recipients of awards from the Oregon State Bar at its ENov. 7 awards luncheon were OWLS members. The OSB honored OWLS members with the following awards: Wallace P. Carson Jr. Award for Judi- cial Excellence: Hon. Youlee Yim You; President’s Membership Service Award: Hon. Beth A. Allen; President’s Diversity Judge Jennifer Chapman Judge Laura Cromwell Judge Debra Velure & Inclusion Award: Stella K. Manabe; OWLS Members Win in Nov. Election President’s Public Service Award: Laura M. Kerr and Lorena M. Reynolds; President’s By Joslyn Keating Technology & Innovation Award: Hon. everal OWLS members claimed victories in Oregon’s November general election. Ann Aiken; President’s Special Award of At the top of the ticket, Governor Kate Brown was reelected as the state’s chief Appreciation: Stephanie M. Palmblad; Sexecutive, a position she has held since February 2015. Incumbent Congress- the Oregon Bench & Bar Commission on woman Suzanne Bonamici was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Professionalism’s Edwin J. Peterson Pro- Oregon’s First Congressional District, having served in that position since January 2012. fessionalism Award: Stephanie L. Striffler. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Laura Cromwell retained her seat in a contested Congratulations, award recipients. election, having been appointed by Governor Brown in August 2018. Jennifer Chapman was elected to Position 2 on the Yamhill County Circuit Court. In uncontested elections, Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson, Court of Ap- President’s Message peals Judge Robyn Aoyagi, Clackamas County Circuit Court Judges Ulanda Watkins continued from page 2 and Ann Lininger, Lane County Circuit Court Judge Debra Velure, Crook/Jefferson Sandra Hansberger, Janice Krem, Corinne County Circuit Court Judge Daina Vitolins, Washington County Circuit Court Judge “Corky” Lai, Stephen R. Moore, Phylis Danielle Hunsaker, and Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katharine von Ter Myles, Mary Anne Peterson, Agnes M. Stegge retained their respective judicial positions. Peterson, Hon. Betty Roberts, Hon. Ellen Congratulations, all. Rosenblum, Ruth Spetter, Elizabeth S. Joslyn Keating is an attorney for Cummins Goodman Denley & Vickers in Newberg. Stockdale, Irene Bustillos Taylor, Celeste She represents employers and businesses. C. Whitewolf, and Ann Zeltmann got to work. The inaugural OWLS AdvanceSheet was published in fall 1989, and it is a fascinating 8-page snapshot of the time. LITIGATION SUPPORT The topics covered read like an OWLS playbook for years to come: techniques for using education to fight gender bias, owerful ways to successfully combine family and P career, preparing women to run for the judiciary, building leadership skills, ad- vocating on legislative issues that affect women, and strategizing ways to break the glass ceiling and attain partnership status. With its publication, OWLS became known as a force to be reckoned with in the Oregon legal community. Here we stand 30 years later, enriched by the contributions of so many OWLS leaders over the past three decades. Please join us this year as we celebrate OWLS’ successes and continue the signif- icant work we have yet to accomplish to create a legal community that welcomes and values each one of us.
Amber Hollister President, Oregon Women Lawyers
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 3 WINTER 2019 Photos: Joslyn Keating Chapter Summit eaders from OWLS chapters Upcoming OWLS Events across the state convened for the OWLS Contract Lawyer Time’s Up Oregon: Reckoning with Lannual OWLS chapter summit on October 26, held in Portland before the Discussion Group Sexual Harassment in Oregon’s OWLS Fall CLE. Shown above, from left, Portland Legal Community are Hon. Allison Boomer and Tiffany Friday, Jan. 18, noon Keynote Speaker: Tina Tchen Hamilton of the OWLS Mary Leonard OWLS HQ Portland Chapter, Bonnie Carter and Annalise 121 SW Morrison St., 11th floor Wednesday, May 8, noon–5:15 p.m. Oetken of Clackamas Women Lawyers, The Judge Movie Screening The Benson Hotel Jennifer Nicholls of Rogue Women Law- Register online. Includes lunch. Portland yers, and Laurie Craghead of Cascade Wednesday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Women Lawyers. Attendees discussed 30th Anniversary Celebration with how to increase collaboration among Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st Ave. OWLS and the OWLS Foundation Register here. the chapters and other topics. Portland CLE: Diversity on the Bench Thursday, July 11 Friday, Feb. 8 Nel Centro OWLS Board Details forthcoming Joan Seitz Law Society Location TBD Seeks Candidates Roseburg his spring, the 19-member Ore- International Rights of Women First Tuesdays, noon Daily Grind Café, 368 SE Jackson St. gon Women Lawyers Board of and Children: Where Do We Stand TDirectors will have openings. If Now? Josephine County Women Lawyers you have played a leadership role with Presented by OWLS Leadership Com. Grants Pass an OWLS chapter or committee, consider Portland First Wednesdays, noon serving on the OWLS board in support of Wednesday, Feb. 27, noon to 1:30 p.m. La Burrita, 1501 NE F St. the OWLS mission. Board members pro- 121 SW Morrison St., 2d floor conf. rm. vide financial oversight, fundraising, and Register online. Includes lunch. Lane County Women Lawyers strategic direction and help to shape the Monthly Steering Com. Meetings future of OWLS programs and policies. Roberts & Deiz Award Dinner Eugene The OWLS board is an active board, and OWLS Foundation Special Appeal First Tuesdays, noon–1 p.m. members must actively participate on at Portland Art Museum Cafe Yumm on Broadway least two working committees. Friday, March 8, 5:30 p.m. Contact: Kasia Mlynski Board elections occur in April, with new Lawyers’ Association of members taking office May 1 for a three- Skills and Strategies year term unless completing an existing for Emerging Political Leaders Washington County term. Meetings are held eight times a Presented by OWLS Leadership Com. Hillsboro year; approximately six of those are held First Tuesdays, beginning in April Third Wednesdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Board members Location TBD Insomnia Coffee, 317 E Main St. are limited to two three-year terms. Register online. Includes lunch. Queen’s Bench If you want to help guide OWLS through the coming years—and form Portland Selling Your Success in Annual valuable connections with other attor- Join the chapter monthly on the Reviews neys around the state in the process— Second Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Presented by OWLS Leadership Com. please complete this statement of interest Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse Portland and send your current résumé to Hon. 1000 SW Third Ave. Thursday, April 11, noon–1:30 p.m. Allison Boomer, OWLS president-elect, Register on the Queen’s Bench website. Location TBD at [email protected] by EOB Register online. Includes lunch. Friday, February 5.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 4 WINTER 2019 OWLS to Honor Judge Katherine Tennyson and Elisa Dozono at March 8 Award Dinner By Traci Ray and Adele Ridenour udge Katherine E. Tennyson and Her colleague meeting is Elisa J. Dozono are the 2019 recipients continued: unwavering. Jof the OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award. “Those attri- She comes up We will honor them at the 27th Roberts butes, com- with creative & Deiz Award Dinner on March 8 at the bined with topics for dis- Portland Art Museum. her heart-felt cussion, offers The OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award is dedication to thoughtful presented each year to one or more supporting words of individuals who are selected based on lawyers who wisdom, and their outstanding personal and profes- are the first in sometimes sional contributions to promoting those their families shares embar- from outside the dominant culture in to go to law Hon. Katherine Tennyson rassing stories Elisa Dozono our community. school, make about when The OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award her so perfectly suited for leading the she was a new lawyer. It is evident honors the legacies of both Justice First Generation Professionals Group,” that she provides valuable support for Betty Roberts (1923–2011) and Judge which she created. “Judge Tennyson has attorneys new to the legal profession. Mercedes Deiz (1917–2005) as promoters made it a priority to help first-generation This group is a safe place for new law- of those from outside the dominant cul- attorneys navigate the complexity and yers to share their fears and concerns ture, including women, people of color, nuances of the legal profession. This work and through it all, Judge Tennyson has members of the LGBTQ community, and is particularly relevant to the Roberts & provided calm, steady, and reassuring people with disabilities. Justice Roberts Deiz Award because, not surprisingly, a support, sprinkled with her excellent was a leader in Oregon politics, the first vast majority of the participants in the sense of humor.” woman appointed to the Oregon appel- First Generation Professionals Group are In fact, the OWLS First Generation Pro- late bench, and a beloved mentor and women and from other non-dominant fessionals Discussion Group has been such advocate to women lawyers. Judge Deiz cultures.” As another colleague noted, a meaningful and successful program, it was a trailblazer in our legal community, Judge Tennyson’s “enthusiasm at every Continued on page 6 as the first Black woman admitted to the Oregon State Bar 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 have been marginalized by society to access careers and legal resources. The Honorable Katherine E. Tennyson has served on the Multnomah County Circuit Court since 2002 and currently serves as the acting chief probate judge. She began her career as an attorney in MEDIATION the 1980s. One of her judicial colleagues recalls working with Judge Tennyson A RBITR A TION when she was with a legal consortium that contracted indigent defense cases 25 years civil and criminal with the state of Oregon. From the trial experience. very first interactions with Judge Ten- nyson, he wrote, he “always admired her skill, tenacity, and candor. When she was appointed to the bench, it was always a pleasure to appear before her. There, I appreciated Katherine’s judicial MULLEN ADR temperament and the high standard of [email protected] professionalism she set for herself and those appearing before her.” 503-901-6199 Judge Tennyson is described by another judicial colleague as having “warmth and good humor” that “immediately makes Molly Jo Mullen people feel welcomed and supported.”
