Oregon Trial Lawyers Association In the Service of Justice December 2013 www.oregontriallawyers.org Welcome New/Returning OTLA Attorney Members Michelle Bassi Laura Budd Kyle Busse Edward Choi Elizabeth Christy Jose Cienfuegos Beth Eiva Louis Frohman Andrew Grade Ralph Gzik Milan Hanson Shanelle Honda Nels Johnson Shannon Kmetic Gano Lemoine Jessica Lewicki Scott Malbasa Niki Mendoza Matthew Pennell W. Michael Quillen Yasha Renner Ehren Rhea Cathryn Ruckle Corinna Spencer-Scheurich Darian Stanford Matthew Swihart Patrick Terry Christine Tracey Laurence Wagner Zachary Walker David White Your 2013-14 OTLA Leadership The 2013-2014 OTLA Board of Governors at the annual retreat in Astoria. Portland Workers Compensation attorney Martin Alvey of the Alvey Law Group kicked off the OTLA Board retreat October 13-14th at Astoria s Cannery Pier. OTLA s new officers include: Presidentelect Shelley Russell of Crispin Employment Lawyers, Portland; Secretary/Treasurer Neil Jackson of Neil Jackson & Partners PC, Portland; Parliamentarian Tina Stupasky of Jensen Elmore & Stupasky PC, Eugene; and Immediate Past President Hala Gores of Hala J. Gores PC, Portland. New board members include: Ronn Elzinga and Jodie Phillips Polich. President Alvey s Welcome am truly honored to serve as your president I for 2013-14. It was extremely humbling to become President at our 60th Anniversary Convention in the presence of many of OTLA s great leaders. I pledge to do all I can to make OTLA a stronger organization in the year ahead and want you to know I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to call me anytime at 503-229-0895 or send me an e-mail at martin@alveylawgroup.com. President Marty Alvey (right) and Past President Chris Moore (left). Returning Board members include: Dick Adams, Kelly Andersen, Robert Beatty-Walters, Paul Bovarnick, Kathryn Clarke, Diego Conde, Beth Creighton, Tom D Amore, Sonya Fischer, Michael Greene, Derek Johnson, Lara Johnson, Myah Kehoe, Rob Kline, John McVea, Craig Nichols, Shenoa Payne, Charese Rohny, Scott Shorr, David Sugerman, Tim Williams, Michael Wise and Greg Zeuthen. Please feel free to contact any of your OTLA leadership team if you have any membership questions or suggestions. Your team is also accessible via the OTLA website at www. oregontriallawyers.org. In October-November your Executive Committee and Legislative Co-Chairs David Sugerman and Derek Johnson visited Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Jacksonville, Bend, Beaverton, Gresham and Portland to discuss the ins and outs of the 2013 sessions, strategize on the upcoming 2014 & 2015 session and to enjoy trial lawyer camaraderie over drinks and appetizers. The Board of Governors held its annual retreat over Columbus Day weekend in Astoria. With the assistance of facilitator Ed Lazarus, the Board identified our goals and priorities for the next year and beyond, rededicating ourselves to furthering our service to you, our OTLA members. OTLA stands ready to provide you all with a comprehensive legislative and political agenda. We are poised to help strengthen and protect the civil justice system and provide cutting edge member services to ensure we are the best lawyers we can be for our injured clients. Here s to a great year In the Service of Justice.
