June 2024
Multnomah
Lawyers associated for justice, service, professionalism, education and leadership for our members and our community
Lawyer
Est. 1906
by Theresa L. (Terry) Wright MBA Immediate Past President
MULTNOMAH BAR ASSOCIATION 620 SW FIFTH AVE., SUITE 1220 PORTLAND, OREGON 97204
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR
Volume 70, Number 6
mba CLE
Goodbye and Hello This is my last column before 2024-25 MBA President Brad Krupicka takes over. It is my last opportunity to share some of my thoughts with all of you. I hope that in my past columns, you have found that at least one of them gave you food for thought, or an idea to change the way you do things. I know my columns have resonated with some, as I have received comments every month from members who have appreciated what I have had to say. I hope this column, too, inspires thought. In March, I had the pleasure of going on an educational and cultural tour of Cuba. To say it was fabulous is an understatement. So how does this relate to my final column? Stick with me here. Due to the ongoing US embargo of Cuba, the Cuban economy is in shambles. Food, clothing, fuel, raw materials, medicine, items like sunscreen and bug repellant, and the like are difficult to come by. Not even the Cubans drink tap water, and bottled water is very difficult to find. The Cuban government helps, particularly with food, but the people are still struggling. Legally- and medically-trained people make an average of $20 US per month, the same as most Cubans. The bartender in our hotel was an electrical engineer by training, but made more money tending bar. Some of The MBA is a the better-paid people in Cuba are taxi drivers, “we’re all in so there are many lawyers making their living shuttling people around town rather than plying this together their trade. It was eye-opening, to say the least. organization.” What struck me most, though, is how resilient the Cuban people are. They have accepted their way of life as their way of life and do the best they can to survive. Given the state of the Cuban economy, what is surprising is that there is very little “street” crime in Cuba. In fact, I misplaced my wallet for a time, and my first thought was that it had been lifted from my bag while on a tour. Our tour guides were extremely skeptical of my theory. Turns out they were right and my wallet was in my hotel room. I didn’t ask why there was so little crime, but came to the conclusion that the Cubans have a “we’re all in this together” attitude. It showed in their friendliness, kindness, and willingness to assist whenever possible. So, to the point of this column. The MBA is a “we’re all in this together” organization. In my first column, I gave a shout-out to the MBA’s volunteers and staff. After serving as president for a year, I realize that was an understatement. This association does so much. We offer over 70 quality CLE seminars each year. We offer large social events such as the Annual Dinner and Absolutely Social and smaller gatherings like Bench, Bar and Bagels. Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee has many projects going on, including awarding disadvantaged students grants to take an LSAT prep course, which is helping to increase the diversity of the Bar. Our Judicial Screening Committee reviews all applicants for gubernatorial appointment and pro tem positions, and makes recommendations to the governor and/or presiding judge. The Court Liaison Committee bridges the gap
June 2024
between the Bar and judiciary, keeping communications channels open and informing the Bar of court policies and procedures. The Professionalism Committee offers additional CLE programming and works to foster professional relationships in law practice. Our Public Service Committee organized a series of volunteer activities for early May, for lawyers and also for their families and friends. In addition to our eight standing MBA committees, members also serve on the Health Plan Board of Trustees. And I haven’t even touched on all of the We have a small activities of the YLS and MBF. staff of just five, All of the above happens mostly with but they keep volunteers, but the glue that holds it all the organization together and does a yeo-person’s job in pulling things together is our staff. We have running... a small staff of just five, but they keep the organization running and our committees on track. We wouldn’t be the organization we are without them. For those who missed the Annual Dinner, I announced there that Executive Director Guy Walden and Director of Events & Programs Kathy Modie have each been with the MBA for 25 years. That’s an amazing accomplishment given the current wave of people moving from job to job frequently. They, along with Member Services Administrator Ryan Mosier, Office & Foundation Administrator Pamela Hubbs, and Program Coordinator Imani Smith, are our “we are all in this together” backbone. I can’t thank them all enough for all the work they do and their dedication to this organization and you, its members. Finally, a shout-out to the MBA Board. This is not always glamorous work, but this year’s board was terrific. They made me look good. I have been honored to serve the MBA as its President this past year, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to continued involvement as an MBA volunteer, and can assure you the organization is in wonderful hands under the leadership of incoming president, Brad Krupicka.
mba EVENT The MBA Events Committee invites you to
Portland Pickles Event Friday, July 12 7:05 p.m. Walker Stadium 4727 SE 92nd Avenue, Portland Cheer on our hometown baseball team “The Portland Pickles” against their rivals “Bend Elks.” Bring the whole office or family. The MBA Events Committee has reserved seating for MBA members and there will be carnival games, rides and special contests during the game. Gates open: 6 p.m. Game time: 7:05 p.m. $15 for MBA members and non-members
PERMIT NO. 00082
Register at www.mbabar.org
See details on p. 3. To register, visit www.mbabar.org/cle and input your OSB number to register at the member rate.
JUNE 6.12 Wednesday Oral Arguments on Motions: Proven Strategies for Legal Advocacy Chad Colton
Calendar JUNE 3 Monday MBA Solo & Small Firm Workshop Details on p. 11 6 Thursday YLS/OSCPA Cornhole Tournament Details on p. 10 22 Saturday St. Andrew Legal Clinic Race for Justice Details on p. 6 25 Tuesday YLS Judges’ Social Details on p. 10
JULY 12 Friday Portland Pickles Event Details this page 25 Thursday OMLA Auction www.omlalawyers.com
AUGUST 15 Thursday Battle of the Lawyer Bands Details on p. 9
In This Issue CLE �������������������������������������������������� 3 Announcements ������������������������������� 5 Ethics Focus ������������������������������������� 5 Around the Bar ��������������������������������� 6 News From the Court ������������������������ 8 Tips From the Bench ������������������������� 8 MBA Board Officers �������������������������� 9 Profile: Hon. Michael Greenlick ��������� 9 YLS �������������������������������������������������10 Member Resource Center ����������������� 11 Classifieds ��������������������������������������12 MBF ������������������������������������������������ 13 The Corner Office �����������������������������16
Multnomah Bar Association 620 SW 5th Ave Suite 1220 Portland, Oregon 97204 503.222.3275 www.mbabar.org
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