Welcome to the Multnomah Bar Association Website
MBA Web Site on Oregon Courts
www.ProtectOregonCourts.org is the newest MBA public education project on courts. The home page features three topics: information of the potential effect from defeat of ballot measures 66 and 67 (data from OJD), the condition of court facilities statewide and eCourt. A wide range of Oregon courts and general judicial branch information and resources are available. We welcome your feedback. Please send comments.
MBA WinterSmash to be held February 20
Join us for the 8th Annual WinterSmash being held at 20th Century Lanes on Saturday, February 20 from 6-9pm. The event is a fundraiser for Multnomah CourtCare. For more information and to register, click here.
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.
MBA 2008/9 Annual Report
The annual report of programs and activities is now available. Please take a few minutes to see what exciting contributions volunteer members are making to the legal community.
January Statewide Tax Ballot Measures and Court Funding
Measures 66 and 67 were passed by voters on Tuesday, January 26. If defeated, their potential effect on court funding was documented by MBA Executive Director Judy Edwards. Please see the Summary of Reduction Impacts to a Statewide Court System for the OJD’s budget reduction plan requested by the Oregon legislature. The ballot titles and wording may found at www.sos.state.or.us/elections/ and here.
NY Times article sounds alarm on state court budgets across the nation.
Required Update Training* for Arbitrators Already on the Multnomah County Panel
Speakers include Judge Edward Jones, Lori DeDobbelaere, John Ostrander and Helle Rode. $20 for pre-registration, $25 at the door (if space is available). One hour of CLE credit will be sought. Bring your lunch from 12-1 p.m.on February 12 to the OSB Center, Tigard, and on April 22 and May 19 to Multnomah County Courthouse, room 338. Contact Helle Rode with questions. A two-hour basic arbitrator training session will be held on March 5 for people who would like to be added to the panel. For details on the March 5 training, see the registration form.
*Training is required to remain on the panel..
Imprint Program Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in working with youth in our community and making a difference in their lives? Then you should sign up for the Imprint Program, a rewarding, meaningful opportunity sponsored by the YLS Service to the Public Committee. Learn more and sign up here.
YLS Futures Committee Articles
The YLS Futures Committee publishes articles in the Multnomah Lawyer. You are invited to read and comment on the articles online.
"Vanishing Civil Jury Trial" Report
A committee appointed by Presiding Judge Jean Maurer to look into this issue released their report in November, 2009.
Multnomah Bar Foundation Campaign
Please consider a contribution to the Multnomah Bar Foundation (MBF) as you plan your charitable 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.
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.
2010 Pro Bono Awards Nominations due February 15
The MBA has three pro bono awards that will be presented at their annual meeting and dinner on May 11. Please consider nominating an attorney or law firm for their exemplary pro bono work. The nomination deadline is February 15. The nomination form can be found here.
2010 Pro Bono Pledge
Help increase access to justice by committing to take at least one pro bono matter in 2010. Take the pro bono pledge today, and Take a Matter that Matters!
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.
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. Daniel Snyder leads the conversation following the February 7 2 p.m. performance of The Receptionist. Find more information here about purchasing discounted tickets.