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America 250: Free Tours of the Supreme Court Building Offered in July

Posted on: Jul 6, 2026

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) invites the public to take a free tour of the historic Oregon Supreme Court in downtown Salem, every Tuesday throughout July. Tours begin promptly at noon, last one hour, and will be offered on July 7, 14, 21 and 28. No registration required.

Revised MBA Mentor Program Seeking Mentors and Mentees

Posted on: Jun 1, 2026

The MBA Professionalism Committee is excited to announce it has redesigned the mentorship program as a “connection-first” professional development series in which mentoring relationships arise from repeated, structured interactions in group settings. The focus is to create a supportive, inclusive space for mentors and mentees to build rapport and trust. The two cohorts (new lawyers and moderate-practice age lawyers) will meet in small groups of five with a designated mentor. Each meeting will include a guest speaker addressing the entire group, covering themes relating to networking, professionalism, and career advancement.

Who Should Sign Up to be a Mentee
The redesigned mentorship program now serves two cohorts:
• New lawyers - lawyers who have recently completed the OSB New Lawyer Mentor Program and are looking for additional mentoring; and

• Moderate-Practice-Age lawyers - lawyers between five and nine years of practice who are facing career navigation challenges.

Even if you already have a mentor, you are encouraged to participate in the MBA program. It is about a willingness to learn from the experiences and expertise of different individuals. Each mentor brings their own experiences, skills and connections.

Who Should Sign Up to be a Mentor

We are looking for lawyers with five or more years of practice who can make time and space for sharing their real world experiences, expertise and skills. The ideal mentor is not necessarily someone with more years in practice, but someone who aims to empower and encourage mentees as well as provide insight, ethical perspective, and career navigation.

How Long is the Program
The mentorship program will start with a kickoff meeting on September 23 and a wrap-up session in May. The group will meet bimonthly for 60-90 minutes during the lunch hour.

How Mentors and Mentees Are Matched
We will match mentee groups with each other and a mentor based on a combination of practice area, background and shared interests.

How to Sign Up
To sign up as a mentor or mentee, please go to www.mbabar.org/mentor.

Questions

If you have questions about the MBA Mentor Program, please contact Kathy Modie at the MBA at 503.222.3275 or kathy@mbabar.org

Bar Invited to Comment by August 28 on Proposed SLRs

Posted on: Jul 14, 2026

The court invites feedback from the bar regarding the Proposed Supplementary Local Rules for the Fourth Judicial District, which may be found here.

These rules will be submitted to the State Court Administrator on September 1. If approved, the rules will become effective on February 1, 2027.

Comments or questions about these proposed changes should be sent by 5 p.m. on August 28 to MUL.Public.Information@ojd.state.or.us .

MBA Fellows Program Seeking Summer Sponsors for 2027

Posted on: Jun 8, 2026

The Multnomah Bar Association is seeking corporate and law firm sponsors for its Bar Fellows Program. As MBA Bar Fellows, the students will receive financial support, mentoring, and summer internship opportunities. The program's goal is to foster a new generation of excellent lawyers. Learn more about becoming a 1L Summer Sponsor.

Join an MBA or YLS Committee

Posted on: Jun 8, 2026

The MBA and YLS are presently seeking new committee members for terms beginning Autumn 2026 - apply online.

Participation on an MBA or YLS committee is an excellent opportunity to become more active within the legal community, to further develop leadership skills, and to collaborate with colleagues. Appointments are typically made during the summer, and terms begin in autumn. The MBA and YLS presidents review committee applications and make appointments based on need. If you are selected for a committee, we will be in touch with next steps.

About the Committees

The MBA has eight standing committees and the YLS has four. Most of the MBA and YLS work is done through its committees and depends on hundreds of attorney volunteers. Committee meetings are usually one hour, once a month, from September through May. MBA committee terms are three years and YLS terms are two.

