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Miss the January 4th Judicial Brown Bag event at the Multnomah County Courthouse? Watch a free archived video of the event at http://live.mbabar.org/c/01_04_13_judicial_brown_bag/. Topics discussed include:

• A report on Civil Case Management Program

• eCourt and impact on Supplementary Local Rules

• A report on Expedited Jury Trial Program

Questions for the court may be directed to mba@mbabar.org.

At their October meeting the MBA Board hired Guy Walden as the organization's fifth executive director. Guy has also been appointed executive director of the Multnomah Bar Foundation.

Guy brings over 19 years of nonprofit management experience to the position. Before joining the MBA as its member services director in 1999, he worked for several technology-related trade and professional associations.

If you have comments or suggestions for the MBA, please contact Guy any time at guy@mbabar.org or 503.222.3275.

Forty-plus cyclists turned out last Saturday to support the Volunteer Lawyers Project by participating in the 2nd Annual Pro Bono Pedal. Riders enjoyed sunshine while cruising around NE Portland, followed by refreshments at the brew pub. More than a dozen volunteers were on hand to provide encouragement and ensure all riders arrived at the finish safely.

Photos of the event available on Facebook.

A big thank you to the sponsors and volunteers that made this ride happen!

On April 12 the OSB Appellate Practice Section and the American Constitution Society -- Oregon Lawyer Chapter sponsored a public forum with the Hon. Richard Baldwin, Nena Cook and the Hon. Timothy Sercombe. You can view the video here.

Edwin A. Harnden, managing partner at Barran Liebman LLP will receive the 2012 MBA Professionalism Award on May 21, at the MBA annual meeting and dinner.

The MBA Professionalism Award, the organization's highest honor, recognizes candidates who exemplify, not simply meet, the standards set forth in the MBA Professionalism Statement:

Professionalism goes beyond the observance of the legal profession's ethical rules and serves the best interests of clients and the public in general; it fosters respect and trust among lawyers and between lawyers and the public, promotes the efficient resolution of disputes, and makes the practice of law more enjoyable and satisfying.

Harnden has been practicing law for 40 years. His nomination for the Professionalism Award was supported by numerous attorneys, judges, and law students from across the spectrum.

Here are a few of the things his nominators and supporters said about Ed:

• "He retains the charm, eagerness, forthrightness and values of a small-town person, with the skills of an accomplished trial lawyer."
• "...the epitome of professionalism" "highest rating." "great guy," "can't think of anyone better."
• A "great family man, great partner and great advocate."

Opposing counsel were uniformly complimentary of his temperament, his honesty, his no-nonsense approach to discovery and his interest in finding early and low-cost solutions to legal problems.

He is also known for the time he spends mentoring younger attorneys and making himself available to young lawyers and law students. He is "always available" for young lawyers' questions.

Ed's history of service to the bar is extensive. He is the current president of the Multnomah Bar Foundation and on the board of the Campaign for Equal Justice and served as president of the MBA in 1996-97 and president of the OSB in 2001.

In addition to bar activities, his community and civic activities have included serving on the boards of the Classroom Law Project, Portland Schools Foundation, Babe Ruth Baseball, the Japan-American Society of Oregon, and the Lincoln High School Booster Club.

Congratulations to Ed Harnden, a most worthy recipient of the 2012 MBA Professionalism Award.

Firm partner and MBA Board Director Dana Sullivan will be presented the Lewis & Clark 2012 Joyce Ann Harpole Award on April 2. The annual award is presented to an attorney who is dedicated to the pursuit of justice while maintaining a sense of balance among career, family and community.Award nominations are received from the community at large.

This year's annual fund drive for the Campaign for Equal Justice will reward regions around the state for their support for the campaign's annual fund drive. The largest of the two traveling trophies, The Justice Cup, will go to the region with the highest percentage of lawyers who give to the campaign. The smaller trophy will go to the region around the state with the highest percentage increase of lawyers giving to the campaign over last year. The MBA encourages its members to make a donation, no matter the amount, so the Multnomah County area can bring home the trophy. Any amount is appreciated.

Support the MBF with a year-end donation and help educate voters and future voters through annual grants to nonprofits with civic education programs and in the development of a civic education video series on democracy issues. Gifts are tax deductible and may be made In Memoriam or In Honor of a special person or occasion. Gifts of $100 and up will receive mention in the Multnomah Lawyer and on the MBA Web site.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and players, the Golf Committee exceeded its fundraising goal of $15,000, raising $20,450 for the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) at LASO. View event photos.