2021 SPEAKER SERIES: phoenixes rising
Each calendar year, the Queen’s Bench monthly CLEs and events focus on a different theme. In 2021, the theme of Queen’s Bench lunchtime CLE series is “Phoenixes Rising.” At our monthly, free CLEs open to all, you will hear touching stories from women-identified professionals (including but not limited to lawyers) who have overcome extraordinary challenges to become leaders in our state. We hope their stories will inspire you to view 2020's difficulties as springboards for your future professional successes. Queen's Bench CLEs are simulcast on Zoom and FacebookLive the second Tuesday of the month from noon until 1 PM.
We look forward to the day it is safe to gather together in person again and share a meal as we used to do, at a new venue: the new Multnomah County Courthouse.
We look forward to the day it is safe to gather together in person again and share a meal as we used to do, at a new venue: the new Multnomah County Courthouse.
QUEEN'S BENCH MONTHLY CLE SPEAKER SERIES
October 12, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Chief Boone
How do you rise from the ashes? At every phase in life or pivotal decision point, people hesitate or fall back into doubt, fear, and insecurity, which paralyses their growth, opportunities, or progress. Many people make decisions based on their reaction to fear. Fear of making the wrong decision, fear of humiliation, or the fear of failing. In order to rise, you have to learn from your failures. Sometimes in our darkest hours we turn away from our greatest strength, our resilience. If I ever wanted to determine my destiny, step into a leadership role, or have a voice at the table, I had to learn to validate my feelings instead of masking my pain. It was the only way I could connect with my purpose.
- Chief Boone
Fire Chief Sara Boone is a Portland native and a 24-year Portland Fire & Rescue veteran. In 1995, Chief Boone became the first African-American female firefighter to enter the ranks of Portland Fire & Rescue since its inception in 1883 and she is its first Black Fire Chief.
Chief Boone, who is deeply respected by her colleagues, is considered a collaborative and team-oriented leader who champions the selfless service of others. Chief Boone’s extensive experience and success in the fire service has been recognized through the Fire Chief’s Certification of Appreciation and Portland’s Exceptional Wonder Woman (DEEP) Diverse and Empowered Employees of Portland Award.
Throughout Chief Boone’s career, she has remained heavily involved in community service, outreach, and education. The work she chooses to do is intentional and with purpose to help inspire, shape, and support the future generation of service leaders and improve the resiliency of our communities.
Register Here to Join via Zoom
Or, join us on Facebook Live Here
How do you rise from the ashes? At every phase in life or pivotal decision point, people hesitate or fall back into doubt, fear, and insecurity, which paralyses their growth, opportunities, or progress. Many people make decisions based on their reaction to fear. Fear of making the wrong decision, fear of humiliation, or the fear of failing. In order to rise, you have to learn from your failures. Sometimes in our darkest hours we turn away from our greatest strength, our resilience. If I ever wanted to determine my destiny, step into a leadership role, or have a voice at the table, I had to learn to validate my feelings instead of masking my pain. It was the only way I could connect with my purpose.
- Chief Boone
Fire Chief Sara Boone is a Portland native and a 24-year Portland Fire & Rescue veteran. In 1995, Chief Boone became the first African-American female firefighter to enter the ranks of Portland Fire & Rescue since its inception in 1883 and she is its first Black Fire Chief.
Chief Boone, who is deeply respected by her colleagues, is considered a collaborative and team-oriented leader who champions the selfless service of others. Chief Boone’s extensive experience and success in the fire service has been recognized through the Fire Chief’s Certification of Appreciation and Portland’s Exceptional Wonder Woman (DEEP) Diverse and Empowered Employees of Portland Award.
Throughout Chief Boone’s career, she has remained heavily involved in community service, outreach, and education. The work she chooses to do is intentional and with purpose to help inspire, shape, and support the future generation of service leaders and improve the resiliency of our communities.
Register Here to Join via Zoom
Or, join us on Facebook Live Here
Recent CLE events:
September 14, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Victoria Blachly
Victoria Blachly will be speaking about the creation of the Summit of Awesomeness, an informal (in all sense of the word) group of women who all worked at one of Portland's big firm at one time or another, who meet irregularly, but quite regularly stay in touch to check in and offer support, congratulations on achievements, and share their thoughts on the world via text. Since 2014, she has been recognized as an Oregon Super Lawyer in the areas of Trust and Estate Litigation. In 2014, she was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, and in 2016, Blachly was appointed to the Uniform Law Commission. Blachly has been writing for and lecturing at national and state legal seminars pertaining to trusts and estates since 2001, and she has engaged in state and national lobbying for updating laws for fiduciaries and vulnerable adults.
August 10, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Ebony Clarke
Stepping Into Your Healing. In 2018, after 19 years as a clinician and manager of behavioral health services, Ebony Clarke took over the very agency that supported her mother’s choice to change. What she learned throughout her upbringing shaped the way Clarke leads — with a deep faith in God, an ingrained sense of responsibility, a passion for equity, and a willingness to be vulnerable, take risks and carry on. “If you listen, communicate, build trust and cultivate relationships, you can do anything,” Clarke said. “It’s about creating a level platform where everyone has a voice.” Come and hear how Clarke leverages lived experience to support others who are stepping into their journey of healing, hope, and recovery.
Learning Objectives
1. Understanding and learning how to leverage the role and influence of culture when providing care.
2. Understanding what it means to serve the whole person through an integrated lens in the behavioral health arena.
3. Practitioners will learn how to utilize lived experience to engage, activate, and support their clients to sustain wellness and recovery.
4. Practitioners will learn the foundational concepts of how to integrating peer roles within an organizational model.
Ebony Clarke, Interim Director of Multnomah County Health Department, and previous Multnomah County Behavioral Health Director, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has 24 years of experience working in both the publicly funded and non-profit behavioral health arena developing services and supports, providing leadership, organizational development, people management, and equity and inclusion. Ebony joined Multnomah County in 2010, stepping-in as the Senior Manager of Direct Clinical Services. Before joining the county, she worked as a Service Director of Child and Family Services at Lifeworks NW. In that role, she oversaw child and family outpatient mental health, prevention, and culturally-specific adult mental health and addiction services.
Ebony earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon in Community and Human Services in 1999 and earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2001. In October of 2020, Ebony was appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown to the Oregon Health Policy Board. In April 2013, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber appointed Ms. Clarke to the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers, where she served two terms. She also volunteered her time on the Lake Oswego School District Board Appointed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee serving as one of the Co-Chairs. Ebony’s mission is to build and support a continuum of care that yields equitable and quality services to promote individual, family, and community healing and wellbeing. During her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 18 years Matt, and their two son’s Matteo and Miles ages 14 and 9.
July 13, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Anne Milligan
Deputy City Attorney Anne Milligan is a first-generation professional who grew up in project housing in Kansas City, Missouri with a mentally ill, single mother and the specter of an absentee addict father. After her mother remarried, the newly blended family began a religious journey that culminated in her mother and step-father joining a millennial end of times cult, pulling her out of school for religious re-education, and Ms. Milligan ultimately running away from home the last day of her junior year of high school, never to return. But Ms. Milligan was championed and encouraged by friends, college professors, and ultimately the Oregon Women Lawyers community to overcome and after years of struggle, to finally thrive. Please join us for the July Queen’s Bench CLE on July 13 at noon (Zoom) and hear Anne Milligan’s story of resiliency.