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 5 WINTER 2019 Roberts & Deiz Award Recipients continued from page 5 received the Outstanding Member Pro- Katherine E. Tennyson has left her mark low-income clients and provide pro bono gram Award from the National Confer- and paved the way for others. She has legal services on a variety of civil legal ence of Women’s Bar Associations in 2012. dedicated her energy and efforts to pro- problems via remote videoconferencing Judge Tennyson’s innovation and im- moting those from outside the dominant equipment. One former Legal Aid Services pact is equally evident through her role culture, and we are thankful for her employee noted: “Elisa . . . immediately as a founder of the OWLS Judicial Work work in our community and proud to ‘got it’ and jumped into the project Group, which she chaired for many years. honor her with the 2019 OWLS Roberts with two feet. She is deft and skilled “As someone who served on this commit- & Deiz Award. at bridging the gap between the legal tee with her, I can attest to her passion OWLS is equally delighted to award system and those who exist outside the in achieving its goals. She worked hard Elisa J. Dozono the 2019 OWLS Roberts dominant culture, like legal aid clients. during evenings and weekends, speaking & Deiz Award. Elisa is a native Oregonian She is also a creative thinker willing to with applicants, reviewing voluminous and 2006 graduate of Lewis & Clark Law use her clout in her firm and the broader application materials, conducting mock School. Currently a partner with the law legal community to stand up for people interviews, and putting together Road to firm Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Elisa without a voice. She was not deterred in the Bench resources. I know from first- specializes in litigation and governmental the slightest that this clinic would be the hand experience that she spent many affairs work. She is also a volunteer pro first of its kind in Oregon. She brought hours on behalf of this committee; her tem judge in Washington County Circuit ideas to bear that made the clinic a suc- efforts cannot be overstated. I am certain Court, where she presides over civil mo- cess. Fast forward a few years to today. that there are more women and minori- tions and the forced eviction detainer The clinic is thriving, and now serves ties on the bench today because of Judge (FED) docket, including FED trials. clients in the Coos Bay region as well as Tennyson’s extraordinary dedication and Prior to her legal career, Elisa spent clients in Central Oregon. The clinic has efforts,” one colleague explained. “Prim- 11 years working in the public arena, also been a model that legal aid is using ing the pipeline with women and diverse including work with the Port of Portland, with other firms.” candidates qualified and prepared to seek former Portland Mayor Vera Katz, former Elisa is a current member the ACLU of judicial positions” has proven extremely Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, the Oregon’s board of directors and exec- valuable in diversifying and transforming Clinton/Gore 96 campaign, and Channel 2. utive committee and a co-founder and our profession. While at Miller Nash, she helped to founding president of Emerge Oregon, From her childhood in Coleville, WA, develop Oregon’s first virtual pro bono an organization dedicated to increasing to her studies at Duke University and clinic. The clinic, in partnership with Cen- the number of Democratic women lead- Lewis & Clark Law School, to her career tral Oregon’s Office of Legal Aid Services, ers from diverse backgrounds in public as an attorney and judge, the Honorable allows Miller Nash attorneys to meet with office through recruitment, training, and providing a powerful network. In reflecting on Elisa’s work with Emerge Oregon, one colleague remarked, “Many people support the promotion of women and people of color. Few can look around AMATO MEDIATION and point to concrete results. Elisa can look around and see organizations and initiatives that she has created and can see numerous attorneys, judges, politi- cians, and leaders that have benefitted from her time and energy and from the programs which she helped to create.” LISA AMATO Indeed, the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association (OAPABA), of DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES which Elisa is a co-founder, noted, “Elisa’s passion and interest in promoting wom- TELE 503.789.3262 en and people of color in the Oregon legal community, political areas, and the EMAIL [email protected] community at-large is demonstrated by WEB amatomediation.com her continuous and active work in these communities. … Elisa regularly promotes MEDIATION • ARBITRATION Asian Pacific Americans and other persons outside the dominant culture through her personal and professional work. She serves as a mentor to OAPABA at- torneys and law students, encouraging them to pursue legal careers in Oregon and helping promote their professional development.” Elisa Dozono has devoted her career Continued on page 7
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 6 WINTER 2019 Smoothing the Path to Reentry By Amber Hollister n innovative project, OWLS for a The inspiration for the project, Tonia ranging from donation drives for personal Fresh Start, led by OWLS Commu- notes, was a conversation with District care items, to supporting the children of Anity Service Committee member Court Judge Ann Aiken, who spoke about people working on reentry, to providing Tonia Closson, is spearheading initiatives the impact of her work on a reentry court mentoring as people prepare for reentry. to provide support to Oregonians seeking for the U.S. District of Oregon. Initially, If you are interested in joining this to “reenter” Oregon communities after our project consisted of just six OWLS effort, please contact Tonia Closson at incarceration. OWLS members involved members, but an OWLS listserve post- [email protected]. in the project are united to support equal ing quickly drew an additional sixteen access to justice for Oregonians—regard- members who were eager to be involved. less of gender identity—who are seeking Tonia recalls that she was “shocked and Sunshine for Seniors to reenter society. pleased” by the strong response. OWLS OWLS for a Fresh Start recognizes that members participating in the project reentry work has the potential to trans- span a wide range of experience levels form lives. Approximately 23,000 people and practice areas. are currently incarcerated in Oregon jails Since its inception a few months ago, and prisons. Of these individuals, the OWLS for a Fresh Start has held a success- vast majority will eventually be released ful donation drive for winter coats for from custody to rejoin their families and the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center. he OWLS Community Service Com- communities. Although the drive lasted only ten days, it Tmittee held its annual “Sunshine Data shows that reentry is fraught with resulted in “bags and bags” of coats for for Seniors” event on December 12, gra- challenges. Formerly incarcerated per- both men and women. The OWLS project ciously hosted by the Barran Liebman law sons have often lost social connections, also sponsored a well-attended CLE on firm in Portland. Mark Johnson Roberts and they face daunting barriers when December 4 titled “Intro to Re-entry,” of the OSB presented a one-hour CLE seeking employment and housing. But featuring speakers Aliza Kaplan and titled “Elder and Child Abuse Reporting,” successfully navigating reentry offers Nikki Thompson. [See story on page 14.] which was followed by a social hour. Net significant benefits for both reentering Tonia reports that OWLS for a Fresh proceeds from the event will benefit the individuals and society at large: the more Start is enthusiastic about tackling a Senior Services Program at the YWCA of successful the reentry experience, the variety of projects in the coming year, Greater Portland. less likely individuals are to return to the criminal justice system. In this way, the project’s work is closely aligned with the mission of OWLS; one of the “principle purposes” adopted by the OWLS board is to “actively promote equality and fair treatment of all people.” OWLS for a Fresh Start does just that. Welcome! Roberts & Deiz Award continued from page 6 to the selfless advocacy of others, never seeking recognition or acclaim. OWLS is extremely honored to recognize Elisa for her extraordinary leadership, grace, and devotion to raising up the voices of those from outside the dominant culture who might not otherwise be heard. OWLS extends a tremendously heartfelt congratulations to Judge Katherine E. Tennyson and Elisa J. Dozono and is grate- ful for the work that they have done, and Bodyfelt Mount welcomes associate attorney Helaina “Laney” Chinn continue to do, helping promote those to the firm. Laney graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law and most of non-dominant cultures in the legal profession and in our community. It is recently clerked for the Honorable Kathie F. Steele, Presiding Judge of Clackamas with great honor that we present to them County Circuit Court. We are pleased to welcome Laney to the Bodyfelt team. the 2019 OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award. Traci Ray is the executive director at Barran Liebman, in Portland, and Adele BodyfeltMount.com Ridenour is a partner in the Portland 503.243.1022 office of Ball Janik.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 7 WINTER 2019 Oregon Women Lawyers Annual Report October 2017–September 2018