2 SIDEBAR December 2013 OTLA Happenings The OTLA-Legacy Emanuel Bike Helmet Partnership Comes Full Circle By OTLA Legal Staff Member Lisa Devlin, Alvey Law Group Through the OTLA listserv I heard about a bike helmet event with OTLA and the Legacy Emanuel Trauma Nurses Talk Tough (TNTT). OTLA was making a large donation to the TNTT program to help encourage children and adults to wear bicycle helmets and teamed up with the trauma nurses at four events where we fitted, sized and sold helmets at an extremely discounted rate. No one would be turned away if he/she couldn t afford a helmet, but charging a nominal fee increases the likelihood the helmet will be worn. I personally attended four events and delivered helmets for a fifth event in Clatskanie. I was surprised by how the Legacy TNTT and OTLA volunteers were literally providing a service and product that would protect the lives of so many, young and old alike. It was truly a moving experience. At the Legacy Emanuel hospital event, a mother and daughter came through on their way to the hospital lab for treatment. I overheard the mother telling her daughter that they did not have the money to purchase helmets and off to the lab they went. I ran through the lobby, caught up with them and fitted both mother and daughter with helmets. At each of these events, I felt an Lisa Devlin (right) fitting a young rider at Good in the Hood bike helmet event. overwhelming sensation of giving back. To see the looks on the kids faces as they picked out a shiny, new helmet. To see the relief in the parents faces knowing they were setting a good example and doing yet one more thing to keep their children safer and healthier. I observed moms and dads; grandmas and grandpas; aunts and uncles; all buying helmets and making sure they fit properly to show that wearing a helmet is the responsible way to ride a bicycle. I am hopeful we can continue this joint partnership for years to come. This wouldn t have been possible OTLA volunteers fitting children with helmets and socializing with families. BIKE HELMET continues on page 3 The monthly publication of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association December 2013 Sidebar is published by the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and is distributed as a member benefit. Sidebar informs members about OTLA activities and current events across Oregon, the region and the nation. Reproduction of any material that appears in this publication without permission is prohibited. All text and photos are the work of OTLA staff unless otherwise noted. For editorial and content questions or comments, please contact Amy Anderson at amy@oregontriallawyers.org or 503-223-5587 x102. Sidebar is printed on recycled paper, 30% post-consumer content, by Morel Ink, an Oregon union printer. 319 SW Washington St., Suite 607 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: 503-223-5587 Fax: 503-223-4101 www.oregontriallawyers.org Executive Director: Beth Bernard Communications Director: Amy Anderson Membership/Political Director: Shamus Lynsky Development Director: Randi Besser CLE & Events Manager: Patri Thompson
BIKE HELMET continued from page 2 without the leadership and fundraising prowess of Immediate Past President Hala Gores, who stepped up and spearheaded this amazing program. As if this story was not heart-felt enough. Two weeks after the last fitting, I received a harrowing call at 2:30 in the morning. My step-father (Papa) had become non-responsive and would not let the medics take him to the hospital. I was at my St. Helens home and he was in Portland, literally fighting the medics. I was on speaker phone and was able to calm him down enough that the medics could transport him to the hospital. I rushed to Portland. Papa is a Providence patient, but because of his symptoms and severe aggression, he was transported to Legacy Emanuel. After many tests, he was put into Neuro-Traumatic ICU. I was a mess, however I sent my mother home to get some sleep. I was not allowed to take the elevator up to ICU with him and had to wait for a few minutes for the nursing staff to be updated on his condition. When I finally was allowed into the room, who was the first face I saw but Neuro-Trauma Nurse Mike Morrison, our team leader from the OTLA-Legacy TNTT bike helmet program. In this scary moment, I was completely relieved to see Mike s friendly, calming face. Mike was so patient with Papa and truly made every effort to help him keep his dignity under these stressful circumstances. Papa had a TIA (transient ischemic attack often labeled mini-stroke ) which caused his aggression. Mike sat down next to me and updated me on everything that was happening and prepared me for every step along the way. He was our nurse for two days and checked in on us the third day, even though he was not on shift. Two of the other Legacy nurses that I had worked with at the bike helmet events came to ICU to see if there was anything that I needed or wanted. I already knew that I wanted to continue to be a part of this partnership, but after having Mike as our nurse and the other nurses that came up to check on us, I can t think of a better way to pay it forward. A special thank you to OTLA and Legacy TNTT for making a difference in the community and for helping my family get through a tragedy. December 2013 SIDEBAR 3 Trauma nurse Mike Morrison and Past President Hala Gores. Papa is home and doing much better. He received a new heart valve at Providence. While he received great care there, I would have been happier at Legacy knowing my new friends and partners would have been there every step of the way to care for him and our family. To make a donation to the 2014 OTLA-Legacy Bike Helmet program, please go online to www.oregontriallawyers.org and give to this lifechanging cause. Please let Amy Anderson, amy@ oregontriallawyers.org, know if you would like to volunteer at future events. OTLA On The Go Did you know you can get your very own OTLA App? Now, OTLA Members can enjoy OTLA s website on-the-go in a mobile format! This will give you one-touch access to OTLA listservs, membership directory, event and CLE calendars, event registration and more. To access the mobile version of OTLA s website, open your phone or tablet web browser and type in www.oregontriallawyers.org. Our mobileoptimized site will load automatically. Then you can add a bookmark to your device s homepage. Bookmarks look like app buttons and open mobile-optimized sites in your mobile browser. You can find tutorials for adding one touch bookmarks to your device online. OTLA s mobile-optimized site has all the functionality that a stand-alone app does and you can access the full OTLA website at any time by scrolling to the bottom of the mobile screen and clicking the View Full Site link. If you have any questions about OTLA s mobile site, contact Patri Thompson at patri@oregontriallawyers.org or 503-223-5587.
