Most of the MBA and YLS work is done through its committees and depends on hundreds of attorney volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Plan, conduct and evaluate 40 CLE seminars, focusing on members’ primary areas of practice. This committee develops topics and recruits speakers for all CLE seminars presented by the MBA. CLE classes are designed to address the varied areas of law in which MBA members practice. If you have a suggestion for a CLE speaker or topic, call the MBA at 503.222.3275.
2022-23 Chair: Ian Christy, Miller Nash LLP, ian.christy@millernash.com, 503.205.2416
The goal of the Court Liaison Committee is to foster constructive dialogue with the judiciary and court administrator with regard to rules or procedural changes and to assist the court in educating members about court issues. In addition, the committee surveys members on issues regarding the Multnomah County Circuit Court, writes the Multnomah Lawyer "News from the Court" column and the profiles of local judges and full-time referees.
2022-23 Chair: Bridget Donegan, Boise Matthews LLP, Bridget@BoiseMatthews.com, 503.228.0487
The mission of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee is to foster and expand diversity, inclusion and equality in the MBA and Multnomah County legal community and to create and strengthen a relationship of mutual support between the MBA and diverse bar organizations. The committee administers the LSAT scholarship program and MBA Diversity Award Nomination & Selection Process.
2022-23 Chair: Tania Manners, Larkins Vacura Kayser LLP, tmanners@lvklaw.com, 971.358.6845
Conducts member-outreach activities and drop-in socials. Plans Bench Bar & Bagels, Battle of the Lawyer Bands and WinterSmash, which benefits Multnomah CourtCare.
2022-23 Chair: Natalie Hedman, Hedman Family Law LLC, natalie@hedmanfamilylaw.com, 503.660.3089
Made up of lawyers and as many as three public members, the Judicial Screening Committee confidentially reviews applications of pro tem and judicial appointment candidates and reports its recommendations as called for in the MBA's board-approved process.
2022-23 Chair: Morgan Dethman, Metro Public Defender Inc, mdethman@mpdlaw.com, 503.225.9100
The committee promotes principles of professionalism within the Multnomah County bar, through the professionalism statement; works with the MBA Young Lawyers Section and staff on the MBA Mentor Program; administers the MBA Professionalism Award Nomination & Selection Process and writes the "Corner Office" column for the Multnomah Lawyer. The committee also works to increase members' formal commitment to providing pro bono legal representation for those who are in need by encouraging members to sign the Pro Bono Pledge.
2022-23 Chair: Mark Johnson-Roberts, Attorney at Law, markj@markjohnsonroberts.com, 971.506.2287
Exploring new ways for lawyers to assist those in need in the community, in partnership with the court, pro bono and social service providers, and other stakeholders.
2022-23 Co-Chairs: Rebecca Cambreleng, Cambreleng & Marton LLC, rebecca@workplacelawpdx.com, 503.893.4829 and Mindy Stannard, Morris Stannard & Batalden Family Law PC, mindy@msbfamilylaw.com, 503.461.0244
The committee focuses on programs and services that are of value to small firms and solo practitioners.
2022-23 Chair: Rhett Fraser, Huegli Fraser PC, rhett@hueglifraserlaw.com, 971.266.8877