From the Executive Director worked with the Oregon Chapter of the OWLS partnered with the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association on a gath- hank you for stretching and Federal Bar Association and UO Law to ering in Portland, and partnered with the growing with OWLS, and for provide CLEs for lawyers in Eugene, and Multnomah Bar Association Diversity and your support and your volunteer expanded its steering committee to plan T additional events. Inclusion Committee for an interactive time. Here are some of the things we workshop on interrupting racism. accomplished together this year. OWLS and the Community With gratitude, The OWLS Community Service Com- Mentoring mittee again turned heads and raised Judges at the Multnomah County funds for Dress for Success Oregon at Courthouse continued to hold meetings Linda Tomassi the annual fashion show in Portland. The of the First Generation Professionals Executive Director committee organized another statewide Discussion Group every other month in annual book drive for the library at the Portland, and Lane County Women Law- OWLS Chapters Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and yers started working toward expanding We held our fifth annual chapter spent a Saturday helping build a house for this program to Eugene. summit preceding the Fall CLE in October Habitat for Humanity. The committee also OWLS co-sponsored and offered 2017, featuring leaders from around the held CLEs on child abuse reporting and scholarships for the 11th Annual Wom- state and the OWLS Foundation. Queen’s elder law that raised funds and other do- en’s Wellness Retreat with the Oregon Bench President Rima Ghandour, the nations for related causes. The OWLS for Attorney Assistance Program. keynote speaker, talked about leadership a Fresh Start subcommittee was formed Gevurtz Menashe again offered OWLS and identity. under this committee, and its members members a Family Law Mentoring Circle, OWLS chapters held CLEs and socials are working with local organizations to and Markowitz Herbold finished up its and carried out philanthropic activities. assist our formerly incarcerated neighbors 2017 OWLS Rainmaking Mentoring Circle, Some highlights include the following: to integrate back into the community. securing established mentors for high- The OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter in impact mentoring in intimate groups. Marion County held a toy drive for Santa OWLS and the OWLS Foundation Central, presented CLEs throughout the OWLS and our sister organization, Courthouse Connections year, including its annual civil rights CLE, the OWLS Foundation, worked together The OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter held and raised funds for the new CourtCare successfully again this year to celebrate a courthouse connection CLE featuring program. Cascade Women Lawyers the recipient of the OWLS Roberts & former Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz, and hosted Oregon’s attorney general, who Deiz Award and to raise funds for the OWLS held our annual Federal Court- presented a CLE on Oregon’s current Foundation’s grants. The organizations house Connection lunch in Portland, with disagreements with the federal gov- also sponsored OLIO. over 100 people in attendance. We again ernment. The chapter hosted the OWLS celebrated the increasingly popular Take board for a reception for a second year, OWLS Partners Your Kids to Work Day at the Multnomah and continued its monthly networking OWLS and the Oregon Hispanic Bar County Courthouse. lunches in Bend. Association celebrated Hispanic Heritage The Lawyers’ Association of Washing- Month in October with a well-attended Contract Lawyer Service ton County held monthly coffees and social happy hour in Portland. OWLS’ Contract Lawyer Service pro- lunches and held a Meet-the-Judge event For a third year, OWLS and OGALLA, vides employers with a medium through for the newest members of the bench. the LGBT Bar Association of Oregon, which to post contract positions to OWLS GrOWLS met regularly for networking gathered for a “Brunch and Bedazzle” members participating in the service. lunches, held a Spring CLE, and got to- event co-sponsored by Perkins Coie in OWLS volunteers also coordinate pro- gether for social gatherings. Josephine Portland prior to the Portland Pride grams for contract lawyers and sole prac- County Women Lawyers continued to parade. Attendees were then welcome titioners that can be accessed in person meet monthly for lunch. to participate in the parade under the and by phone. Program topics included Clackamas Women Lawyers held an OGALLA banner. ethics, entity formation, marketing, tax Evening with an Author event and had OWLS co-sponsored a CLE with OAPA- issues, and “How to Use Marketing and a Family Fun Bowling Day to raise money BA featuring Mia Yamamoto, a civil rights Other Strategies to Get Hired as a Con- for LEAP, the Legal Empowerment Accel- activist and criminal defense lawyer who tract Lawyer.” erator Project, in addition to other social is transgender. She discussed her experi- and educational events. The Queen’s ences and perspectives on the history of Listserve Communications Bench chapter in Portland served meals to LGBTQ rights. The OWLS listserve connects over 1,200 people who are food insecure, and con- OWLS joined with the Native American members around the state for personal tinued its decades-old monthly luncheon Law Students Association of Lewis & Clark and professional referrals, important series—the inspirational theme this year Law School to present a Native American discussions, and advice, and the OWLS was “We Are Oregon: An Intersectional Heritage Month CLE, also sponsored by office is able to connect members with Lens.” Lane County Women Lawyers Perkins Coie. referrals around the country through
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 8 WINTER 2019 the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations listserve. Thank You Education Thank You OWLS Committee Event The OWLS membership year typically Sponsors and Hosts starts with the OWLS Fall CLE. In 2017, 2018 Roberts & Deiz we brought Barbara Arnwine to Port- Adidas Award Dinner Sponsors land to keynote the CLE, titled “United Ball Janik We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Arnwine Barran Liebman Title Sponsor is a civil rights activist who focuses on Bennett Hartman Morris Ball Janik voting rights, immigrant rights, judicial & Kaplan diversity, racial profiling, and LGBTQI Bodadilla Law issues. Leaders from the Oregon Justice Boise Matthews Platinum Sponsors Resource Center followed the keynote, Boly Welch Alterman Law Group addressing mass incarceration and crim- Brix Law Barran Liebman inalization. Statewide leaders who work Brophy Schmor Davis Wright Tremaine on immigration issues concluded the Brownstein Rask event by discussing how immigration Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis Heritage Bank laws and policies affect us all. Chernoff Vilhauer Keating Jones Hughes Volunteers started a subcommittee Columbia Bank Markowitz Herbold within the Leadership Committee to work Davis Wright Tremaine on programming for introverts, holding Farleigh Wada Witt Orrick their first CLE in October. Goldstein Law OWLS Foundation OWLS partnered with the National Hodgkinson Street Mepham Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys Lawyers Guild to bring anti-oppression Janet Hoffman & Associates Perkins Coie training to lawyers and law students in Johnson Johnson Lucas Portland, and partnered with the U.S. & Middleton Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt District Court Historical Society to present Jordan Ramis Stoel Rives an elder law, Indian law, and famous cases Kolisch Hartwell CLE in Portland. Kranovich & Lucero Gold Sponsors Lane Powell Awards Brix Law Larkins Vacura Kayser The OWLS board honored Chanpone Littler Mendelson Brownstein Rask Sinlapasai with the newly combined Lynch Conger McClane Bullard Law OWLS Roberts & Deiz Award. This was Markowitz Herbold the first year that we gave the combined Hershner Hunter Multnomah Bar Association award, which was formerly two awards, Multnomah County Circuit Kranovich & Lucero the Justice Betty Roberts Award and the Court Larkins Vacura Kayser Judge Mercedes Deiz Award. Oregon State Bar Diversity & Miller Nash Graham & Dunn Inclusion Department Dragonflies Tomasi Salyer Martin OWLS Foundation The OWLS dragon boat team compet- Tonkon Torp ed in races in Portland; Olympia, WA; Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys Tacoma, WA; Kent, WA; and Victoria, BC. Perkins Coie Trainor Law Peterkin Burgess Yates Family Law Working Parents SAIF Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Working Parents Groups were active in Silver Sponsors Salem and Portland, meeting for lunches Scott Hookland Harang Long and networking. The OWLS Working Smith Freed Eberhard Parents Committee discussed national Stoel Rives Jordan Ramis policies and best practices for the work- Surety Solutions place, with the goal of drafting policies Thomas Coon Newton & Frost for Oregon legal employers. Tomasi Salyer Martin Tonkon Torp Law Students and New Admittees Trainor Law Law students pay no cost to be OWLS Troutman Sanders members. The OWLS Mary Leonard UO School of Law, Portland Chapter co-hosts an annual new admit- Campus tee lunch in Salem, this year featuring a U.S. District Court, District of keynote by Justice Martha Walters. The Oregon Queen’s Bench chapter in Portland dedi- Wiles Law Group cates a monthly lunch to new admittees, Yates Family Law matching them with established lawyers.