4 SIDEBAR December 2013 Guardians Spotlight Megan Annand Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum Growing up in small town West Virginia, Megan Annand knew she was destined for bigger things. The middle child of 9 siblings, a determined 19 year old Annand loaded up her duffle bag, stuffed $300 in her pocket and headed west for Berkeley, California in the early 1970 s. Her flair for adventure and longing for culture was ignited by her parents, both television and radio actors and a far cry from coal miners, as she likes to point out. Annand worked and put herself through undergrad at UC Berkeley, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1978. Always with her sights set on being a lawyer, Annand went on to put herself through California s Hastings College of Law, graduating in 1982. Craving more culture and experience, she then spent two years in Asia, traveling from Japan to Pakistan soaking in as many foreign dishes and experiences as she could on a budget. Annand s first taste of the practice of law was at a large insurance defense firm in San Francisco, where she stomached defending bad faith lawsuits for nearly 10 years. During that time, she met her ex-husband and together, they decided to flee the big city and head for southern Oregon in 1993. She immediately hung out her own shingle offering her general civil litigation services to a brand new community. Not knowing a soul in Medford, Annand is still amazed at her ability to sustain a successful practice that she built from the ground up. But flying by the seat of her pants seems to suit her well and pay off in spades. To this day, Annand practices from her home office, pulls her own water from her well and enjoys serving meals through a friend s church group to stay connected to her community. She continues to enjoy the affordable southern Oregon art, music, food and theater and thrives with all the outdoor activities readily available. Annand joined the OTLA family in 1994 and began contributing to the Guardians program back in 2000. She faithfully contributed to all three Megan Annand ballot measure fights and is a vibrant representative of the plaintiffs bar in southern Oregon and beyond. In her words: The best thing about my job is: Two best things working with interesting people and the freedom of being a solo. I think this is my chance to mention, Nicole Parrish, my superstar assistant. She definitely makes my job better. our clients need someone advocating for them in the legislature. The OTLA folks who do that work are changing the playing field. The hardest thing about my job is: Representing desperate people. What I do in my job is: Help people work through problems. When I was a new lawyer, I wish I knew: Judges are pretty forgiving and the occasional mistake is not such a big deal. Everyone makes them. It is the quality of work you do day in and day out that matters. Growing up I thought I would become: A lawyer. I wanted to be a lawyer from the time I was a kid. I got waylaid by moving to Berkeley in the early 1970 s and then traveling in Asia for two years. Why I did/didn t (see above): I thought being a lawyer would be an opportunity to change the world and use my big picture mentality. I don t know where I got that idea. Once in law school, I quickly learned that this work is all about details. Why I give to The Guardians of Civil Justice program: Because our clients need someone advocating for them in the legislature. The OTLA folks who do that work are changing the playing field. Thank you. What I d like colleagues to know about OTLA is: It gives one many of the advantages of firm life without the politics and aggravations. So many people offer help whenever I ask, which is often. You are a very generous tribe. There s more to life than my job. My favorite activities are: I love traveling. I got lucky last year and spent 5 weeks in India doing a survey tour. I love hiking in the mountains of southern Oregon, northern California and the mountains around Tucson in the spring. I m a big fan of classical and baroque music, theater, love big cities and hot places. The Oregon desert, especially Hart Mountain, is a favorite. I love my family and am lucky to have grown up the middle of nine children. It s fun to be from a big family as a kid, but even better as an adult. I knew I was grown up when: My credit score was over 800. I relax by: Watching BBC mysteries. I can t stand those stiffs on Downton Abbey but I still watch it. Silk is much, much better. I ve always wanted to: Build my own house, well, really design a house, someone else can do the building. I ll do it (see above) when: I find a small lot somewhere warmish with a view of water. GUARDIAN continues on page 5