June 8, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson
Jessica Vega Pederson has served as a Multnomah County Commissioner since January 2017. As Commissioner, she led the work on Preschool for All, which voters approved in November 2020 to provide universal preschool for all 3 and 4 year old children in Multnomah County. She sits on several regional transportation committees and champions legislation on environmental justice, climate, and air quality. Before being elected as county commissioner, Jessica served as a State Representative in the Oregon legislature, where she was the first Latina elected to the House.
Commissioner Vega Pederson is passionate about creating opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color, women, and working parents to thrive. In high school and on the campaign trail, Commissioner Vega Pederson experienced bias about her identities as a Latina and as a mother. These experiences did not deter her from seeking leadership positions, whether that be as a student activist, a state representative, or a County commissioner. Instead, they propelled her into roles where she can serve as a leader in her community and create meaningful policy.
May 11, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Secretary of State Shemia Fagan
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is mom to two young children and a proud lifelong Oregonian. Secretary Fagan was raised by her dad and two older brothers in small towns in Wasco County. She has always been open with Oregonians about the challenges her family overcame—Fagan’s dad struggled as a single parent and her mom battled addiction and homelessness during her childhood. But Secretary Fagan was encouraged by loving members of her community and the dedicated educators who would not give up on her. Please join us for the May Queen’s Bench CLE on May 11 and hear Secretary Fagan’s story of resiliency and her passion for serving Oregonians.
April 13, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Ebony Clarke
In 2018, after 19 years as a clinician and manager of behavioral health services, Clarke took over the very agency that supported her mother’s choice to change. What she learned throughout her upbringing shaped the way Clarke leads — with a deep faith in God, an ingrained sense of responsibility, a passion for equity, and a willingness to be vulnerable, take risks and carry on. Come and hear how Clarke leverages lived experience to support others who are stepping into their journey of healing, hope, and recovery.
March 9, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Rebecca Marshall
Rebecca Marshall was one of those rare kids who always knew what she wanted to do when she grew up. When asked by the teacher in 9th grade what do you want to be, she raised her hand and said "I want to be a newscaster. I want to be the next Jane Pauley."
She interned at radio stations in high school, took broadcasting and journalism courses in college. She graduated and pursued that newscaster dream in radio for the next 30 years. This included a reporter position at KSL in Salt Lake City, a morning show position in Detroit, Michigan with former child star and actor Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge) and through the years some appearances on PBS TV to host pledge drives. She moved to Portland to work on the "Gina, Cort and Rebecca Show" in 1998 and then went back to her news roots at FM News 101 KXL where she was the morning anchor and News Director for 20 years.
But what happens when that dream is no longer a dream and when it's time to make a change? What awaits a person leaving a lifelong career in news and broadcasting? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? At the age of 52, she was about to find out. Trial by fire took on a whole new meaning, literally.
February 9, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising
Mikki Gilette is the Major Gifts Officer at Basic Rights Oregon. She was born transgender at a time when that word didn't exist. When she transitioned in adulthood as a public school teacher, parents led an effort to have her fired, which involved television news stories asking whether she should be allowed to keep her job. From trying moments like these, Mikki discovered a resilience and a passion for advocating for others. Please join us for the February Queen’s Bench (Zoom) Lunchtime Series on February 9, 2021, at noon, to hear her story of rising as a phoenix from the ashes.
January 12, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising: From Sudden Hearing Loss, to Hearing Cases as a Judge
In late 2016, Miranda Summer experienced a sudden and traumatic onset of an autoimmune disease that resulted in severe hearing loss, along with other short- and long-term effects. It was a huge blow. She had to relearn how to litigate cases in a world that suddenly didn’t feel built for her while also working on restoring her self-confidence. Please join us on the January Queen’s Bench (Zoom) Lunchtime Series on January 12, 2021, at noon, to hear her story of rising from that sudden and shocking transformation of her life to becoming the newest Associate Judge on the Beaverton municipal Court.
December 8, 2020 – Holiday Lunch Honoring Women Judges
This year will be different from every other holiday luncheon honoring women judges in history, so please join us and build yet another "only in 2020" memory that you will be sure to treasure for years.
November 10, 2020 – Self-represented Parties: a View from the Bench
Please join Queen’s Bench on November 10, 2020 at noon for three different judges’ perspectives on handling pro se litigants in and outside the courtroom. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Patricia McGuire, Oregon Tax Court Judge Robert Manicke, and Magistrate Allison Boomer will discuss the complexities of decision making when pro se litigants appear before the court, as well as the judges’ top tips for what the lawyers representing the opposition should know and do in every case involving a pro se litigant.
CLE Handout Materials Here
October 13, 2020 – Mult. Co. Circuit Court Judge Kelly Skye
Multnomah Co. Circuit Court Judge Kelly Skye will discuss how she has approached difficult legal decisions over the course of her 11-year judicial career.
September 8, 2020 – IT’S YOUR TURN
What happens when you feel your assigned judge won’t be able to fairly adjudicate your case? U.S.D.C Magistrate Judge Youlee You and Ret. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Jean Maurer will discuss what happens when difficult decisions hit the other side of the bench. Please join Queen’s Bench on September 8, 2020 at noon for a necessary conversation about judicial and litigant demeanor and how it affects the decision-making process.
Handout
Procedural Fairness Video
ABA Article on Influencing and Challenging Judges and their Decisions in Child Welfare Cases
August 11, 2020 – DEADLY SPEECH
Against the backdrop of a rash of violence against abortion providers in the early 1990s, Portland-based American Coalition of Life Activists published a “Deadly Dozen” poster featuring 13 abortion providers and their home addresses, declaring they were “GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.” Was the “Deadly Dozen” poster protected First Amendment speech, or a “true threat”? Senior U.S.D.C. Judge Robert Jones (judge on the case), U.S.D.C. Michael H. Simon (then-amicus counsel for ACLU Foundation of Oregon), and Carol J. Bernick (then counsel for Planned Parenthood; now Of Counsel, Davis Wright Tremaine) will discuss Planned Parenthood, et al. v. American Coalition of Life Activists.
July 14, 2020 – COURTS IN CRISIS
Every judge faces difficult decisions, but for immigration judges—who are employees of the U.S. Department of Justice rather than lifetime or term appointees (or electeds)—the decision-making process is interrupted and informed by unique complications ranging from high case quotas, waning decisional independence, DOJ policy directives, and the complex vicarious trauma that comes from hearing petitioners' stories of rape, genocide, and religious and political persecution.
Please join Queen’s Bench on July 14, 2020 at noon for a critical conversation with retired immigration Judge Andrea Sloan about the state of the U.S. immigration judiciary.
June 9, 2020
Thinking about joining the protests? Curious about how to become a certified legal observer? Please join Queen’s Bench for a timely Know Your Rights and Intro to Legal Observer Training with ACLU of Oregon Interim Director Kelly Simon on June 9th at noon on the Zoom platform. Link to join will automatically be given upon registration.
Register Here
Your Rights as a Protester Handout 1
Your Rights as a Protester Handout 1
ACLU Raiford Amicus
State v. McNally
May 12, 2020 – DEATH WITH DIGNITY
"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as laid out in the United States Declaration of Independence are just three examples of the "unalienable Rights" with which all people are endowed. They form a moral standard that, as a country, we believe is worth striving for. But what happens at the end of life? Do we have a liberty interest in choosing the timing and manner of our death?
Join QB on May 12, 2020 at noon at the federal courthouse, where Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Bushong and Barbara Coombs Lee—lawyer, physician assistant, and President Emerita of Compassion & Choices—will discuss one of the most difficult decisions of all, Death with Dignity. Our esteemed panelists will discuss their involvement in the drafting and passing of Oregon’s 1994 Death with Dignity Act, as well as the litigation of Lee v. Oregon (1997) (the first challenge to medical aid in dying in the U.S.), and Gonzales v. Oregon (2006) (access to controlled substances for medical aid in dying).