MBA Fellows Taskforce Seeking Volunteers

The MBA Fellows Taskforce is an active group that facilitates the Multnomah Bar Association Fellows Program. The Fellows Program aims to increase the diversity of our local bar by supporting a cohort of talented law students (at both Lewis and Clark and University of Oregon law schools) throughout their law school careers. Fellows are guaranteed a 1L summer placement with sponsors and are provided with scholarships, judicial mentors, and other networking opportunities. Taskforce members typically spend two-five hours monthly on supporting the Program. Tasks include recruiting sponsors and judicial mentors, coordinating with the law schools, and routinely checking in with the fellows themselves. For lawyers committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, this is a fantastic opportunity to transform those ideals into hands-on action. If you are interested in joining the MBA Fellows Taskforce, please contact Kathy Modie at kathy@mbarbar.org or 503.222.3275. Learn more about the MBA Fellows Program.

Pro Bono Opportunities

In addition to committee assignments, members are encouraged to volunteer time to pro bono projects. Many of the programs listed provide training materials and mentors to assist new volunteers. To view a list of opportunities locally, please see Pro Bono Opportunities in Multnomah County. To view opportunities throughout Oregon, please visit the OSB Pro Bono website.

Governor Tina Kotek Announces May 31 Multnomah County Circuit Court Vacancy

Posted on: May 8, 2026

On May 8, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Multnomah County Circuit Court created by the upcoming resignation of Judge Leslie G. Bottomly. Judge Bottomly’s resignation takes effect May 31, and Governor Kotek will fill the position by appointment.

Interested applicants should address their completed application forms to Richard A. Lane, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, and email (no mail or hand delivery) those completed forms to Shevaun Gutridge at shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.

Governor Kotek fills judicial vacancies based on merit. She encourages applications from lawyers with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

ORS 3.041 and 3.050 provide that at the time of appointment to the court, the candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Oregon, and a member of the Oregon State Bar. In addition, ORS 3.041(2) requires the vacancy to be filled by a person who is a resident of or has a principal office in the judicial district or an adjacent judicial district.

For questions about the appointment process, or to request an interest form, contact Shevaun Gutridge at 503.378.6246 or shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov.

The judicial interest form is also available online.

Judicial Vacancies to be Filled by Election; Filing Deadline March 10, 2026

Posted on: Feb 10, 2026

There will be three judicial vacancies on the ballot this spring for the Multnomah County Circuit Court as a result of Judge Nan Waller (4th District, Position 2), Judge Christopher Marshall (4th District, Position 5), and Judge Amy Holmes Hehn (4th District, Position 14) transitioning to senior status in 2026. These positions will be filled by election, not gubernatorial appointment.

The candidate elected to Position 14 will be assigned to the court’s family law docket; the candidates elected to Position 2 and Position 5 will be assigned to the court’s general bench docket (civil and criminal). Therefore, interested candidates should be sure to file for the appropriate position.

Candidates must file to run for election no later than March 10. Candidate Statements for the County Voters' Pamphlet are due by March 12.

ORS 3.041 and 3.050 provide that at the time the person becomes a candidate for election, the candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Oregon, and a member of the Oregon State Bar. In addition, ORS 3.041(2) requires the vacancy to be filled by a person who is a resident of or has a principal office in the judicial district or an adjacent judicial district.

MBA LSAT Preparation Course Scholarship Applications Due March 20

Posted on: Nov 6, 2025

The Multnomah Bar Association’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee seeks to foster and expand diversity in the Multnomah County legal community and the state of Oregon. To achieve this goal, the committee awards scholarships for LSAT preparation courses to law school applicants whose future involvement in the law will enhance the diversity of our bench and bar.

The application is open to any law school applicant now attending college in the state of Oregon or Vancouver, Washington, or who has other substantial ties to the state of Oregon. Individuals must also demonstrate a commitment to foster and expand diversity and inclusion in the Oregon legal community.
2026 Application | 2026 Cover Letter

The scholarship committee will consider applications on an ongoing basis. However, applicants should submit the application by Friday, March 20, 2026, to ensure consideration. Applicants should email their completed applications to mbalsat@mbabar.org or send them by regular mail to:

MBA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee/LSAT Scholarship
620 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 1220
Portland, OR 97204

Please feel free to contact the committee at mbalsat@mbabar.org with any questions or concerns.

Governor Kotek Announces Appointment to Multnomah County Bench

Posted on: May 5, 2025

On May 5, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Adele Ridenour to the Multnomah County bench. Ms. Ridenour will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming resignation of Judge Beth Allen. Her appointment is effective July 1, 2025.

News release.