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 9 WINTER 2019 OWLS Fall CLE continued from page 1 Rosenblum and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson have filed injunc- tions to halt some of President Trump’s executive orders. Rosenblum talked about Oregon’s 1987 “sanctuary law,” noting that it had bipartisan support and was intended to prevent racial profiling. She pointed out that in Oregon’s 2014 legis- lative session, a police anti-profiling bill was passed with bipartisan support for an increase in data on stopped cars and pedestrians. She applauded OWLS mem- bers who stepped up to help by going to At the reception following the Fall CLE (left to right): Hon. Youlee Yim You, Suji Patel, the airport to welcome in-coming immi- Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Iván Resendiz Gutierrez, Marti McCausland grants and going to the federal prison in trauma endured during his journey, and down. So too is the work the VolAgs are Sheridan to work on behalf of detained he thanked Catholic Charities for helping immigrants. But she told us that we must able to do for new refugees and those him. Isatou is an activist working to end continue to fight and to be prepared for already here. The speakers on this panel female genital mutilation. She left her a new onslaught, as the Trump adminis- were Fowzia Abdulle of Catholic Charities home in 2015 when her life was in danger. tration appears to be seeking to bar all Oregon, Salah Ansary of Lutheran Com- Her goals in coming to the United States refugees, including those seeking asylum munity Services Northwest, Lee Po Cha were to get an education and use her at the southern border. of Immigrant and Refugee Community voice to create a path for her mission. CLE attendees then heard stories from Organization, Jan Elfers of Ecumenical Next, attendees learned about Vol- two refugees, Chhabi from Bhutan and Ministries of Oregon, and Kelsey Keswani untary Agencies (VolAgs), nine private Isatou from The Gambia. Chhabi spent 17 of RAIN International. The panel was agencies in 47 states that assist the federal years in an oversees refugee camp before moderated by Chanpone Sinlapasai, a government with the resettlement of arriving in the United States in 2008, at partner at Mirandas Sinlapasai. which time he spoke almost no English refugees. The federal government pays In a breakout session, attendees ana- and did not know the system. He talked the VolAgs per resettled refugee, so with lyzed a scenario involving an immigrant about the psychological and physical refugee numbers down, funding is also woman and her two young children. Small groups spent 25 minutes identifying all the issues the family had, what assis- tance they would benefit from, and the barriers to their getting that assistance. The small groups then reconvened col- lectively to discuss all the issues and how to best address the needs of immigrants and the agencies trying to assist them. The final panel, moderated by Lisa LeSage of Immigration Counseling Service, was about barriers to access to justice. The panel addressed the main is- sues involved in representing immigrants, particularly those who know nothing about the American system or culture. The panelists were Jordan Bates of Youth RIghts Justice, Veronica Digman of the Oregon Law Center, Jenny Hernandez of Metropolitan Public Defender, and Corinna Spencer-Scheurich of the North- west Workers Justice Project. Videoconferencing with Dual HD Monitors • Bluetooth Touchpad and Keyboard After the inspirational and education CLE, there was a call to action, with post- Reliable technology cards available to send to elected repre- sentatives and volunteer opportunities. Paperless Document Sharing • Remote Witness/Counsel/Expert/Party The afternoon concluded with a reception with customizable solutions. honoring women judges and remarks by U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. Live Streaming • Attend from PC, tablet, smartphone Stephanie Engelsman and her family Let us host your next videoconference deposition. have just embarked on a four-month adventure in Australia.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2019 From Here to There my life, I have THE JUDGES’ FORUM tried to be Life, Eleanor Roosevelt, cognizant of Facebook, and Flat Squirrels the fact that my actions December 3, 2018 affect others. recently had the opportunity to par- However, it is ticipate in some events involving law equally true students, new lawyers, and other legal that you, and I only you, are veterans that gave me pause to reflect Presiding Judge Debra Vogt on life, its ebbs and flows, its feasts and Lane County Circuit Court the creator of famines, and how it has brought me to your feelings. Judge Debra Vogt As Roosevelt where I am today. has been an inspiration to women for so famously wrote, “No one can make One such event was a CLE at Eugene’s generations.1 you feel inferior without your consent.”2 Federal Courthouse called the “Art of As I, a near 50-year-old OSU philoso- Only you can cause yourself to react in the Possible.” I was on a panel of pro- phy major, turn to the words of Eleanor a particular way. You are in control. If fessional women discussing leadership Roosevelt, I can’t help but note where others “get to you,” it’s on you, because with an audience of eager law students our newer generations turn to for phil- you let them. I saw it on Facebook again whose questions produced a very in- osophical reflections: the internet. In today: “Don’t let people live rent free in sightful program. Another has been my today’s world, one need only look as far as your head.” participation in the newly formed Lane any social media meme for philosophical Have strength and courage. I saw a County Women Lawyers’ First-Generation advice. Facebook, Instagram, and other meme on Instagram a few weeks ago that Professionals group. Growing up, I didn’t social media sites are littered with it. declared, “Here’s to strong women, may know anyone with a white-collar career. I Looking beyond the cat videos, politics, we know them, may we be them, may was raised in a very small town. I worked and birthday gifs, what would Roosevelt, we raise them.” I could not agree with in the grass seed fields and alongside the ninth most widely admired person of this notion more. Raising strong women my father at the paper mill to pay for the 20th century, think of the web-based does not just mean our daughters. It college. Meeting with both new and advice of the 21st century? Here are some also means supporting our colleagues so seasoned lawyers whose backgrounds thoughts to ponder as you navigate from that they too are strong and successful. are like mine has been an educational here to there in today’s internet age. walk down memory lane. Your success may lie in helping others Only you oversee you. Throughout Continued on page 12 Personal milestones are also triggering me to pause and reflect on life. First, I am nearing the end of my first year as presiding judge of Lane County Circuit Still waiting Court. It’s been an exciting year of stretching my professional boundaries. Second, I turn 50 this month…. Yes, the Bad investments? big five-0.… Sharing my reaction to the AARP application that came in the mail last week wouldn’t be appropriate. Suf- fice it to say that half a century is upon me. Third, the oldest of my three children is turning 18. And, yes, I have assured her “adulting” isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Finally, in the coming year, my husband and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, an accomplishment of love, patience, forgiveness, and cooperation. Moved by these events and milestones, my philosophical reflections brought to mind one of the most interesting and inspiring women of all time: Eleanor Roosevelt. Throughout her life, Roosevelt was an outspoken champion of wom- en, racial equality, and human rights. Roosevelt was our first delegate to the United Nations and the first chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status MCGAUGHEY ╫ ERICKSON of Women. In Gallup’s list of the most Securities Claims & Investment Disputes widely admired people of the 20th cen- tury, she was ranked number nine. Widely 503-223-7555 65 SW Yamhill St Suite 200, Portland 97204 www.law7555.com quoted throughout the world, Roosevelt
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 11 WINTER 2019 Applications Sought for Rothauge Women’s Trial Academy re you a civil litigator with three into strength and winning strategies. workshop. The sessions will address some to six years of experience and a The WTA is hands-on workshop focus- of the unique challenges women face in Adesire to hone your trial skills? ing on important aspects of trial. Each the courtroom in a small group setting. If the answer is yes, the Women’s Trial aspect will be enhanced by “guest coach- Participants will conduct mock openings, Academy (WTA) is designed just for you. es” who will offer their expertise. Our direct examinations, and closings, along The WTA is an award-winning workshop coaches include Hon. Karin Immergut; with other key parts of trial. that has helped prepare some of Oregon’s Hon. Janice Wilson; Heather Bowman, Tuition for the academy is $225. Schol- leading young litigators for trial. former participant and attorney with the arships are available for legal aid lawyers. The next WTA will be held over two Oregon PLF; Dayna Christian, Immix Law Participation is limited to 12 litigators. days, Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, Group; Laura Dominic, Tsongas Litigation The WTA will be held at the Markowitz from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Consulting; Janet Hoffman, Hoffman & Herbold office in Portland. Participants Created in 2014 by Markowitz Her- Associates; Lisa Kaner, Portland General must be members of the Oregon State bold attorney Renée Rothauge and her Electric; Judy Snyder, Law Offices of Judy Bar and OWLS. former colleague Lisa Kaner, the WTA is Snyder; and Julie Vacura, Larkins Vacura If you are interested in participating, designed for young women civil litigators Kayser. email Karie Trujillo at KarieTrujillo@ who want to sharpen their trial skills and Your trial skills will be developed by markowitzherbold.com to receive the learn to turn perceived disadvantages trying a case over the course of the program’s application.