CLE Outline Materials
April 14, 2020 – COVID-19 IN THE COURTS
Few things have disrupted the judiciary in such a widespread manner as the current pandemic of COVID-19. Multnomah County Circuit Court, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and Oregon Supreme Court Justice Martha Walters have issued different orders and supplemental directives on the ongoing operation of the courts in light of this unprecedented development. Join Multnomah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Stephen Bushong and U.S.D.C. Chief Judge Marco Hernandez at noon on April 14, 2020 at noon on the Zoom platform for an update on the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of Oregon courts.
March 10, 2020 – WHO OWNS THE EMBRYO?
A wealthy man and woman meet, date, and decide to combine their genetic material to create a child through IVF. The man proclaims he only wants male embryos; the woman agrees to take any leftover female embryos, dreading their destruction. Contracts solidifying the arrangement are signed—or not signed depending on who you ask. A surrogate carries the baby boy to term; meanwhile, the wealthy man and woman have broken up. The new father rushes to the courthouse to have a judge determine whether he is the sole legal parent of his new son. Who wins?
Please join Queen’s Bench at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse (Portland) on March 10, 2020 at noon for a fascinating conversation about Cory Noel Sause v. Jordan Schnitzer between two of the three Multnomah County Circuit Court judges in that case, Judge Katherine Tennyson and Judge Beth Allen.
Supplementary Materials
Dahl v. Angle
In re Registered Domestic P'ship of Madrone
Leckie v. Voorhies
McIntyre v. Crouch
Shineovich v. Shineovich
Weaver v. Guinn
February 11, 2020 – DIFFICULT DECISIONS OVER 28 YEARS with JUDGE ANNA BROWN
Only four women have served as a U.S. District Court (i.e., Article III) judge since the court’s founding in 1859. U.S.D.C. Judge Anna Brown—the third woman to be appointed to the federal District Court bench—will discuss how she has approached making difficult decisions over the course of her 28-year judicial career, from her first state court appointment in 1992 to her appointment as an Article III judge for the District of Oregon in 1999.
January 14, 2020 – THE LEGALIZATION OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Forty-three years after litigation for same-sex marriage first began in the United States, Deanna Geiger and Janine Nelson, a lesbian couple, sued Governor Kitzhaber and other state government officials in federal court seeking to overturn Oregon's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The following year, on May 19, 2014, U.S.D.C. Judge Michael McShane granted the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, resulting in the immediate issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in Oregon.
Judge McShane noted that he anticipated that “a large number of Oregonians, perhaps even a majority,” would have religious or moral objections to his ruling. “Where will this all lead? I know that many suggest we are going down a slippery slope that will have no moral boundaries. To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other ... and rise.” Geiger v. Kitzhaber, 994 F. Supp. 2d 1128, 1147 (D. Or. 2014).
Please join Queen’s Bench at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse (Portland) on January 14, 2020 at noon for a very special conversation about Geiger between Judge McShane and Multnomah County Judge Katherine von ter Stegge, counsel for Multnomah County in that case.
November 12, 2019 - Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum’s Criminal Justice Legislative Priorities. Aaron Knott, Legislative Director for the Office of the Attorney General
Race, Bigotry and the Law: A Legislative Overview. In recent years, the Oregon Attorney General and Oregon legislature have become ever more aware of chronic disparities in the impact of the criminal justice system on Oregon’s diverse communities, and have responded with legislation governing profiling by law enforcement, the prosecution of hate crimes, and more. Aaron Knott is the Legislative Director for the Oregon Attorney General and former counsel for the House and Senate Judiciary Committees at the Oregon legislature. He will provide an overview of recent legislation attempting to address disproportionality throughout the criminal justice system, and outline paths forward on the work remaining to be done.
October 8, 2019 - Multnomah County DA's Approach to Criminal Justice and Crime Victims in the Age of Criminal Justice Reform
Please join Queen's Bench on October 8th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation by Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and Meg Garvin, Executive Director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute. DA Underhill will discuss his office's approach to criminal justice and Meg Garvin, who is a Clinical Professor of Law at Lewis and Clark, will discuss crime victim rights in the age of criminal justice reform.
Presentation Slides - Rod Underhill
Presentation Slides - Meg Garvin
September 10, 2019 - Criminal Law and Immigration
Please join Queen's Bench on September 10th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation on Criminal Law and Immigration by Erin Pettigrew with the Oregon Judicial Department, and Whitney Phelps, Padilla attorney at Multnomah Public Defenders. Erin will discuss ICE arrests at courthouses and legislative changes that impact immigration, while Whitney will examine the intersection of immigration law and criminal law.
Handout - Presentation
Handout - Additional Materials
August 13, 2019 - Criminal Justice Reform
Queen's Bench is honored to welcome Oregon House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, who is a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, to our Queen's Bench Luncheon on August 13th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave). Please join us to hear Representative Williamson speak about her work in sentencing reform for adult and juvenile offenders, Grand Jury recordation, Oregon State Hospital admissions for low level offenders, unanimous verdicts and more.
July 9, 2019 - Juvenile Justice Reform
Please join Queen's Bench on July 9th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation by Trevor Walraven, Youth Justice Project Director of Public Education and Outreach for the Oregon Justice Resource Center. Mr. Walraven is a formerly incarcerated youth who served almost 18 years in correctional facilities starting at age 14. In 2016 he successfully proved outstanding rehabilitation and was released under Oregon's "Second Look" statute. He will share his efforts to reform Oregon's juvenile justice system and will discuss Senate Bill 1008.
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
ORS 420A.203
2019 Legislative Session SB 1008
June 11, 2019 - Opioids: Prevention, Enforcement and Treatment
Please join Queen’s Bench on June 11 at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) for a presentation by members of the US Attorney’s office on efforts by the US Department of Justice to respond to the opioid epidemic. According to the some of the latest national statistics, more than 60% of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths in 2017 were opioid related. Oregon has one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions and opioid misuse in the country averaging three deaths every week from prescription opioid overdose. Increasingly, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are implicated in overdose deaths. AUSA Suzanne Hayden, AUSA Adrian Brown and AUSA Donna Maddux will discuss efforts by US Attorney’s office to reduce the number of deaths and other public health and safety impacts from opioids with a focused strategy of prevention and outreach, treatment and enforcement.
Victoria Blachly will be speaking about the creation of the Summit of Awesomeness, an informal (in all sense of the word) group of women who all worked at one of Portland's big firm at one time or another, who meet irregularly, but quite regularly stay in touch to check in and offer support, congratulations on achievements, and share their thoughts on the world via text. Since 2014, she has been recognized as an Oregon Super Lawyer in the areas of Trust and Estate Litigation. In 2014, she was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, and in 2016, Blachly was appointed to the Uniform Law Commission. Blachly has been writing for and lecturing at national and state legal seminars pertaining to trusts and estates since 2001, and she has engaged in state and national lobbying for updating laws for fiduciaries and vulnerable adults.
August 10, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Ebony Clarke
Stepping Into Your Healing. In 2018, after 19 years as a clinician and manager of behavioral health services, Ebony Clarke took over the very agency that supported her mother’s choice to change. What she learned throughout her upbringing shaped the way Clarke leads — with a deep faith in God, an ingrained sense of responsibility, a passion for equity, and a willingness to be vulnerable, take risks and carry on. “If you listen, communicate, build trust and cultivate relationships, you can do anything,” Clarke said. “It’s about creating a level platform where everyone has a voice.” Come and hear how Clarke leverages lived experience to support others who are stepping into their journey of healing, hope, and recovery.