GUARDIAN continued from page 4 My best subjects in high school were: History and English. The classes in law school I dreaded were: Criminal procedure and administrative law. My first job was: Wrapping Christmas presents at a dress shop in Charleston, WV. I was 15 and the store owner was the father of a good friend. I m proudest of: Putting myself through college and law school, and having supported myself as a lawyer for 31 years. That s always amazing to me. I wish: My country would cut defense spending at least in half and stop arming other countries altogether. I wish every kid in America would be eligible to get a debt-free college education. Guilty pleasure: Getting to my office at 10:30 or 11:00 am pretty much every day. I can t live without: Something special to look forward to. I am always planning a next adventure whether it s a hike or a trip across the world, dinner with a friend or what to make for the community meal I help cook. Most influential person in my life: My father, 6 3, movie-star handsome, funny, recited poetry and Shakespeare at the dinner table, great cook, best hugger ever, allaround loving father. Favorite fictional character: Too many. I love Clark Kent. I love the idea of being two people, one-mild mannered and the other a Megan Annand (middle) with her sisters in law on top of Mt. Eddy. superhero. I have never seen a Superman movie, it s the idea I like. Advice you would give to a new lawyer: It s a profession and a business, both of which you need to master. You have to use your head and your heart. Read Dr. Seuss, The Places You ll Go. Pretty much sums up life as a person and a lawyer. Not many people know that I am: Ha! Pretty unlikely that I would share that here. What I appreciate most among my friends: The art of living well: politically, spiritually, physically, intellectually, compassionately and passionately. My favorite authors/poets/ musicians/movies: Gerard Manley Hopkins, Dylan Thomas, TS Eliot. Chet Baker, Bach, Beethoven. The big movies: Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi. The reformation/revolution I appreciate the most: Dare I say, the food revolution? December 2013 SIDEBAR 5 Really, food has gotten so much better all over the country, except of course at those terrible fast food places on every freeway exit. I was very excited about the Arab Spring. I am taking the long view. After all, how long did it take from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution? 1776 until 1789! My motto: (Stolen from Joseph Campbell Joyful Participation In The Sorrows Of This World) He says: We cannot cure the sorrows of this world, but we can choose to live in joy. My epitaph: Turns again home! (from Crossing the Bar) The question I wish you d asked: Who else has strongly influenced you? And my answer: My mother, who until the time her memory and independence were taken by dementia, truly lived the life Joseph Campbell recommends. DME & BRIEF BANK IS UPDATED!! Please send new DME s or Briefs to patri@oregontriallawyers.org
6 SIDEBAR December 2013 Time is Running Out Get Your Last Minute CLE Credits at OTLA No time to attend CLEs in person? You can still earn credits your way, at your convenience. Go to the OTLA website for a variety of MP3s to download, including hard to find Access to Justice credits. These MP3s are free to download for all Guardian members. Sign in to the OTLA website and hover over the Member Resources tab. Scroll down and click the CLE Bank. From there you can find one of these three recordings: Building Diversity Training in the Mediated or Settlement Agreement in the Employment/ Civil Rights file. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Dr. Roberta Ballard in the Motor Vehicle file. Everything a PI Lawyer Needs to Know about Social Security Disability by Cheryl Coon in the Litigator Lunches file. ** Attention Guardians! Put your benefits of membership to good use. YOUR MP3s are FREE. ** In other words, download 1 free MP3 per month and cover the cost of basic dues. What a deal! Guardian Tom Melville with tips on taking a MV case to jury trial. Guardian speaker Richard Walsh answers questions.
