1.     What or who was most influential in your upbringing that contributed to your current success?

Adversity.  And I find that the most interesting, driven, and successful people have overcome adversity.  That, and I would like to thank my dysfunctional family for creating my patience and understanding for what my clients are often enduring when they come to my office.  Many people are embarrassed to bring their family trust and estate drama to an attorney, but I help them deal with complicated and messy cases.  It is an honor to help people stand up for themselves and their loved ones when they have been wronged.       

2.      What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.  It’s a good reminder to speak your mind.   

3.     What is an issue that you think women should focus on in 2014?

Specifically in Oregon, women (and men) should actively support the passage of the Oregon Equal Rights Amendment Act.  On November 4, 2014, vote YES for Measure 89:  "Yes" vote amends the Oregon state constitution to prohibit state and any political subdivision from denying or abridging equality of rights under the law on account of sex.  Twenty-two states have already passed an ERA, so Oregon needs to step up and set things rights.  Learn more (and donate) at www.VoteERA.org.

4.    The Queen’s Bench theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?

The constraints of tactical advantage and attorney-client privilege prohibit truly “authentic communication” for me in many circumstances such as the courtroom or negotiations.  However, I do not avoid conflict or dissent, so I think it is important – nay, crucial – for people to be able to speak frankly BUT RESPECTFULLY about anything.  Truly authentic communication is when you communicate even when you know not everybody in the room will agree with you.    

5.      What is your favorite movie?

Just recently watched a new movie:  “’The Unbelievers' follows renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss across the globe as they speak publicly about the importance of science and reason in the modern world - encouraging others to cast off antiquated religious and politically motivated approaches toward important current issues.”   I wouldn’t say it was my “favorite” movie, but it did make me look at something from a new perspective and I always find that to be exciting.  My favorite movies are comedies though; I get enough drama at my day job.    

6.       What is the last book you read for pleasure?

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.  I joined a book club to force myself to read non-law related materials.  It’s been a smashing success.  When you can find a book club where people actually *read* the book and share their impressions and thoughts, then that’s a joyful experience.    

7.      What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about you?

Tough question.  I consider myself fairly open, so I’m not hiding any deep dark secrets.  Then again, even if I were, I wouldn’t share them with you; I’m a litigator so I’ve got to keep at least some of my cards hidden up my sleeve. J  Plus, I only share my best secrets over a glass (or more) of wine, so I have to stay true to my values. 

Games start at 12:30. Laurelhurst park, site C.

1.      What or who was most influential in your upbringing that contributed to your current  success?

My mother, stepfather John and caregiver Maria, all immigrants who spoke English as a second language, taught me to work hard, overcome challenges, live purposefully and give your time generously to others.

2.      What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

You cannot help everyone in need unless your goal is to be carried out on a stretcher.

3.    What is an issue that you think women should focus on in 2014? 

Pay equity, equitable advancement to leadership positions, reproductive rights and work/life
balance.

4.    The Queen’s Bench theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value
of Including Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?   
        
We should embrace the views of all people, without valuing the perspective of one over another because of historical discrimination and/or present unconscious or conscious bias.  Diversity enriches the discussion and resultant action. When we are ready to confront inequities through an honest dialogue, without fear of retribution, we will advance and evolve. 

5.    What is your favorite movie? 

Gran Torino

6.    What is the last book you read for pleasure? 

My Beloved World, Sonia Sotomayor.

7.    What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about you? 
 
I started running last year and I am up to 6 miles. 

1.   What or who was most influential in your upbringing that contributed to your current success?

 My dad and Clayton Raney, who both taught me as a girl that I could do more than what society thought I could.

2.   What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When you feel a deep instinct to do something but pull back because you can't see where it will take you or how you can achieve it, take the next step and see what opens up.

Another way to put this: "follow the thread. Let it lead you."

3.   What is an issue that you think women should focus on in 2014?

Challenging racism.

4.   The Queen’s Bench theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?

I love the theme. I would read this as an invitation to realize that we each view the world from our own cultural perspectives and we have a lot to gain by really trying to understand what people from diverse backgrounds bring to our relationships and work.

5.   What is your favorite movie?

I don't really have one. Last year, my favorite was Gravity, followed closely by Twelve Years a Slave.