Learning Objectives
1. Understanding and learning how to leverage the role and influence of culture when providing care.
2. Understanding what it means to serve the whole person through an integrated lens in the behavioral health arena.
3. Practitioners will learn how to utilize lived experience to engage, activate, and support their clients to sustain wellness and recovery.
4. Practitioners will learn the foundational concepts of how to integrating peer roles within an organizational model.
Ebony Clarke, Interim Director of Multnomah County Health Department, and previous Multnomah County Behavioral Health Director, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has 24 years of experience working in both the publicly funded and non-profit behavioral health arena developing services and supports, providing leadership, organizational development, people management, and equity and inclusion. Ebony joined Multnomah County in 2010, stepping-in as the Senior Manager of Direct Clinical Services. Before joining the county, she worked as a Service Director of Child and Family Services at Lifeworks NW. In that role, she oversaw child and family outpatient mental health, prevention, and culturally-specific adult mental health and addiction services.
Ebony earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon in Community and Human Services in 1999 and earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2001. In October of 2020, Ebony was appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown to the Oregon Health Policy Board. In April 2013, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber appointed Ms. Clarke to the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers, where she served two terms. She also volunteered her time on the Lake Oswego School District Board Appointed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee serving as one of the Co-Chairs. Ebony’s mission is to build and support a continuum of care that yields equitable and quality services to promote individual, family, and community healing and wellbeing. During her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 18 years Matt, and their two son’s Matteo and Miles ages 14 and 9.
July 13, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Anne Milligan
Deputy City Attorney Anne Milligan is a first-generation professional who grew up in project housing in Kansas City, Missouri with a mentally ill, single mother and the specter of an absentee addict father. After her mother remarried, the newly blended family began a religious journey that culminated in her mother and step-father joining a millennial end of times cult, pulling her out of school for religious re-education, and Ms. Milligan ultimately running away from home the last day of her junior year of high school, never to return. But Ms. Milligan was championed and encouraged by friends, college professors, and ultimately the Oregon Women Lawyers community to overcome and after years of struggle, to finally thrive. Please join us for the July Queen’s Bench CLE on July 13 at noon (Zoom) and hear Anne Milligan’s story of resiliency.
June 8, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson
Jessica Vega Pederson has served as a Multnomah County Commissioner since January 2017. As Commissioner, she led the work on Preschool for All, which voters approved in November 2020 to provide universal preschool for all 3 and 4 year old children in Multnomah County. She sits on several regional transportation committees and champions legislation on environmental justice, climate, and air quality. Before being elected as county commissioner, Jessica served as a State Representative in the Oregon legislature, where she was the first Latina elected to the House.
Commissioner Vega Pederson is passionate about creating opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color, women, and working parents to thrive. In high school and on the campaign trail, Commissioner Vega Pederson experienced bias about her identities as a Latina and as a mother. These experiences did not deter her from seeking leadership positions, whether that be as a student activist, a state representative, or a County commissioner. Instead, they propelled her into roles where she can serve as a leader in her community and create meaningful policy.
May 11, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Secretary of State Shemia Fagan
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is mom to two young children and a proud lifelong Oregonian. Secretary Fagan was raised by her dad and two older brothers in small towns in Wasco County. She has always been open with Oregonians about the challenges her family overcame—Fagan’s dad struggled as a single parent and her mom battled addiction and homelessness during her childhood. But Secretary Fagan was encouraged by loving members of her community and the dedicated educators who would not give up on her. Please join us for the May Queen’s Bench CLE on May 11 and hear Secretary Fagan’s story of resiliency and her passion for serving Oregonians.
April 13, 2021: Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Ebony Clarke
In 2018, after 19 years as a clinician and manager of behavioral health services, Clarke took over the very agency that supported her mother’s choice to change. What she learned throughout her upbringing shaped the way Clarke leads — with a deep faith in God, an ingrained sense of responsibility, a passion for equity, and a willingness to be vulnerable, take risks and carry on. Come and hear how Clarke leverages lived experience to support others who are stepping into their journey of healing, hope, and recovery.
March 9, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising: Featuring Rebecca Marshall
Rebecca Marshall was one of those rare kids who always knew what she wanted to do when she grew up. When asked by the teacher in 9th grade what do you want to be, she raised her hand and said "I want to be a newscaster. I want to be the next Jane Pauley."
She interned at radio stations in high school, took broadcasting and journalism courses in college. She graduated and pursued that newscaster dream in radio for the next 30 years. This included a reporter position at KSL in Salt Lake City, a morning show position in Detroit, Michigan with former child star and actor Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge) and through the years some appearances on PBS TV to host pledge drives. She moved to Portland to work on the "Gina, Cort and Rebecca Show" in 1998 and then went back to her news roots at FM News 101 KXL where she was the morning anchor and News Director for 20 years.
But what happens when that dream is no longer a dream and when it's time to make a change? What awaits a person leaving a lifelong career in news and broadcasting? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? At the age of 52, she was about to find out. Trial by fire took on a whole new meaning, literally.
February 9, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising
Mikki Gilette is the Major Gifts Officer at Basic Rights Oregon. She was born transgender at a time when that word didn't exist. When she transitioned in adulthood as a public school teacher, parents led an effort to have her fired, which involved television news stories asking whether she should be allowed to keep her job. From trying moments like these, Mikki discovered a resilience and a passion for advocating for others. Please join us for the February Queen’s Bench (Zoom) Lunchtime Series on February 9, 2021, at noon, to hear her story of rising as a phoenix from the ashes.
January 12, 2021 - Phoenixes Rising: From Sudden Hearing Loss, to Hearing Cases as a Judge
In late 2016, Miranda Summer experienced a sudden and traumatic onset of an autoimmune disease that resulted in severe hearing loss, along with other short- and long-term effects. It was a huge blow. She had to relearn how to litigate cases in a world that suddenly didn’t feel built for her while also working on restoring her self-confidence. Please join us on the January Queen’s Bench (Zoom) Lunchtime Series on January 12, 2021, at noon, to hear her story of rising from that sudden and shocking transformation of her life to becoming the newest Associate Judge on the Beaverton municipal Court.
December 8, 2020 – Holiday Lunch Honoring Women Judges
This year will be different from every other holiday luncheon honoring women judges in history, so please join us and build yet another "only in 2020" memory that you will be sure to treasure for years.
November 10, 2020 – Self-represented Parties: a View from the Bench
Please join Queen’s Bench on November 10, 2020 at noon for three different judges’ perspectives on handling pro se litigants in and outside the courtroom. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Patricia McGuire, Oregon Tax Court Judge Robert Manicke, and Magistrate Allison Boomer will discuss the complexities of decision making when pro se litigants appear before the court, as well as the judges’ top tips for what the lawyers representing the opposition should know and do in every case involving a pro se litigant.
CLE Handout Materials Here
October 13, 2020 – Mult. Co. Circuit Court Judge Kelly Skye
Multnomah Co. Circuit Court Judge Kelly Skye will discuss how she has approached difficult legal decisions over the course of her 11-year judicial career.
September 8, 2020 – IT’S YOUR TURN
What happens when you feel your assigned judge won’t be able to fairly adjudicate your case? U.S.D.C Magistrate Judge Youlee You and Ret. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Jean Maurer will discuss what happens when difficult decisions hit the other side of the bench. Please join Queen’s Bench on September 8, 2020 at noon for a necessary conversation about judicial and litigant demeanor and how it affects the decision-making process.