Rogue Women Lawyers hosted a happy hour in Ashland on Nov. 14, giving local attorneys an opportunity to network, socialize, and discuss matters relevant to the practice of law in Southern Oregon. We were joined by three guests in town for the OSB Board of Governors’ retreat. Attending the event were, left to right, Penny Austin, Alexzandra Watson, Rachel Pavlich, Carolyn Anderson, OSB President Vanessa Nordyke, OWLS President Amber Hollister, OWLS board member Jennifer Nicholls, Susan Bradley Krant, Sierra Fotos, OSB CEO Helen Hierschbiel, and, not pictured here, Carmel Zahran and Tricia Hahn. Judges’ Forum continued from page 11 succeed. It takes courage to be such a it does to plan.”5 So, wish, decide, plan, concepts touted by Eleanor Roosevelt mentor—as Roosevelt was to women all and make it happen. in the early 20th century are clearly over the world. Lead well. Roosevelt opined: “Good endorsed among the crazy gifs, birth- Don’t sell yourself short. Roosevelt leaders inspire people to have confidence day wishes, and pet videos on today’s famously asked, “What could we accom- in their leader. Great leaders inspire peo- 21st-century internet. There is actuality plish if we knew we could not fail?”3 ple to have confidence in themselves.”6 at the intersections of Roosevelt’s advice On social media last month, I noted Endeavor to be a great leader. Lead by and today’s social media. In that actuality, Michelangelo being quoted as saying, example, admit mistakes, and try new I hope you have found a nugget or two “The greatest danger for most of us is things. Another online meme: “Leader- that will help you navigate from “here” not that our aim is too high and we miss ship is a responsibility to do more, not an to “there.” If nothing else, remember: it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” excuse to do less.” Amen to that. Don’t be a flat squirrel! Michelangelo, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Cherish your integrity. You have only Facebook are saying the same thing: one reputation. It takes years to build it Endnotes Figure out your highest end goal, the one and seconds to destroy it. I saw a meme 1. Historical data from “Eleanor you think might be out of your reach. Aim on the internet that proclaimed, “Doing Roosevelt,” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Founda- for that mark and make it your reality. the right thing is an opportunity, not tion, 15 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Choose your path and go—be your an obstacle.” Roosevelt would surely Eleanor_Roosevelt. own momentum. One of my favorite agree. Protect your reputation not only 2. “Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes,” Goodreads, social media memes of all time features for yourself but also for our profession. Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/author/ roadkill and these words: “Be decisive. Lawyer jokes slamming our veracity are quotes/44566.Eleanor_Roosevelt. Right or wrong, make a decision. The commonplace today. Dispel those witti- 3. Id. road of life is paved with flat squirrels cisms by being a champion of honesty who couldn’t make a decision.” Do not and forthrightness. 4. Id. be a flat squirrel. Roosevelt encouraged On my path from “there”—daugh- 5. “Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes,” Brainy- Americans to make the most of their ter, farm laborer, and mill worker—to Quote, Xplore, www.brainyquote.com/ situations, saying that “you can often “here”—wife, mother, and presiding quotes/eleanor_roosevelt_379411. change your circumstances by changing judge—every one of these concepts has 6. “Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes,” Goodreads, your attitude.”4 She wisely pointed out been critical to personal happiness and Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/author/ that “it takes as much energy to wish as professional success. These philosophical quotes/44566.Eleanor_Roosevelt.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 12 WINTER 2019 The 2019 Legislative Session adequate funding for Oregon’s courts. To that end, the OSB has reinvigorated Opening its Citizens’ Campaign for Court Funding. Elections have consequences, and we This campaign supports the statewide will soon see them in Salem. The 2019 coalition of citizens and business and legislative session begins January 14 with community groups formed to ensure opening ceremonies full of pomp and adequate and stable court funding. The circumstance, as well as organizational goals are to ensure funding for court fa- days and trainings to welcome everyone cilities ; improve court facilities, including back to the Capitol. Expect to see debates By Susan E. Grabe new courthouses and seismic upgrades to about transportation and infrastructure, the Supreme Court Building; and work revenue, affordable housing, pay equity, trained legislators will be there: Kim with OJD’s request for judicial and staff PERS, education, and health care funding Wallan (R–Medford) and Marty Wilde (D– resources to provide access to justice. during the session. Proposals will also Eugene). In addition, five legally trained The OSB will work to increase the cur- surface that will affect the practice of law, legislators won reelection: Dan Rayfield rent level of funding for civil legal services such as changes to family law, business (D–Corvallis), Ken Helm (D–Washington for low-income Oregonians, as well as formation, juvenile law, and the criminal County), Karin Power (D–Milwaukie), increase funding for indigent defense justice system. Jennifer Williamson (D–SW Portland), services to compensate publicly funded Political Landscape and Mike McLane (R–Redmond). attorneys in the criminal and juvenile justice systems and support a reduction Although the 2018 elections were There are five legally trained legisla- in caseloads for attorneys representing hard fought, with numerous measures tors in the Senate, including Sen. Betsy parents and children. The bar also has a on the ballot, a highly contested guber- Johnson (D–Astoria), Sen. Floyd Prozanski, package of law improvement proposals natorial race, and many legislative races (D–Eugene), Sen. Peter Courtney that will move through the legislative in play, Kate Brown won a second term (D–Keizer), and Sen. Cliff Bentz (R–SE process. as governor by a healthy margin. The Oregon), as well as newly elected Sen. most notable fact going into the 2019 Shemia Fagan (D–Clackamas), a former Other Bills of Interest state representative who won her first legislative session is that Oregon will The 2019 session will address many Senate race. have not only a Democratic majority in issues of concern to lawyers, including the legislature and a Democrat in the 2019 Structure housing, rent caps, revenue-raising pro- Governor’s