Welcome to the Multnomah Bar Association Website

 

MBA Offers Downloadable CLE

OSB members seeking CLE credit may now purchase audio files and written materials at any time from the MBA Web site. Classes available are accredited for all types of CLE credit. To purchase audio and written materials visit the CLE download page. MBA members who are not seeking CLE credit but would like CLE written materials may continue to download them free of charge from the MBA Member Section.

Judicial Brown Bag Friday, December 4

Please plan to bring your lunch and join in a noontime discussion about summary judgments in room 208 of the Multnomah County Courthouse. Panelists include Presiding Judge Jean Maurer, Judge Henry Breithaupt and pro tems Tom Christ and Nena Cook.

CLE Class on Court Fee Changes to be Held December 9

New court fees took effect October 1. When you go to the courthouse, you must go prepared with new required fees. For specific information, go to http://courts.oregon.gov/OJD and click the yellow box. Be sure to scroll down and read all links, including the memorandum discussing the fees. On Wednesday, December 9 the Presiding Judges from Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties will hold a CLE class to address how each county is applying these new financial requirements. Members planning to attend are encouraged to email questions about the fees to the MBA.

Sign up now for next year's MBA Mentor Program

The well-respected MBA Mentor Program pairs new lawyers with experienced lawyers for a six month program from January through June. New lawyers need to sign up by December 1 for next year's program. If you would like to serve as a mentor, please contact Kathy Maloney at the MBA.

End of Year Judgments Deadline December 10 for Domestic Relations Cases

If parties to a Multnomah County domestic relations case wish to have judgments processed before the end of the year, the court can guarantee that such judgments will be signed by a judge if they are submitted to the family law clerk’s office in room 211 by December 10. This deadline applies to both attorneys and pro se clients.

"Vanishing Civil Jury Trial" Report

A committee appointed by Presiding Judge Jean Maurer to look into this issue released their report this month.

Multnomah Bar Foundation Year-End Campaign

Please consider a contribution to the Multnomah Bar Foundation (MBF) as you plan your year-end giving. Your financial support provides 100% of the funds raised to promote civics education, awareness and engagement in our community. Your tax deductible gift of any size is appreciated and essential to the future of the MBF's charitable giving. You may donate online or print and fax the donation form to 503.243.1881.

January Statewide Tax Ballot Measures and Court Funding

Two tax measure ballots will be sent to Oregon residents in early January. Although the MBA is not taking a position on either one, the MBA Board voted to provide information to our members and the public. A YES vote on either measure retains the tax packages passed by the legislature. A NO vote repeals them. The measures and how they may affect court funding are the subject of the document prepared by MBA Executive Director Judy Edwards. The ballot titles and wording may found at www.sos.state.or.us/elections/ and here.

Document Recording Fees

HB 2436 was passed by the 75th Oregon Legislative Assembly. In September, it added fees for the recording of documents which were already subject to other fees for “affordable housing related programs.” Lawyers must submit the correct fee, usually $15, for the real estate document to be recorded. A list of the documents exempt from this fee may be found in the bill and at the county recorder’s office.

Legal Aid Announces Program on Foreclosure Crisis

Legal aid Services of Oregon announces the Oregon Foreclosure Legal Assistance project to help low-income citizens save their homes from foreclosures.

Statement of Diversity Principles Available for Your Signature

The MBA Equality Committee invites you to sign the new Statement of Diversity Principles. Demonstrate your commitment to diversity by signing the statement today. You can learn more and sign the statement here.

Twenty Strategies in a Slowdown

"Some of them will be helpful for you and some will be of no use to you at all but, if you give them all some thought and implement those that will work for your firm, the net effect will be the development of a strategy that will help you survive the current economic crisis."

MBA Member Section Technology Interactive Forum

Be sure to visit the Member Section (see top right of this page) interactive forum in the Technology corner. It’s a useful place to pose questions and get answers.

2010 MBA Professionalism Award Nominations Sought

The MBA Professionalism Award is one of the most highly regarded honors an attorney in our area can receive. You are strongly encouraged to nominate a member who meets the criteria for the award, which can be found on the nomination form.

2009 Pro Bono Pledge

Help increase access to justice by committing to take at least one pro bono matter in 2009. Take the pro bono pledge today, and Take a Matter that Matters!

MBA Teams up with Portland Center Stage

A partnership with Portland Center Stage invites you to take part in lively conversations around themes of law, liberty, justice and freedom directly following certain matinee performances. Beth Allen leads the conversation following the January 31 2 p.m. performance of Snow Falling on Cedars. Find more information here about purchasing discounted tickets.