Handout
Procedural Fairness Video
ABA Article on Influencing and Challenging Judges and their Decisions in Child Welfare Cases
August 11, 2020 – DEADLY SPEECH
Against the backdrop of a rash of violence against abortion providers in the early 1990s, Portland-based American Coalition of Life Activists published a “Deadly Dozen” poster featuring 13 abortion providers and their home addresses, declaring they were “GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.” Was the “Deadly Dozen” poster protected First Amendment speech, or a “true threat”? Senior U.S.D.C. Judge Robert Jones (judge on the case), U.S.D.C. Michael H. Simon (then-amicus counsel for ACLU Foundation of Oregon), and Carol J. Bernick (then counsel for Planned Parenthood; now Of Counsel, Davis Wright Tremaine) will discuss Planned Parenthood, et al. v. American Coalition of Life Activists.
July 14, 2020 – COURTS IN CRISIS
Every judge faces difficult decisions, but for immigration judges—who are employees of the U.S. Department of Justice rather than lifetime or term appointees (or electeds)—the decision-making process is interrupted and informed by unique complications ranging from high case quotas, waning decisional independence, DOJ policy directives, and the complex vicarious trauma that comes from hearing petitioners' stories of rape, genocide, and religious and political persecution.
Please join Queen’s Bench on July 14, 2020 at noon for a critical conversation with retired immigration Judge Andrea Sloan about the state of the U.S. immigration judiciary.
June 9, 2020
Thinking about joining the protests? Curious about how to become a certified legal observer? Please join Queen’s Bench for a timely Know Your Rights and Intro to Legal Observer Training with ACLU of Oregon Interim Director Kelly Simon on June 9th at noon on the Zoom platform. Link to join will automatically be given upon registration.
Register Here
Your Rights as a Protester Handout 1
Your Rights as a Protester Handout 1
ACLU Raiford Amicus
State v. McNally
May 12, 2020 – DEATH WITH DIGNITY
"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as laid out in the United States Declaration of Independence are just three examples of the "unalienable Rights" with which all people are endowed. They form a moral standard that, as a country, we believe is worth striving for. But what happens at the end of life? Do we have a liberty interest in choosing the timing and manner of our death?
Join QB on May 12, 2020 at noon at the federal courthouse, where Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Bushong and Barbara Coombs Lee—lawyer, physician assistant, and President Emerita of Compassion & Choices—will discuss one of the most difficult decisions of all, Death with Dignity. Our esteemed panelists will discuss their involvement in the drafting and passing of Oregon’s 1994 Death with Dignity Act, as well as the litigation of Lee v. Oregon (1997) (the first challenge to medical aid in dying in the U.S.), and Gonzales v. Oregon (2006) (access to controlled substances for medical aid in dying).
CLE Outline Materials
April 14, 2020 – COVID-19 IN THE COURTS
Few things have disrupted the judiciary in such a widespread manner as the current pandemic of COVID-19. Multnomah County Circuit Court, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and Oregon Supreme Court Justice Martha Walters have issued different orders and supplemental directives on the ongoing operation of the courts in light of this unprecedented development. Join Multnomah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Stephen Bushong and U.S.D.C. Chief Judge Marco Hernandez at noon on April 14, 2020 at noon on the Zoom platform for an update on the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of Oregon courts.
March 10, 2020 – WHO OWNS THE EMBRYO?
A wealthy man and woman meet, date, and decide to combine their genetic material to create a child through IVF. The man proclaims he only wants male embryos; the woman agrees to take any leftover female embryos, dreading their destruction. Contracts solidifying the arrangement are signed—or not signed depending on who you ask. A surrogate carries the baby boy to term; meanwhile, the wealthy man and woman have broken up. The new father rushes to the courthouse to have a judge determine whether he is the sole legal parent of his new son. Who wins?
Please join Queen’s Bench at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse (Portland) on March 10, 2020 at noon for a fascinating conversation about Cory Noel Sause v. Jordan Schnitzer between two of the three Multnomah County Circuit Court judges in that case, Judge Katherine Tennyson and Judge Beth Allen.
Supplementary Materials
Dahl v. Angle
In re Registered Domestic P'ship of Madrone
Leckie v. Voorhies
McIntyre v. Crouch
Shineovich v. Shineovich
Weaver v. Guinn
February 11, 2020 – DIFFICULT DECISIONS OVER 28 YEARS with JUDGE ANNA BROWN
Only four women have served as a U.S. District Court (i.e., Article III) judge since the court’s founding in 1859. U.S.D.C. Judge Anna Brown—the third woman to be appointed to the federal District Court bench—will discuss how she has approached making difficult decisions over the course of her 28-year judicial career, from her first state court appointment in 1992 to her appointment as an Article III judge for the District of Oregon in 1999.
January 14, 2020 – THE LEGALIZATION OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Forty-three years after litigation for same-sex marriage first began in the United States, Deanna Geiger and Janine Nelson, a lesbian couple, sued Governor Kitzhaber and other state government officials in federal court seeking to overturn Oregon's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The following year, on May 19, 2014, U.S.D.C. Judge Michael McShane granted the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, resulting in the immediate issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in Oregon.
Judge McShane noted that he anticipated that “a large number of Oregonians, perhaps even a majority,” would have religious or moral objections to his ruling. “Where will this all lead? I know that many suggest we are going down a slippery slope that will have no moral boundaries. To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other ... and rise.” Geiger v. Kitzhaber, 994 F. Supp. 2d 1128, 1147 (D. Or. 2014).
Please join Queen’s Bench at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse (Portland) on January 14, 2020 at noon for a very special conversation about Geiger between Judge McShane and Multnomah County Judge Katherine von ter Stegge, counsel for Multnomah County in that case.
November 12, 2019 - Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum’s Criminal Justice Legislative Priorities. Aaron Knott, Legislative Director for the Office of the Attorney General
Race, Bigotry and the Law: A Legislative Overview. In recent years, the Oregon Attorney General and Oregon legislature have become ever more aware of chronic disparities in the impact of the criminal justice system on Oregon’s diverse communities, and have responded with legislation governing profiling by law enforcement, the prosecution of hate crimes, and more. Aaron Knott is the Legislative Director for the Oregon Attorney General and former counsel for the House and Senate Judiciary Committees at the Oregon legislature. He will provide an overview of recent legislation attempting to address disproportionality throughout the criminal justice system, and outline paths forward on the work remaining to be done.
October 8, 2019 - Multnomah County DA's Approach to Criminal Justice and Crime Victims in the Age of Criminal Justice Reform
Please join Queen's Bench on October 8th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation by Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and Meg Garvin, Executive Director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute. DA Underhill will discuss his office's approach to criminal justice and Meg Garvin, who is a Clinical Professor of Law at Lewis and Clark, will discuss crime victim rights in the age of criminal justice reform.
Presentation Slides - Rod Underhill
Presentation Slides - Meg Garvin
September 10, 2019 - Criminal Law and Immigration
Please join Queen's Bench on September 10th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation on Criminal Law and Immigration by Erin Pettigrew with the Oregon Judicial Department, and Whitney Phelps, Padilla attorney at Multnomah Public Defenders. Erin will discuss ICE arrests at courthouses and legislative changes that impact immigration, while Whitney will examine the intersection of immigration law and criminal law.
Handout - Presentation
Handout - Additional Materials
August 13, 2019 - Criminal Justice Reform
Queen's Bench is honored to welcome Oregon House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, who is a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, to our Queen's Bench Luncheon on August 13th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave). Please join us to hear Representative Williamson speak about her work in sentencing reform for adult and juvenile offenders, Grand Jury recordation, Oregon State Hospital admissions for low level offenders, unanimous verdicts and more.
