A Newsletter Published by Oregon Women Lawyers Volume 19, No. 2 Spring 2008 OWLS’ Mission Celebrated at Dinner By Jane M. Yates n March 14 at the Governor Hotel in Action Committee and the Opportunities for Law Portland, 450 members of Oregon’s legal in Oregon program and his work on diversity is- Ocommunity gathered to celebrate OWLS’ sues in the workplace. When accepting the award, President mission to transform Dave said that such an Kellie Johnson the practice of law and award serves to remind Vice President, ensure justice and equal- of us of past inequities, President-Elect Laura Caldera Taylor ity by advancing women help us measure progress Secretary and minorities in the made, and guide future Heather Van Meter legal profession. The behavior. Treasurer celebration culminated In assessing progress Gwyn McAlpine in the presentation of made, Dave noted that Historian the Judge Mercedes Deiz the struggle for inclusion Alice Bartelt Award to David F. Bartz, and equality continues Board Members Jr., a shareholder with and that conflicts over Sally Anderson-Hansell Nancy Cook Schwabe, Williamson & race and gender still Nicole DeFever Wyatt, and the presenta- confront us. These con- Dana Forman tion of the Justice Betty flicts, he said, require Bethany Graham Shari Gregory Roberts Award to Trudy consistent and persistent Cashauna Hill Allen, general counsel of Photo by Jodee Jackson efforts to resolve. Julia Markley U.S. Bancorp Equipment Trudy Allen and David F. Bartz, Jr. In looking toward the Hon. Adrienne Nelson Leslie O’Leary Finance, Inc. Both honorees observed that the future, Dave offered hope and encouragement. Kathleen J. Rastetter OWLS mission can only be achieved by the steps He reminded the audience that each individual Concetta Schwesinger that each of us takes to further the cause. can further the progress toward equality and Cathey Susman Hon. Katherine Tennyson Before the awards ceremony, diners enjoyed inclusion in the profession. Each person can take Heather Weigler a brief but entertaining live auction to benefit on one small task to achieve the goal. He asked Jane Yates the OWLS Foundation. Auctioneer extraordinaire the audience to vow, “I will” do something to Past Presidents Sonia Montalbano kept the audience laughing advance women and diverse lawyers in our pro- Norma S. Freitas Kate A. Thompson Wilkinson and the bids increasing with her irreverent and fession and in our communities. Jennifer K. De Wald clever banter. Table conversation before the live The second award was the Justice Betty Sarah J. Crooks auction ranged from professional issues and Roberts Award, which is given to an individual Elizabeth Schwartz Lori E. Deveny recent events to catching up with old friends who has made an outstanding contribution to Debra Pilcher Velure and meeting new ones. The dinner backdrop promoting women in the legal profession and Marilyn E. Litzenberger consisted of a slide show that included photos the community. The Honorable Ellen Rosenblum Teresa M. Kraemer Patricia L. Heatherman of many OWLS members who have worked to introduced the recipient, Trudy Allen. Judge Julie Levie Caron further the OWLS mission. Rosenblum noted Trudy’s role as the preserver of Phylis Chadwell Myles The elegant and powerful Kellie Johnson, a key moments in the history of women lawyers in Helle Rode Diana Craine prosecutor with the Multnomah County District Oregon and her tireless efforts in assisting other Kathryn M. Ricciardelli Attorney’s Office and president of OWLS, steered women to advance in their profession. Agnes Sowle the audience’s attention to the presentation of When accepting the award, Trudy exhibited Katherine H. O’Neil the awards. the calm, confident elegance of which Judge Executive Director Catherine Ciarlo, 503.595.7826 The first award was the Judge Mercedes Deiz Rosenblum spoke. She described five categories catherine@ Award, bestowed upon an individual who has of gifts she has received through her involvement oregonwomenlawyers.org made an outstanding contribution to promoting with OWLS and its related organizations: the gifts AdvanceSheet Editor minorities in the legal profession and the commu- of heritage, culture, friendships, collaboration, Elise Gautier, 503.292.2893 [email protected] nity. Román Hernández introduced the recipient, and a sense of accomplishment. David F. Bartz, Jr. Román lauded Dave’s personal Trudy noted that the gift of heritage has in- The AdvanceSheet is published quarterly by Oregon Women commitment to diversity as demonstrated by his cluded the opportunity to observe the evolution Lawyers, P.O. Box 40393, involvement in the Oregon State Bar Affirmative Continued on page 4 Portland, OR 97240. OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 1 SPRING 2008 President’s Message Save the date! “Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” —Tom Stoppard, playwright Betty Roberts Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead Autobiography Release hank you, OWLS, for giving me the opportunity to serve CLE and Reception you. This year has gone so quickly, but it was filled June 13, 2008 with worthy challenges, introductions to interesting T 3–5 p.m. CLE/Panel Presentation and committed professionals, and many opportunities for growth. I have enjoyed working with the wonderful women 5 p.m. Reception & Book Signing that make up the OWLS Board. Thank you for being such a Oregon Historical Society gracious team. Catherine and Linda, we are fortunate to have Kellie Johnson two such remarkable women heading up OWLS headquarters. 