Office, but a strong female Many of the issues that Oregon State posals, PERS reform, and proposals from leadership presence throughout the state, Bar members track flow through the the Attorney General’s Office regarding as you will note below: Senate and House Judiciary Committees, data breach, privacy, and public records. Governor – Kate Brown as well as the Public Safety Subcommittee Other proposals will include legislation on Chief Justice Martha Walters is the first of the Ways and Means Committee. The non-unanimous jury verdicts, plea waiv- female chief justice in Oregon. She Ways and Means co-chair position will ers, grand jury recordings, age discrimi- will preside over an ethnically diverse be shared on the Senate side by Senators nation, modifications to civil commitment court consisting of five women and Betsy Johnson (D–Astoria) and Elizabeth proceedings, license suspension for traffic two men. Steiner-Hayward (D–Portland), while Rep. fines, another run at modifying the Ore- Attorney General – Ellen Rosenblum Dan Rayfield (D–Corvallis) will co-chair on gon Supreme Court’s decision in Horton BOLI Commissioner – Val Hoyle the House side. Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D– v. OHSU, which limited the recovery of Speaker of the House – Tina Kotek Eugene) will remain chair of the Senate noneconomic damages in certain tort House and Senate Majority Leaders – Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Jennifer claims, and a Hodges fix to clarify when Jennifer Williamson and Ginny Burdick Williamson (D–SW Portland) will chair the physician-patient privilege applies. (Former Senate Republican Leader the House Judiciary Committee. For more information on bills, hearings, Jackie Winters stepped down from her OSB Priorities and other legislative matters, visit www. oregonlegislature.gov/. leadership position in December.) In light of pending budget reductions, All four major statewide ballot mea- the Oregon State Bar is working with the Susan E. Grabe is the director of the Ore- sures failed. (They had proposed a ban Oregon Judicial Department to ensure gon State Bar Public Affairs Department. on grocery taxes, a supermajority require- ment, repeal of the sanctuary law, and a ban on abortion funding.) Both legislative chambers remained in Democratic hands, with the House Democrats increasing their majority to 38-22 and the Senate Democrats increasing their majority to 18-12. The Democrats now have a supermajority in both chambers. Legally Trained Legislators Although Rep. Rich Vial (R–Sherwood) and Rep. Phil Barnhart (D–Eugene) will not return to the House, two new legally
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 13 WINTER 2019 OWLS for a Fresh Start Subcommittee Hosts First CLE By Teresa Statler n December 4, the OWLS for others. In visits to var- a Fresh Start subcommittee of many rural ious Oregon Othe OWLS Community Service counties in programs. Committee presented a lunchtime CLE, Oregon, there The guide is “Intro to Re-entry: A Look at Post-prison are no such download- Re-entry Programs and Their Role in De- programs at able as a PDF creasing Recidivism.” Nikki Thompson, all. These dif- and lists re- a staff attorney in Metropolitan Public ficulties are sources by Defender’s Community Law program, and all collateral county. It will Aliza Kaplan, a professor of lawyering consequences be updated and the director of Lewis & Clark Law of incarcera- annually. School’s Criminal Justice Reform Clinic tion and if not Professor Aliza Kaplan Following Nikki Thompson (CJRC), discussed the various post-prison addressed, Aliza’s inspir- reentry programs and services available lead to recidivism. ing presentation on the work of the CJRC, in Oregon and their role in reducing Among other CJRC projects, law Nikki spoke about the new Community recidivism. students under Aliza’s direction are Law program of Metropolitan Public Both Aliza and Nikki emphasized the currently finalizing an online resource, Defender (MPD). Attorneys and staff difficulty most Oregon inmates have upon the Oregon Legal Re-entry Guide, to of the two-year-old program fight for their release from incarceration in getting facilitate inmates’ reentry into their reentrants’ rights in obtaining stable their lives back on track. In fact, 93% of communities. Like similar guides avail- housing, steady employment, and justice those incarcerated will be released back able in other states, the guide’s focus is under the law. They also address addi- into the community; 400 Oregon inmates on identifying and compiling available tional collateral consequences of criminal are released every month. Many have resources and helping reentrants un- convictions that reentrants face, such struggles reintegrating, such as accessing derstand their rights. In preparing the as eviction proceedings, warrant lifts, government benefits, obtaining necessary guide, Aliza and CJRC students talked to guardianship issues, expungements, and documents such as a driver license or ID, parole officers in each Oregon county to restraining orders. Nikki explained that and finding services to help with housing identity local resources, researched online one of the program’s goals is to provide and substance abuse treatment, among and site-specific services, and made site life-changing and “holistic defense” to reentrants. To do so, they also partner with several organizations, including The Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation, the CJRC, Central City Concern, and New the 501(c)(3) sister organization to OWLS, Avenues for Youth. Nikki also mentioned “Project Reset,” is proud to focus on educating and which counsels reentrants about the pos- supporting women and minorities in order to sibility of satisfying outstanding fines and further their access to and participation in fees by performing community service, Thank You the justice system. which can enable them to close out the criminal matter and obtain employment, for Supporting We fund the Armonica Law Student or better employment. This, in turn, helps Book Grant, the Vernellia R. Randall Bar reduce recidivism. the OWLS thanks Aliza and Nikki for their Exam Grant, the Justice Betty Roberts enlightening presentations. OREGON Leadership Conference Grant, and the If you are interested in getting involved Janis Hardman Medical Support Grant. with OWLS for a Fresh Start, a project that WOMEN supports Oregonians seeking to reenter Remember the OWLS Foundation and society after incarceration, please contact LAWYERS give a lasting legacy. Join the OWLF subcommittee chair Tonia Closson at FOUNDATION Legacy Society. [email protected]. Teresa Statler has a solo immigration law Visit www.owlsfoundation.org/donations practice in Portland. She is also chair of the AdvanceSheet Committee.