July 9, 2019 - Juvenile Justice Reform
Please join Queen's Bench on July 9th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave) for a presentation by Trevor Walraven, Youth Justice Project Director of Public Education and Outreach for the Oregon Justice Resource Center. Mr. Walraven is a formerly incarcerated youth who served almost 18 years in correctional facilities starting at age 14. In 2016 he successfully proved outstanding rehabilitation and was released under Oregon's "Second Look" statute. He will share his efforts to reform Oregon's juvenile justice system and will discuss Senate Bill 1008.
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
ORS 420A.203
2019 Legislative Session SB 1008
June 11, 2019 - Opioids: Prevention, Enforcement and Treatment
Please join Queen’s Bench on June 11 at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) for a presentation by members of the US Attorney’s office on efforts by the US Department of Justice to respond to the opioid epidemic. According to the some of the latest national statistics, more than 60% of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths in 2017 were opioid related. Oregon has one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions and opioid misuse in the country averaging three deaths every week from prescription opioid overdose. Increasingly, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are implicated in overdose deaths. AUSA Suzanne Hayden, AUSA Adrian Brown and AUSA Donna Maddux will discuss efforts by US Attorney’s office to reduce the number of deaths and other public health and safety impacts from opioids with a focused strategy of prevention and outreach, treatment and enforcement.
May 14, 2019 - BAIL REFORM AND RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS
Please join Queen’s Bench on May 14th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) to welcome Portland Freedom Fund founders Gina Spencer and Amanda Trujillo. According to the Harvard Law School Criminal Justice Policy Program, 75% of inmates jailed pretrial have been charged with only drug or property crimes and many cannot afford bail. Portland Freedom Fund pays bail for jail inmates in the Portland metro area who are jailed pretrial. Re-entry programs are important in breaking the cycle of recidivism. Laura Locker of Mercy Corp NW and Tonia Closson of Oregon Women Lawyers will discuss their efforts to assist incarcerated individuals in successfully transitioning back to their communities when they are released.
Portland Freedom Fund Presentation Handout
April 9, 2019 - ELDER JUSTICE
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on April 9, 2019 for a panel presentation on Elder Justice as part of the Crime and Punishment speaker series. Every year, thieves and con artists cheat thousands of Oregonians out of their hard-earned money and valuable personal information. During this panel presentation, you will hear how state and federal agencies work to stop the fraud before it starts and hold offenders accountable from three speakers: Ellen Klem, Director of Consumer Outreach and Education for the Oregon Department of Justice; Daniel Norris, Elder Abuse Resource Prosecutor, Oregon Department of Justice; and Donna Maddux, Assistant United States Attorney and Elder Justice Coordinator for the District of Oregon. CLE credit pending.
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
Handout: Six Signs It Is A Scam
Handout: Just Hang Up The Phone on Imposter Scams!
Biography for Ellen Klem, Director of Consumer Outreach and Education for the Oregon Department of Justice
March 12, 2019 Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents
It’s movie time! Please join Queen’s Bench on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at noon at the federal courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland) room 9A for a screening featuring acclaimed local filmmaker Brian Lindstrom’s documentaries, “Mothering Inside” and “Like a Shield”. “Mothering Inside” follows incarcerated mothers and their children who are part of the Family Preservation Project at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. The film was used in Oregon to help enact a bill of rights for children of imprisoned parents; the first state law of its kind. “Like a Shield” is Mr. Lindstrom's new documentary that is the culmination of many hours of interviews with mothers who had participated in the Family Preservation Project. Jessica Katz, Family Preservation Project Director, and Ashley Dorety, Kendra Wright and Ebony Howard, alumnae of the project, will present following the screening. We are excited to welcome Brian Lindstrom as our special honored guest!
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
Children of imprisoned parents get Oregon bill of rights
ORS 423.160 - Bill of rights of children of incarcerated parents - 2017 Oregon Revised Statutes
What is the Family Preservation Project?
Please join Queen’s Bench on May 14th at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) to welcome Portland Freedom Fund founders Gina Spencer and Amanda Trujillo. According to the Harvard Law School Criminal Justice Policy Program, 75% of inmates jailed pretrial have been charged with only drug or property crimes and many cannot afford bail. Portland Freedom Fund pays bail for jail inmates in the Portland metro area who are jailed pretrial. Re-entry programs are important in breaking the cycle of recidivism. Laura Locker of Mercy Corp NW and Tonia Closson of Oregon Women Lawyers will discuss their efforts to assist incarcerated individuals in successfully transitioning back to their communities when they are released.
Portland Freedom Fund Presentation Handout
April 9, 2019 - ELDER JUSTICE
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on April 9, 2019 for a panel presentation on Elder Justice as part of the Crime and Punishment speaker series. Every year, thieves and con artists cheat thousands of Oregonians out of their hard-earned money and valuable personal information. During this panel presentation, you will hear how state and federal agencies work to stop the fraud before it starts and hold offenders accountable from three speakers: Ellen Klem, Director of Consumer Outreach and Education for the Oregon Department of Justice; Daniel Norris, Elder Abuse Resource Prosecutor, Oregon Department of Justice; and Donna Maddux, Assistant United States Attorney and Elder Justice Coordinator for the District of Oregon. CLE credit pending.
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
Handout: Six Signs It Is A Scam
Handout: Just Hang Up The Phone on Imposter Scams!
Biography for Ellen Klem, Director of Consumer Outreach and Education for the Oregon Department of Justice
March 12, 2019 Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents
It’s movie time! Please join Queen’s Bench on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at noon at the federal courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland) room 9A for a screening featuring acclaimed local filmmaker Brian Lindstrom’s documentaries, “Mothering Inside” and “Like a Shield”. “Mothering Inside” follows incarcerated mothers and their children who are part of the Family Preservation Project at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. The film was used in Oregon to help enact a bill of rights for children of imprisoned parents; the first state law of its kind. “Like a Shield” is Mr. Lindstrom's new documentary that is the culmination of many hours of interviews with mothers who had participated in the Family Preservation Project. Jessica Katz, Family Preservation Project Director, and Ashley Dorety, Kendra Wright and Ebony Howard, alumnae of the project, will present following the screening. We are excited to welcome Brian Lindstrom as our special honored guest!
Prior to attending this luncheon, we encourage you to gain some background through the following materials:
Children of imprisoned parents get Oregon bill of rights
ORS 423.160 - Bill of rights of children of incarcerated parents - 2017 Oregon Revised Statutes
What is the Family Preservation Project?
February 12, 2019 EXONERATED!
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on February 12, 2019 to hear about the Oregon Innocence Project's first exoneration! Steve Wax, Legal Director of the Oregon Innocence Project, and Brittney Plesser, Oregon Innocence Project staff attorney, will join us to present the fascinating case of Josh Horner: a Redmond man who was convicted of child sex abuse and sentenced to 50 years in prison only to be exonerated after the Oregon Innocence Project took his case.
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on February 12, 2019 to hear about the Oregon Innocence Project's first exoneration! Steve Wax, Legal Director of the Oregon Innocence Project, and Brittney Plesser, Oregon Innocence Project staff attorney, will join us to present the fascinating case of Josh Horner: a Redmond man who was convicted of child sex abuse and sentenced to 50 years in prison only to be exonerated after the Oregon Innocence Project took his case.