December 2013 SIDEBAR 7 Robert J. Neuberger August 6, 1953 November 30, 2013 Beloved and Respected by Friends & Family and Both Sides of the Bar. After a four-year battle with cancer, OTLA lost a dear friend and legal warrior, Robert Neuberger, on November 30th. Often referred to as a gentleman lawyer for his unflappable and civil manner while fiercely advocating for his clients, Neuberger received the 2010 OTLA Distinguished Trial Lawyer, after three decades of practice. His respect and admiration from attorneys on both sides of the aisle was his trademark and Neuberger was a constant resource for OTLA s advocacy in the halls of the Capitol. With his signature bow-tie and uptown manner, one wouldn t guess Neuberger was born and raised in the small cattle and lumber community of Baker, Oregon. But his family roots grew deep in the Baker Valley since the nineteenth century. Neuberger was proud to have learned from the best. He attended Lewis & Clark law school at night, while interning with his mentor Burl L. Green, one of Oregon s foremost trial lawyers. Upon graduation, Neuberger was taken under Green s wing and less than two and a half years later, became a partner at the firm Green, Griswold & Neuberger. Of his mentors, Neuberger once quipped, I stood on the shoulders of giants like a Jewish baby, my feet never touched the ground. The epitome of integrity and character, Neuberger lived by the motto that no case and no client was insignificant and that being a vigorous advocate never had to interfere with friendships. Upon Green s retirement in 1989, Neuberger joined the legendary plaintiff firm Pozzi Wilson Atchison where he was a partner until 1999. He learned to do the difficult work and look at details no one else would think about to win justice for his clients. Neuberger s long-time service to OTLA includes Board and Guardians of Civil Justice service, ballot measure campaign strategy and development, as well as OTLA PAC service. Through leadership in the Oregon State Bar s Practice and Procedure Committee, Neuberger fought the noble fight against massive tort deform in the 1995 legislative session. A session that turned out to be one of the most difficult years for civil justice and victims rights. Because of his strategic thinking and extended relationships across the aisle, Neuberger was able to limit the damage. As friend and fellow legislative fighter David Sugerman points out, the OTLA team entrenched in battles took to describing amendments that provided safe harbors as Neubergarian. He was a quiet and steadfast supporter of the St. Andrew s Legal Clinic so the working poor could qualify for aid and find representation that they otherwise wouldn t receive. Neuberger is survived by his son Stuart Neuberger and sisters Roz and Pat Neuberger. A celebration of life is scheduled for February 1st, 2-5pm at the Benson Hotel, with the formal program from 3-3:45pm. Robert s family is interested in collecting pictures and remembrances of him. If you have things you would like to pass along, please send to amy@oregontriallawyers.org and we ll make sure Stuart receives them. OTLA Women s Caucus Holiday High Tea December 20, 2013 2:30-4:30pm at the Heathman Hotel, Portland Sponsored by Audrey Kenney of The James Street Group Chelsa Bocci, Co-Founder and Senior Director of Kiva and daughter of OTLA member Mark Bocci, will join us to talk about Kiva, a non -profit organization that connects millions of people through lending to alleviate poverty. RSVP randi@oregontriallawyers.org 503-223-5587
8 SIDEBAR December 2013 Bob and Charlotte Udziela On October 11th, a celebration was held in honor of the retirement of OTLA Stalwart Robert K. ( Bob ) Udziela in the company of his colleagues. He was honored for his successful appellate work and zealous representation of injured people and their families. Udziela, who was raised in Chicago, began his legal career at the legendary Portland plaintiff s firm of Pozzi Wilson Atchison O Leary and Conboy and argued cases in the Oregon Supreme Court and Court of Appeals for forty years. Many of his cases established precedents still existing today that assist workers in obtaining the full measure of justice for their injuries. Everyone at OTLA wishes Udziela an enjoyable retirement. He is pictured with his lovely wife, Charlotte, at the celebration. He can be reached at rkudziela@ frontier.com. o Guardian and Board member Ronn Elzinga won the Campaign for Equal Justice Laf- Off standup comedy competition at the second Ronn Elzinga show on October 25th at Portland s Mission Theater. About 400 attendees were treated to Elzinga s hilarious ventriloquist act. The event raised nearly $35,000 for legal aid. Other funny competitors included OTLA Guardian Mitra Shahri and member Edie Van Ness. Once Around: News about OTLA Members Matthew Ellis o Friend of OTLA Guardian member Matthew Ellis has established his own firm, the Law Office of Matthew C. Ellis, an employment, fair housing and civil rights law firm. The firm s office is located at 621 SW Morrison St., Ste 1050, Portland, OR 97205. Ellis can be reached at 503-765-5396, matthew@employmentlawpdx.com, or www.employmentlawpdx.com. o The Law Office of Michael L. Rosenbaum is proud to announce their new fatherdaughter team with the addition of associate Ashley M. Rosenbaum. Ashley Rosenbaum She will be practicing civil litigation. Rosenbaum is also a member of the Multnomah Bar