6.   What is the last book you read for pleasure?

Some cheesy mystery whose title I don't remember.

7.   What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about you?

I once talked a man who kidnapped me out of killing me.

1.      What or who was most influential in your upbringing that contributed to your current success?

Roy Marvin, now deceased, was VP Administration at Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) and managed their legal needs when I was a young associate.  Roy taught me a lot about practicing law in a manner that best served clients.  Roy would get a chuckle from the fact that I am now General Counsel at PCC. 
 
2.     What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

In the professional context, the best advice I’ve received has to be some version of “Don’t let it get under your skin.” I can think of multiple occasions when I felt (justifiably) irritated or agitated about how someone was acting or how they were responding, often in a negotiation context.  To be effective, I could not allow these behaviors of others to derail me.
 
3.       The Queen’s Bench theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?

My interpretation:  If we recognize that there is likely some truth in every perspective and we are open to finding that truth and fairly considering it in forming an opinion or making a decision, then it is more likely that the viewpoint or decision will be valid and accepted.  

4.     What is your favorite movie?

I love movies with a story of personal triumph over adversity.  It doesn’t have to be a complex film, but just be inspirational.  Example: The Blind Side.

5.     What is the last book you read for pleasure?

I listen to books on tape from the public library while I commute, which I loosely include in the definition of 'reading'.  I just finished The 13th Hour by Richard Doersch, a good suspense story.


 

1.       You  have served in the political arena at the national, state and local level. How does the City of Portland political climate compare to Salem and Washington D.C.? 

The gridlock in Washington is widely discussed.  The caucuses and cliques in Salem are less well-known publicly, but have a real impact on what happens (and doesn’t).  The City’s political climate is unique – maybe because of our form of government, maybe because the political philosophies are so closely aligned (odd as that may sound), maybe for other reasons.  I suspect it’s a bit of many things, including “Portland polite” and “Portland weird.”


2.      What or who was most influential in your upbringing that contributed to your current success?

On a personal level, my father was surely the most influential.  But I also had an inborn thirst for understanding not only WHAT was happening (the wonkier the better), but trying to figure out WHY it was happening. I think those traits have helped me.

I thought I was going to be an international diplomat.  I studied several languages, lived overseas and was entirely taken by global political dynamics.  I think this background helped me by, among other things, learn how to adapt and embed in different cultures and histories.  That flexibility has helped me – and continues to do so to this day.


3.      What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

“You  were given two ears and one mouth; you should use them in that proportion.”
(It’s good advice; I didn’t say I am good at abiding by it!)


4.      What is an issue that you think women should focus on in 2014?

The continuing erosion (some would say destruction) of the middle class.  I believe it threatens our economy, our nation and the world.

I can’t just leave it at one issue, though.  We are literally trashing our planet.  As an old softball player, I’ve always like an aphorism that ought to be our warning: “Nature bats last.”


5.      The Queen’s Bench theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?

To me, it is a reminder that the most difficult conversations are often the most important to have.  That is, it is easiest to communicate with those who think like we do, speak like we do, and share other commonalities.  But communicating meaningfully with those who don’t share our values, our
perspectives or our language can be most important to success. 

Such communication can help on a personal level as well.  I heard the Dalai Lama referred to the Chinese government as “my enemies my friends” as a way to capture the reality that those with whom we contend are uniquely situated to teach us deep lessons about ourselves.  That is a painful, but wise, insight.

6.      What is your favorite movie?

Honestly, I don’t have ‘favorites.’  I find I love foreign films as they don’t tend to need the “Hollywood ending” found in most US films.  I also l.o.v.e. documentaries.  So, give me a foreign documentary any day!

7.       What is the last book you read for pleasure? 

I’m just finishing Jeff Sheshol’s book “Supreme Power,” about FDR’s ultimately failed effort to change the make-up of the US Supreme Court.  Fascinating political lessons – many of which sound ripped from today’s headlines.

8.      What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about you?

This sounds silly compared to challenges both grander and more difficult that women around the world face every day, but I am proud of the fact that, decades after graduating from college, I went to law school.  
 
While running a complex, multi-million dollar state agency (more than) full time, I went to school(evening program), won best brief, got a specialty certificate, was a Dean’s Scholar and finished semester early.  The same day I received my application to the Oregon Bar, I also received my AARP
application!