January 8, 2019 CRACKED... NOT BROKEN
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on January 8, 2019 for the first presentation in our Crime and Punishment speaker series. Kristin Tierney is the author of the recently released memoir, "Cracked... Not Broken". It is the story of her epic journey- losing everything due to a life-destroying, crack-cocaine addiction; resorting to felony criminal activity and prostitution to survive; and eventually, the spiritual surrender that led her out of the darkness. Kristin's story is a glorious illustration of accountability and authenticity. Faith and forgiveness. Grace and gratitude. She now serves as a mentor for the District of Oregon's Federal Re-entry Court program and works with underserved communities. Her book, "Cracked... Not Broken" is available on Amazon.
Please join Queen's Bench at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW 3rd Ave, Portland) on January 8, 2019 for the first presentation in our Crime and Punishment speaker series. Kristin Tierney is the author of the recently released memoir, "Cracked... Not Broken". It is the story of her epic journey- losing everything due to a life-destroying, crack-cocaine addiction; resorting to felony criminal activity and prostitution to survive; and eventually, the spiritual surrender that led her out of the darkness. Kristin's story is a glorious illustration of accountability and authenticity. Faith and forgiveness. Grace and gratitude. She now serves as a mentor for the District of Oregon's Federal Re-entry Court program and works with underserved communities. Her book, "Cracked... Not Broken" is available on Amazon.
November 13 BEHIND THE VEIL - A MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE
Please join Queen's Bench at noon on Tuesday, November 13 at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW Main St) for our last luncheon CLE of the season, Behind the Veil - A Muslim Perspective, with Sefana Wilde, Wafa Almaktari and Nura Elmaghbari. Hijab - often thought of as head scarves or even cloaks - is actually an Islamic concept of modesty and privacy that happens to be most often expressed in women's clothing. Public expression of hijab is extremely controversial, from France's ban on hijab in 2010 to the backlash and praise of Nike's 2018 pro hijab, designed for Muslim female athletes. A hijab is a personal and cultural concept, as well as an act of worship among Muslim women, and each of our November speakers wear or have worn hijab. They will share what it means to them living in Oregon, in their own words.
Ms. Wilde is the owner of Moon Dance Wellness - Holistic Healing for Women. She studied theater with "The American Academy of Dramatic Arts" and danced with the Pacific Festival Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater and Do Jump Theater. Ms. Wilde also studies other forms of dance including modern, tap, aerial, and studies yoga.
Ms. Almaktari is the Menasa Initiative Student Coordinator at Portland State University. She has also served as the Equity Ambassador and Political Organizer for Portland Community College. She has a web based series called "The Immigrant Story," and she created a video project regarding the 2017 fatal Hollywood MAX stabbings.
Ms. Elmaghbari is the Director of the Board for Portland Refugee Support Group. She has focused on educating and speaking out on the public on myths and stereotypes regarding Muslim culture, specific to women and hijabs. Ms. Elmaghbari is a speaker on issues related to the plight of refugees from around the world as well as in Portland.
CLE credit is being sought.
Please join Queen's Bench at noon on Tuesday, November 13 at the Federal Courthouse (1000 SW Main St) for our last luncheon CLE of the season, Behind the Veil - A Muslim Perspective, with Sefana Wilde, Wafa Almaktari and Nura Elmaghbari. Hijab - often thought of as head scarves or even cloaks - is actually an Islamic concept of modesty and privacy that happens to be most often expressed in women's clothing. Public expression of hijab is extremely controversial, from France's ban on hijab in 2010 to the backlash and praise of Nike's 2018 pro hijab, designed for Muslim female athletes. A hijab is a personal and cultural concept, as well as an act of worship among Muslim women, and each of our November speakers wear or have worn hijab. They will share what it means to them living in Oregon, in their own words.
Ms. Wilde is the owner of Moon Dance Wellness - Holistic Healing for Women. She studied theater with "The American Academy of Dramatic Arts" and danced with the Pacific Festival Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater and Do Jump Theater. Ms. Wilde also studies other forms of dance including modern, tap, aerial, and studies yoga.
Ms. Almaktari is the Menasa Initiative Student Coordinator at Portland State University. She has also served as the Equity Ambassador and Political Organizer for Portland Community College. She has a web based series called "The Immigrant Story," and she created a video project regarding the 2017 fatal Hollywood MAX stabbings.
Ms. Elmaghbari is the Director of the Board for Portland Refugee Support Group. She has focused on educating and speaking out on the public on myths and stereotypes regarding Muslim culture, specific to women and hijabs. Ms. Elmaghbari is a speaker on issues related to the plight of refugees from around the world as well as in Portland.
CLE credit is being sought.
October 9 Woman in Law: What does it mean to be feminine?
Sep 11 SITE VISIT - A WOMEN'S SHELTER
Please join Queen’s Bench on September 11th for a unique experience visiting Jean’s Place, a 60-bed short term, housing focused residential program for women. The program provides case management, life-and job-skills training, and support services. This program provides dedicated beds to women involved in the Multnomah County community justice system and U.S. Military Veterans. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is expected of residents.
Jean’s Place celebrated 20 years of service in 2017 and was named after Jean DeMaster, a long time housing advocate in Portland. Jean’s Place provided over 20,000 bed nights in this last fiscal year. (2017-2018). There were 342 unduplicated participants had a safe place to sleep at Jean’s Place this latest fiscal year with 111 participants moved into permanent, stable housing.
Even with unique and dedicated programs like Jean’s Place, houselessness continues to rise in Portland. Multnomah County has a shortage of over 25,000 affordable housing units. People who are considered chronically houseless are twice
The tour will be led by Leanne Sliva, Jean’s Place Manager since 2016. Leanne started working with people experiencing houselessness in college in 1993, volunteering at Bread and Roses in Olympia, Washington. She obtained a BA in Community Development and went on to work as a Peace Corps Volunteer and consultant for a non-government organization in Lesotho, Africa. Leanne worked as a case manager at Jean’s Place from 2001-2004. She then moved to Maui and continued working with survivors of domestic violence as well as the reintegration of prisoners into the community; but Leanne’s primary experience comes from working as an outreach case manager for people living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness for 10 years. Leanne was honored to be chosen as Jean’s Place manager in 2016. She brings ample experience working with people experiencing houselessness and is extremely focused on ensuring the program has a trauma-informed approach.
August 14 RED MEANS HELP - VICTIMS OF LABOR TRAFFICKING
Please join us Tuesday, August 14th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for "Red Means Help - Victims Of Labor Trafficking" with Michael Encke (Gonzales, Gonzales & Gonzales Immigration Law Offices) and former refugee, Portland Police Bureau Officer Natasha Haunsperger.
The Red Means Help campaign launched in April 2017 to stop human labor trafficking in the Portland metro area. Labor trafficked individuals are brought to the U.S. from other countries under a false promise of a good job; instead, they wind up being forced to perform labor for free.
The Red Means Help campaign reaches out to victims in their own languages through signage on public transit and other high traffic areas. It lets them know that the Portland Police want to help and that they have rights, regardless of the lies, threats, misinformation, or coercion from their traffickers. CLE credit is being sought.
Please watch the following 30-minute film in preparation for the lunch: Reclaiming Their Lives.
July 10, 2018 WARRIOR MOMS - FIGHTING FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Please join us Tuesday, July 10th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for “Warrior Moms - Fighting For Children With Disabilities” with Heather Decker (former attorney and current business management coach); Beth Farnum; former high school teacher and current education litigator and disability rights advocate Elizabeth Polay (Wiscarson Law); and disability rights litigator Laurie Zwingli (Law Office of Laurie H. Zwingli, LLC).