Association and Oregon Women Lawyers. She earned her J.D. from Willamette University College of Law in 2013 and recently passed the bar exam. She can be reached at 503-288-8000 or amr@ rosenbaumlitigation.com. o Guardian Jeff Bowersox and wife Julie Amiton. OTLA Guardian Club member Jeff Bowersox was recently appointed to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in the Stryker Hip Product Liability Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in Federal Court. He was appointed by Judge Donovan Frank who is the judge assigned to handle all Stryker hip and ABG II device lawsuits nationwide. The plaintiffs steering committee coordinates all discovery proceedings, scientific investigation, pretrial preparation and bellwether trials for plaintiffs. Bowersox can be reached at 503-452-5858 or jeffrey@ bowersoxlaw.com. ONCE AROUND continues on page 9 Time to Spare? Volunteer opportunities await. Contact OTLA at 503-223-5587 for more information. OTLA on Facebook and Twitter Are you Connected? Tweets and Posts Oh My! OTLA has joined the information age at the speed of light. We need YOU to connect, Like and share with your network. OTLA is building its social network to help spread the news about civil justice issues, keep members up to date on events important to your practice and create a consumer advocacy alert system should we need a legislative call to action. As the old saying goes, there s strength in numbers so start clicking and help us build an important conduit for spreading our access to justice message into the future. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/oregonjustice Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/oregon-trial-lawyers-association
ONCE AROUND continued from page 10 o Erica Glaser has been elected Chair of the Alameda School Foundation, the non-profit organization that raises money for Erica Glaser teachers and educational assistants for Alameda School and for PPS at large, through the Equity Fund. Glaser continues her practice as a full time neutral, serving as both a mediator and arbitrator. She can be reached at 503-515-1621 or erica@ ADRoregon.com. o Erin Christison and husband, newly inducted OSB member Earl Leone Christison IV, joyfully Georgie Christianson welcomed their third daughter, Georgie Mark Christison, on September 6th. She weighed 6lbs. 3oz. They can be reached at Novation Law LLC, 5955 Shoreview Ln. N., Ste 102, Keizer, OR 97303, 503-390-2044 or erinc@ novationlaw.com. December 2013 SIDEBAR 9 o Kyle Busse Kyle Busse was just elected to a second term as Chair of the City of Portland Human Rights Commission. Volunteer Commissioners are nominated by a committee of the Human Rights Commission and appointed by Portland City Council. He can be reached at 503-248-0504 or kbusse@ busseandhunt.com. In Memorium: Long Admired Texas Trial Lawyer Association Executive Director Tommy Townsend Thomas Cedric Townsend, 70, of Austin, Texas, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2013. Beloved father of OTLA s Blair Townsend, of Michael Wise & Associates PC, he served as the Executive Director of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association since 1990, a pillar in the fight to preserve access to justice. Townsend was known as the consummate gentleman and a steadfast resource to all his fellow Trial Lawyer Executives and staff across the country. Prior to joining TTLA, he was Senior Vice-President and Chief Legislative Counsel for the Texas Association of Realtors for thirteen years and Sergeant at Arms of the Texas Senate for seven years. He has served as President of the National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives, Chairman of the Texas Society of Association Executives and Chairman of the Political Action Committee of the American Society of Association Executives. Among the many honors Townsend received over the years were the Executive of the Year Award by the Texas Society of Association Executives, the Tejano Appreciation Award by the Texas Tejano Democrats, and the Partnership Award by the American Association for Justice. Tommy s personal life yielded a variety of interests including the Boy Scouts of America in which he attained the level of Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow. He passed on his love of nature to his children with whom he would visit national and state parks across the country. As an avid outdoorsman, Tommy particularly enjoyed his annual hunting trips with old friends from Paris, Texas. He was also a devoted Texas Longhorn fan and enjoyed watching games with his family for well over four decades. Tommy supported the Boys Club of America, Caritas of Austin, and many other philanthropic and environmental causes. One of his favorite and lesser known passions was privately funding educational scholarships for young people who demonstrated a passion for public service. Tommy was a voracious reader who never stopped wanting to learn. Along with daughter Blair, Tommy is survived by his wife, Cassie, and their other two children: Justin Townsend of Austin; Trent Townsend and wife Ann Mackey Townsend, and their child Zoe Maddox Townsend, also of Austin. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may consider Caritas of Austin, P.O. Box 1947, Austin, TX 78767, Ph (512) 479-4610 or The Boys and Girls Club of Paris and The Red River Valley, 1530 N.E. First Street, Paris, Texas 75460, Ph (903) 784-6360.