Support OWLS’ work by placing an ad in the OWLS AdvanceSheet. Email executivedirector@ oregonwomenlawyers.org.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 14 WINTER 2019 OWLS Co-sponsors CLE on Indian Law By Suzanne Trujillo n November 1, OWLS and the mainstream Australia, and Indian Law Program and Native approach to recommend- OAmerican Law Students Asso- justice and ed the movie ciation at Lewis & Clark Law School the ideas of Rabbit-Proof co-sponsored a diversity CLE event at belonging and Fence (2002), Perkins Coie in Portland. Titled “50 Years community about Aus- of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968,” in many Na- tralia’s stolen the CLE provided a summary of the Indian tive nations, generation Civil Rights Act (ICRA), from its adoption and the effects of indigenous to its present-day impact on Native that this dis- peoples. Jessie Young Se-ah-dom Edmo communities. The presenters were Jessie connect has on After the Young, an attorney-advisor for the U.S. these Native nations and Native persons. presentations, the speakers facilitated a Department of the Interior, Office of the In particular, she discussed whether ICRA discussion about Indian identity, the bur- Regional Solicitor, in Portland; Se-ah-dom has placed tribal government in a legally den of tribal blood quanta on women, the Edmo, the executive director of the MRG subservient position to the United States isolation that communities of color face Foundation; and Dani Lucido, a student and to states. Ms. Edmo pointed to the when working toward building broad- at Lewis & Clark Law School. Tribal Equity Toolkit 3.0: Tribal Resolu- based movements, and the value that un- Ms. Young focused on the development tions and Codes to Support Two Spirit derstanding Indian law and history adds and application of ICRA, also known & LGBTQ Justice in Indian Country as a to every attorney’s practice. Indian law as the “Indian Bill of Rights” because valuable resource. and history affect many different areas of it extends most of the constitutional Dani Lucido compared the rights of law and also reflect more general shifts protections of the Bill of Rights to indi- indigenous peoples in the United States in federal policy. A basic understanding viduals under the jurisdiction of Indian and Australia, and pointed out that the of Indian law and history is helpful to tribal governments. ICRA was born out United Nations Declaration on the Rights better understand, and therefore more of concern about civil rights violations of Indigenous Peoples (2007) was not rat- effectively serve, the community in which carried out by tribal courts. For example, ified by the United States, Canada, Aus- Oregon attorneys practice. until the passage of ICRA, tribal gov- tralia, or New Zealand. She highlighted Suzanne Trujillo is a deputy legislative ernments were not bound by the First similarities in the histories and treatment counsel in the Office of Legislative Coun- Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. of indigenous peoples in the U.S. and sel in Salem. ICRA works to strike a balance between preserving inherent tribal sovereignty, which has existed since time immemorial, and ensuring that individual rights are guaranteed protection. Ms. Young explained that after the OVER 25 YEARS OF passage of ICRA, many tribes began to more intensely develop their tribal court RELATIONSHIPS IN THE systems. She also discussed the implica- tions of ICRA on the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, LEGAL COMMUNITY. which grants tribal courts concurrent jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders charged with certain acts of violence. It also requires the tribal court exercising that jurisdiction to uphold all the rights of the accused listed in ICRA. Our expert lenders are here to help. Se-ah-dom Edmo discussed the need At Columbia Bank, we’ve been strengthening our relationship with for the movement that is building Oregon law for years. Whether participating as active members in a number around the issue of two-spirit justice. of Oregon law associations or simply understanding the unique needs of She focused on the important, often the law community, we’re committed to helping your firm succeed. Visit revered traditional roles in many Native ColumbiaBank.com or call 877-272-3678. nations of two-spirited persons and the impacts of those roles. For example, in 2008 the Coquille Indian Tribe, located in southwestern Oregon, became the first tribe to legalize same-sex marriage, and since then many other tribes have passed similar tribal ordinances. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Ms. Edmo’s presentation highlighted the disconnect between the dominant
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 15 WINTER 2019 Meet Circuit Court Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge By Stephanie Engelsman efore her appointment to the That belief became real life for her Multnomah County Circuit Court when, in 2013, then-Senior County Attor- Bby Governor Kate Brown in 2017, ney von Ter Stegge was chosen to work Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge built on a federal lawsuit challenging Oregon’s a formidable resume trying civil and constitutional amendment banning same- criminal cases on behalf of the people sex marriage. In May 2014, U.S. District of Oregon. After graduating from the Court Judge Michael McShane ruled that University of Virginia School of Law in the amendment discriminated on the 2002 and completing a federal clerkship, basis of sexual orientation in violation of she joined the Multnomah County District the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Attorney’s Office in 2004. A few years Clause. Judge von Ter Stegge says it was later, she moved to the Trial Division of an amazing experience to be able to par- the Oregon Department of Justice, then ticipate in a real-time conversation about became a senior assistant Multnomah the fundamental rights of Oregonians to County attorney. As a litigator, Judge von marry and secure legal protections for Ter Stegge took more than 100 cases to their families. trial. As a judge, she continues to serve As a judge, von Ter Stegge most loves
the public by applying her experience to connecting with people with whom she Photo: Mike Reynolds, Dreams in Bloom Photography a busy and diverse circuit court docket of does not have anything in common at Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge criminal and civil cases. first glance. In her experience, people chapter of OWLS, and has just concluded Judge von Ter Stegge spent her child- always have more in common than they a five-year term on its board. She says she hood in rural California before moving think. She truly believes in “procedural has thoroughly enjoyed working with to West Oakland for high school. After justice” and in making sure that all this active and amazing community of completing college and law school on litigants before her feel heard. Judge like-minded lawyers who are ambitious the East Coast, she decided she wanted von Ter Stegge is thankful to work with about their careers and making our to head back to the West Coast, but was so many thoughtful colleagues who community a better place. not sure where to land. She has family continually strive to make the court ex- Judge von Ter Stegge’s advice to young in the Portland area and decided to take perience better for all litigants and who OWLS lawyers is to find mentors and the Oregon bar exam based on memories are always willing to share their wealth allies: “Find someone who expresses an of great visits here in the early 1990s. of knowledge with her. interest in your career and will help you She remembered one visit when she was Judge von Ter Stegge serves on the get where you want to be. Find someone in the 9th grade during which she and OWLS board as a way to give back to who you can share your worries with, and her cousins roamed around downtown the OWLS community. She says she has find someone you feel safe enough with Portland and felt like Powell’s and the benefitted so much from OWLS and be- to ask your ‘dumb’ questions. True men- 24-Hour Church of Elvis were the cool- lieves in its mission to support lawyers tors and allies want you to succeed. And est things that had ever happened to from non-dominant cultures so they then be that person for someone else.” them. (And, frankly, both still rate high are able thrive in our legal community. When not serving the people of Ore- on her lifetime list.) Unable to afford both Judge von Ter Stegge credits her hus- gon as a judge and OWLS member, Judge the bar exam and a plane ticket back to band, Damien Munsinger, a plaintiff-side von Ter Stegge enjoys spending time Portland to see if she still liked it as an employment attorney, for the fact that with her husband and daughter. They adult, she trusted her gut feeling that she finally joined OWLS. When she was love to hike, bike, canoe, and snowshoe Oregon would be right. Luckily for her, having persistent problems at work with as a family. it turned out to be a wonderful place for a male co-counsel, her husband paid for both a legal career and a high quality of her OWLS membership and reminded her Stephanie Engelsman has just embarked life outside of work. that there was a whole organization out on a four-month adventure in Australia. Judge von Ter Stegge comes from there that wanted to support her through a long line of lawyers, including her her professional challenges and successes. ongratulations to OWLS member grandfather, who was also a state trial Judge von Ter Stegge quickly found CJudge Mustafa Kasubhai on his court judge. Two great classes with terrific that OWLS nurtured and inspired her and appointment, in September, as a professors in college are the main reason connected her with true mentors. Later, magistrate judge on the U.S. District she chose to go to law school; she was with the help of Heather Weigler and the Court for the District of Oregon. inspired to become a lawyer after learn- OWLS Judicial Work Group, Judge von Ter Judge Kasubhai served previously on ing about the history of labor movements Stegge practiced for interviews for her the Lane County Circuit Court. in the 20th century and the legal history current position. Judge von Ter Stegge of the civil rights era. To her thinking, still serves as a volunteer doing mock most of the real and revolutionary social interviews for the Judicial Work Group For more info on OWLS or change in this country in the 20th cen- and also serves on the OWLS Awards OWLS chapters, visit www. tury was not effectuated through social Nominating Committee. protest alone, but by principled lawyers She has been most involved with oregonwomenlawyers.org. and judges working in the justice system. Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 16 WINTER 2019 Free Federal Law Clinic to Open in Portland By Hon. Stacie F. Beckerman he U.S. District Court has much from providing legal advice or using vide administrative support to the clinic for which to be thankful in this appropriated court funds to support under the supervision of FBA President Tnew year, but we are especially the clinic, we are thrilled that an onsite Christopher Pallanch, a Tonkon Torp grateful for the grand opening of the resource offering helpful guidance is now partner. FBA board member Jack Scholz of Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Asso- available to self-represented litigants. Chernoff Vilhauer also provided valuable ciation’s Free Federal Law Clinic. The clinic If you encounter someone trying to file assistance by scouting a similar clinic in will open at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. a new case in or navigate federal court as another district, and Holland & Knight Courthouse in Portland on January 10. a self-represented litigant, please spread attorneys pitched in to draft the clinic’s The FBA’s Free Federal Law Clinic will be the word about the FBA’s Free Federal limited scope retainer agreement. held in the courthouse library and will be Law Clinic. Please direct people to www. The FBA and the U.S. District Court open every other Thursday morning from fedlawclinic.com, where they will find a owe a debt of gratitude to the clinic’s 10 a.m. to noon. Self-represented litigants short questionnaire seeking information inaugural volunteers, including attorneys may schedule a 30-minute meeting with about their case. The questionnaire en- from Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan, a volunteer attorney, either at the clinic ables volunteer attorneys to clear any Stoel Rives, Markowitz Herbold, Cosgrave or by phone. Several law firms graciously conflicts prior to the scheduled meeting. Vergeer Kester, Larkins Vacura Kayser, allowed me to visit this fall to announce The Free Federal Law Clinic is the result Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, Sather Byerly the opening of the clinic, and the end of the initiative and hard work of Susan & Holloway, Holland & Knight, Ogletree result was a full roster of volunteers for Pitchford of Chernoff Vilhauer, joined Deakins, and Barran Liebman. the FBA’s six-month pilot project. by immediate past FBA president Nadia A free legal clinic for people in need? Led by former FBA president Susan Dahab (Stoll Berne); former FBA president This is what happens when our legal Pitchford, the FBA secured seed money and current FBA board member Gosia community comes together to do justice. from a national FBA litigation section to Fonberg; Ninth Circuit Branch Librarian We are hopeful that the success of the open the clinic. The FBA hosted a train- Julia Sathler; FBA board member Melis- pilot project will result in a permanent ing session for volunteers at its monthly sa Aubin, Nicole Munoz, and Elizabeth clinic at the courthouse. If your law firm October luncheon; a videotape of the Potter of our Clerk’s Office; and former is interested in adopting a month, or session is available from the FBA. FBA president and current FBA board you are interested in volunteering on One frustrating part of being a judge member U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie an individual basis, you may contact the is watching self-represented litigants Russo. Key to the clinic’s success is the clinic at oregonfederalbarassociation@ struggle to litigate their cases without a generous contribution of Tonkon Torp, gmail.com. trained attorney by their side. Although which is supporting the volunteer efforts U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman ethical rules prohibit judges or court staff of legal assistant Ruth Betancourt to pro- is located in Portland. Meet OWLS Board Member Sara Kobak By Renata Gowie ara Kobak was born and raised in and specializing in appellate work, Sara Sara advises Denver, Colorado. She graduated regularly practices before the Oregon new lawyers Sfrom Beloit College, a small liberal Court of Appeals, the Oregon Supreme to be unafraid arts college in Wisconsin, and then re- Court, the United States Court of Appeals to ask for help turned to Denver and worked in social for the Federal Circuit, and the United and to volun- work for seven years. As a case manager, States Court of Appeals for the Ninth teer for pro Sara often accompanied clients to court Circuit. bono work to for emotional support with domestic Active in OWLS since her clerkship, gain valuable violence restraining orders and housing Sara previously was on the dragon boat experience. issues, piquing her interest in the law. Af- team, and she joined the OWLS Board For instance, ter a five-month sojourn in South America of Directors two years ago. She serves the Ninth Cir- with her now-husband, they decided to on various OWLS committees, including cuit Court and Sara Kobak move to Portland. She graduated from the Membership Committee and the 30th the Oregon Lewis & Clark Law School, magna cum Anniversary Committee. She encourages appellate courts are all committed to laude, in 2002. young women lawyers to become in- hearing oral argument in cases in which From 2002 to 2005, Sara clerked for volved with OWLS because it provides a a lawyer is appointed through the respec- then-Chief Justice Wallace Carson Jr. of great support network. tive court’s pro bono program. Sara also the Oregon Supreme Court. She found In addition to her participation in recommends joining an OWLS committee the experience particularly rewarding OWLS, Sara is active in the Oregon State as a great way to connect with other and extended the normal two-year term Bar’s Legal Services Committee and is lawyers and get more involved in OWLS. to three years. After her clerkship, she chair of the OSB’s Appellate Practice Sec- joined Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and tion. She spends her spare time with her Renata Gowie is the civil chief at the has worked there ever since, becoming children, ages 8 and 10, hiking outdoors, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of a shareholder in 2014. Based in Portland and reading mystery novels. Oregon. She works in Portland.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 17 WINTER 2019 Queen’s Bench Honors Women Judges at Luncheon By Gloria Trainor ueen’s Bench honored Oregon’s Despite her successes, Dana remained women judges at its 28th annual aware that although for her, immigration Qholiday luncheon on December 11 was a choice, many of the 130,000 undoc- at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland. Judge umented immigrants in Oregon did not Katharine von Ter Stegge first thanked leave their homes by choice. Currently, outgoing Queen’s Bench President Dana works as an Arabic-speaking mental Rima Ghandour for her service and an health provider for refugees and survivors excellent year of programming. Anne of violence. Dana said that we can best Milligan, noting that nearly 400 people help this population by building bridges were present, announced the judges in of trust through mentorship and by advo- Statler. two photos: Teresa Top attendance. Judge Beth Allen presented cating for workplace equity, freedom of Judge Katherine Tennyson with a $500 movement, and community support for check representing Queen’s Bench’s sup- all. She concluded with an Arabic saying, port of Multnomah County CourtCare. which she translated to English: “People Then OWLS President Amber Hollister an- are to people as the part of a body is to nounced the 2019 Roberts & Deiz Award another part of the same body. If one part recipients, Judge Katherine Tennyson and aches, the whole body suffers.” Elisa Dozono, who will receive the award The third and final keynote speaker on March 8 at the annual OWLS dinner. was Valerie Colas, from the Oregon The three keynote speakers shared Office of Public Defense Services. When incredible stories of courage and per- Valerie was new to Oregon, the devas- severance. The first was Pilar French, tating earthquake of 2010 impacted her a litigator at Lane Powell, who talked family in Haiti. After much worrying, about her personal experience with a she was relieved to receive a call from breast cancer diagnosis. “If you get it,” her father days later. Thankfully, he had she advised, “pretend you are a Navy Seal: survived the disaster. In the months that there is no way out but to go through.” followed, Valerie and her father acted Support from friends, humor, exercise, as intermediaries to Haitians looking for Bottom photo: Mike Reynolds, Dreams in Bloom Photography. and positivity were all very important, loved ones in the aftermath of the 7.0 At the luncheon: Top: Katherine O’Neil, she said. Her words of courage, strength, quake. Valerie’s father—in the rubble Hon. Marilyn Litzenberger, Hon. Gini and compassion resonated with hope. left behind—obtained information about Linder; Center: Hon. Anna Brown, Hon. The second speaker, Dana Ghazi, immi- those being sought, and—via Valerie in Karin Immergut, Hon. Danielle Hunsaker; grated to the United States from Syria in the United States—passed that informa- Bottom: Valerie Colas, Pilar French, 2002, when she was 19 years old. By 2008, tion to families desperate for it. Valerie Dana Ghazi, Rima Ghandour she had settled in the Pacific Northwest. also helped raise more than $40,000 to She watched heartbreaking violence help survivors with rebuilding efforts. and history. Valerie reminded us that it unfold in her home country on television Through this process, Valerie met is relationships intentionally made and while she attended Portland State Uni- Haitians in the Portland area, and they nourished that help us survive during versity. She pursued a master’s degree in helped her reconnect with the cultures times of adversity and give us hope for conflict resolution, gained United States and traditions of her homeland. She a better future. citizenship in 2014, and became the PSU realized how naturally people are con- Gloria Trainor practices family law and per- student body president in 2015. nected to community, homeland, culture, sonal injury law at Trainor Law in Portland. Mary Leonard Chapter Need help with a big case? Want to take a vacation? By Stephanie Case Contact the OWLS Contract Lawyer Service. We can help! n Oct. 31, the OWLS Mary Leonard OChapter co-hosted the annual lun- Contact us with project/job information. cheon in Salem celebrating new admit- tees to the bar. Willamette Law professor We immediately post the announcement to our Warren Binford spoke about her recent contract lawyer listserve. You are promptly contacted experiences working with detained by contract lawyers who meet your criteria. No fee to immigrants at the Texas-Mexico border. post jobs or projects. You pay the contract lawyer you The OWLS Special Committee on Family hire. OWLS contract lawyers are statewide. Separation & Child Detention coordinates Many levels of experience. Many types of expertise. OWLS’ response to the U. S. policy of sep- arating immigrant families and detaining immigrant children. You can find more FForor momorere iinformationnformation oorr ttoo ppostost a jjob,ob, contactcontact info at https://owlsunitefamilies.org/. CassondraDiane R Sumrallynerso nat: 50503.841.57203.841.5720 oror [email protected]@oregonwomenlawyers.org Stephanie Case is a judicial law clerk at the Oregon Court of Appeals.
OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 18 WINTER 2019