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland And I make my exit knowing that our incoming President Laura Caldera Taylor will n Friday, June 13, Oregon Women further advance the mission of OWLS with grace, intelligence, and courage. Lawyers will In one short year together, we addressed the elimination of bias/access to justice O celebrate the life conflict, challenged the OSB Board of Governors to remain committed to the Affirma- and career of one tive Action Program, supported national efforts to protect equality in employment of our founding legislation, in record numbers contributed to the Campaign for Equal Justice, and mothers, former witnessed the growth of our membership to nearly 1,300 statewide. Justice Betty Rob- I have been encouraged by OWLS’ commitment to stand on the front lines and, erts, at a CLE and with courage, address pressing issues, as well as its ability to be self-critical and con- reception to mark tinue an unending quest to advance the cause of equality in the legal practice. As the release of her we press onward and upward, we, OWLS members, have an important role to play autobiography, on a larger scale in our community. We are witnessing an exciting time in American With Grit and By Grace: Breaking history—a woman and a black man stand poised to take on the leadership of our Trails in Politics and Law. country. This historic event presents an opportunity for us all to face age-old af- Justice Roberts was the first woman flictions of sexism, racism, and inequality and to engage in a national dialogue in to serve on the Oregon Court of Ap- hopes of reconciliation and understanding. This may be one of the most defining peals and the first woman to serve moments in our history, and I, for one, am ready to face it with unyielding vigor, on the Oregon Supreme Court. In her honesty, forthrightness, and forgiveness. book, she reflects on these experi- I believe that OWLS can lead the way in our community and provide opportunity ences as well as her role as a mother, for dialogue. Certainly the topics are not new. I hope we can avoid putting off to wife, and political trailblazer. yet another generation the task of tackling the “isms” that plague us. No more At the June 13 event, a distin- degeneration from the ideal of equality to complicity in a political arrangement guished group of presenters will dis- that is ready to sacrifice obtaining equality for creature comforts and a false sense cuss the themes and events in Justice of domestic harmony. Roberts’s autobiography and their In closing, I truly believe that every “ending” is but a “new beginning” and my impact on the political, legal, and journey as an advocate for minority and women’s equality is far from over. This year social landscape of Oregon. Panelists has recharged me, certainly shaped me, and points me onward and upward. This ex- include former state legislators Norma perience for me has resulted in a convergence of passion and purpose that has been Paulus and Gretchen Kafoury, Oregon integral to my identity as a black woman. Undeniably, my challenge will be to stay Supreme Court Justice Virginia Linder, steadfast and courageous in the mission to transform the practice of law and ensure Multnomah County Circuit Judge justice and equality for women and minorities even when I am weary with the fight. Adrienne Nelson, Liani Reeves, and I have faith that I can and I will—with your help. I look forward to working side by Cashauna Hill. The panel discussion side and shoulder to shoulder with each of you. Here’s to new beginnings! will be moderated by Melody Rose, chair of the Portland State University Division of Political Science and direc- tor of the NEW Leadership Oregon program. MCLE credit application is in Kellie Johnson, OWLS President process. Registration fees will include a copy of the book. OWLS Members in OSB Leadership College After the CLE, OWLS members and f the 35 people selected to par- Jessica Hamilton, Stephanie Hines, the public are invited to join us for a Oticipate in the Oregon State Bar Amber Hollister, Lisa Hunt, Cynthia book signing and reception. Leadership College in 2008, 11 (31%) Mohiuddin, Yumi O’Neil, Cecil Reniche- A review of the book starts on the are OWLS members.