10 SIDEBAR December 2013 2013 Snow Ball Sizzles as Temperatures Drop The 2013 OTLA Snow Ball brought out a record number of members and special guests, despite the freezing temperatures. Not even the threat of snow could keep 170 revelers away from the Elysian Ballroom in downtown Portland for a fun-filled evening of mingling and wonderful music by the fabulous Zenda Torrey Band. Sponsors stepped up to provide tickets for those in need and new lawyers were treated to elbow-rubbing with many of OTLA s finest. Many thanks to our downstate members who were unable to attand, due to weather, and gave their tickets so fellow members could attend for free. Special guests Senator Jeff Merkley (l) and Judge Rives Kistler (r) with President Marty Alvey (middle). Representative Brent Barton and wife Liz Fuller Barton. Guardian and Board member Ronn Elzinga (r) and wife Linda. New lawyers Jack Dekovich, Jeff Nastoff and Guardian Steve Seal enjoy the Snow Ball. Guardian Clay McCaslin and wife Nikki with Guardian Cameron Carter. Synergy Legal Platinum sponsors Noor and Barbara Haikal. SNOW BALL continues on page 11
SNOW BALL continued from page 10 December 2013 SIDEBAR 11 Guardians Mark and Natalie McDougal, Guardian Lisa Hunt and guest Steve Collard. Guardian and Board members Myah Kehoe and John McVea. President Alvey predicts that Jesuit High School will win the Catholic HS football rivalry (Didn t happen!). Guardian Ed Hill disagrees. He s Central Catholic for the win (And correct!). Thank You to our SNOW BALL Sponsors! SNOW BALL continues on page 12 Platinum The Barton Law Firm PC D Amore Law Group Gold Larry Baron and Greg Zeuthen Heiling Dwyer Gaylord Eyerman Bradley PC Neil (Bubba) and Maria Jackson New Lawyer Benefactors Dick Adams C&E Systems Sonya Fischer Kafoury & McDougal Chuck Robinowitz Shelley Russell Kathryn Clarke Keith Dozier Johnson Johnson Larson & Schaller PC Gresham Injury Law Center Rosenthal Greene & Devlin PC Mike Williams, Linda Love & Leslie O Leary Ticket Sponsors Kelly Andersen Don Corson & Lara Johnson Scott Shorr Pat Block Myah Kehoe Chuck Tauman Michael Wise
12 SIDEBAR December 2013 SNOW BALL continued from page 11 The festive ballroom was packed for the 2013 Snow Ball dinner. Parliamentarian Neil Jackson and Guardian Maria Jackson (r) with their daughter Carina Guzzman (l). President-elect Shelley Russell and Guardian and Board member Lara Johnson. Guardians Linda Love (l) and Mike Williams (r) flank Senator Jeff Merkley and wife Mary Sorteberg. The fantastic Zenda Torrey band entertained happy attendees. Guardians Liz McKanna and Elizabeth Welch share smiles at the Snow Ball.
Thank You to our ANNUAL SPONSORS December 2013 SIDEBAR 13 Your continued support helps OTLA provide excellent programming & services. We appreciate your partnership! Platinum Plus Ringler Associates Settlement Professionals Inc. Platinum Synergy Legal Vision Office Solutions Gold Alvey Law Group KestenMedia Morel Ink Capital Pacific Bank Law Offices of Nay & Friedenberg Stoll Berne The James Street Group
14 SIDEBAR December 2013 Litigator Lunch Series 2014 SAVE THE DATES The theme for the new year is Back to Basics. All programs will be held at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub 112 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 2nd Floor 12:00-1:00pm January 22nd February 26th April 23rd May 28th September 24th October 22nd
December 2013 SIDEBAR 15 Paulson Coletti Lean In Lunch Series He delivers. In two states. Open to all OTLA Women s Caucus and OWLs members A brown-bag video/discussion series starting January 9th 12-1pm at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC 1022 NW Marshall St., Ste 450 Continues every First Thursday starting in February Email Jane Paulson at jane@paulsoncoletti.com for more details or to RSVP Don Jacobs will take your cases to trial in Oregon... and Washington. A plaintiff s attorney for over 30 years, he is available to handle your cases in either state. 503-222-7757 don@nwinjurylawcenter.com www.nwinjurylawcenter.com
OREGON TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 319 SW Washington St., Ste. 607 Portland, OR 97204 www.oregontriallawyers.org