Historically, people with disabilities have faced invisibility, institutionalization, abuse and neglect; often, they have been denied fundamental civil rights including but not limited to access to appropriate education, healthcare, and reasonable accommodations. The last century marked the beginning of a sea change with the passage of landmark federal legislation that changed the lives of people experiencing intellectual, developmental, or other disabilities and their families. Despite these great strides, however, many obstacles still stand in the way of authentic, comprehensive inclusion. In the absence of an attorney, a parent—in particular, mothers—is often their child’s best advocate. At the July Queen’s Bench lunch, we will hear from mothers and litigators who have served in that role for their children or clients.
Please join Queen’s Bench on September 11th for a unique experience visiting Jean’s Place, a 60-bed short term, housing focused residential program for women. The program provides case management, life-and job-skills training, and support services. This program provides dedicated beds to women involved in the Multnomah County community justice system and U.S. Military Veterans. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is expected of residents.
Jean’s Place celebrated 20 years of service in 2017 and was named after Jean DeMaster, a long time housing advocate in Portland. Jean’s Place provided over 20,000 bed nights in this last fiscal year. (2017-2018). There were 342 unduplicated participants had a safe place to sleep at Jean’s Place this latest fiscal year with 111 participants moved into permanent, stable housing.
Even with unique and dedicated programs like Jean’s Place, houselessness continues to rise in Portland. Multnomah County has a shortage of over 25,000 affordable housing units. People who are considered chronically houseless are twice
The tour will be led by Leanne Sliva, Jean’s Place Manager since 2016. Leanne started working with people experiencing houselessness in college in 1993, volunteering at Bread and Roses in Olympia, Washington. She obtained a BA in Community Development and went on to work as a Peace Corps Volunteer and consultant for a non-government organization in Lesotho, Africa. Leanne worked as a case manager at Jean’s Place from 2001-2004. She then moved to Maui and continued working with survivors of domestic violence as well as the reintegration of prisoners into the community; but Leanne’s primary experience comes from working as an outreach case manager for people living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness for 10 years. Leanne was honored to be chosen as Jean’s Place manager in 2016. She brings ample experience working with people experiencing houselessness and is extremely focused on ensuring the program has a trauma-informed approach.
August 14 RED MEANS HELP - VICTIMS OF LABOR TRAFFICKING
Please join us Tuesday, August 14th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for "Red Means Help - Victims Of Labor Trafficking" with Michael Encke (Gonzales, Gonzales & Gonzales Immigration Law Offices) and former refugee, Portland Police Bureau Officer Natasha Haunsperger.
The Red Means Help campaign launched in April 2017 to stop human labor trafficking in the Portland metro area. Labor trafficked individuals are brought to the U.S. from other countries under a false promise of a good job; instead, they wind up being forced to perform labor for free.
The Red Means Help campaign reaches out to victims in their own languages through signage on public transit and other high traffic areas. It lets them know that the Portland Police want to help and that they have rights, regardless of the lies, threats, misinformation, or coercion from their traffickers. CLE credit is being sought.
Please watch the following 30-minute film in preparation for the lunch: Reclaiming Their Lives.
July 10, 2018 WARRIOR MOMS - FIGHTING FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Please join us Tuesday, July 10th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for “Warrior Moms - Fighting For Children With Disabilities” with Heather Decker (former attorney and current business management coach); Beth Farnum; former high school teacher and current education litigator and disability rights advocate Elizabeth Polay (Wiscarson Law); and disability rights litigator Laurie Zwingli (Law Office of Laurie H. Zwingli, LLC).
Historically, people with disabilities have faced invisibility, institutionalization, abuse and neglect; often, they have been denied fundamental civil rights including but not limited to access to appropriate education, healthcare, and reasonable accommodations. The last century marked the beginning of a sea change with the passage of landmark federal legislation that changed the lives of people experiencing intellectual, developmental, or other disabilities and their families. Despite these great strides, however, many obstacles still stand in the way of authentic, comprehensive inclusion. In the absence of an attorney, a parent—in particular, mothers—is often their child’s best advocate. At the July Queen’s Bench lunch, we will hear from mothers and litigators who have served in that role for their children or clients.
June 12, 2018 INTERRUPTING RACISM - GROUNDING AN ALLY
Please join us Tuesday, June 12th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for "Interrupting Racism – Grounding An Ally" with Kasia Rutledge, recipient of the 2017 Judge Mercedes Deiz Award and Capitol Defense Attorney at Kasia Rutledge Law (formerly of Metropolitan Public Defenders) and Rakeem Washington, Executive Director of The Portland Observer (the oldest continuous African-American owned publication in the State of Oregon), Adjunct Professor at Portland State University, and Director of the Opening Doors Grant at Portland Community College. CLE credit pending.
Please join us Tuesday, June 12th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen’s Bench Facebook page for "Interrupting Racism – Grounding An Ally" with Kasia Rutledge, recipient of the 2017 Judge Mercedes Deiz Award and Capitol Defense Attorney at Kasia Rutledge Law (formerly of Metropolitan Public Defenders) and Rakeem Washington, Executive Director of The Portland Observer (the oldest continuous African-American owned publication in the State of Oregon), Adjunct Professor at Portland State University, and Director of the Opening Doors Grant at Portland Community College. CLE credit pending.
May 08 GOOD TOKEN / BAD TOKEN - A TOKEN'S PERSPECTIVE
Please join us Tuesday, May 8th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "Good Token/Bad Token – A Token’s Perspective" with one of our favorite public speakers and litigators, Banafsheh Violet Nazari, of Nazari Law and Ryan Newby of the Victim Rights Law Center.
Tokenism is the policy or practice of making only a symbolic effort to include one or a few members of a minority in a workplace or group, usually without the “token” minority having authority or power equal to that of the other group members. Consciously or unconsciously, we expect the “token” to represent or speak for their entire group--whether female, a person of color, transgender, or any other marginalized group. Tokenism comes with many costs, but one is the presumption that the token does not truly deserve their position or job, thus the token should be grateful and “behave” to maintain their unearned role.
What does a “good” token look like? And what happens when a token is “bad”?
CLE credit pending.
Please join us Tuesday, May 8th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland (lunch tickets available here) or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "Good Token/Bad Token – A Token’s Perspective" with one of our favorite public speakers and litigators, Banafsheh Violet Nazari, of Nazari Law and Ryan Newby of the Victim Rights Law Center.
Tokenism is the policy or practice of making only a symbolic effort to include one or a few members of a minority in a workplace or group, usually without the “token” minority having authority or power equal to that of the other group members. Consciously or unconsciously, we expect the “token” to represent or speak for their entire group--whether female, a person of color, transgender, or any other marginalized group. Tokenism comes with many costs, but one is the presumption that the token does not truly deserve their position or job, thus the token should be grateful and “behave” to maintain their unearned role.
What does a “good” token look like? And what happens when a token is “bad”?
CLE credit pending.
Apr 10 THE PATH TO HEALING - RED LODGE TRANSITIONS
Did you know that Native Americans represent less than 2% of Oregon’s population, yet they comprise almost 4% of the Oregon prison population? Connecting those exiting the prison system or rehab with housing, employment, legal identification, transportation, food, and emotional support is critical to preventing recidivism and forming lasting community healing.
Please join us Tuesday, April 10th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "The Path to Healing" with Trish Jordan from Red Lodge Transition Services, a Native American-led organization that provides a culturally-focused transition for women recently released from jail, prison or treatment, back into the community.
CLE credit pending.
Did you know that Native Americans represent less than 2% of Oregon’s population, yet they comprise almost 4% of the Oregon prison population? Connecting those exiting the prison system or rehab with housing, employment, legal identification, transportation, food, and emotional support is critical to preventing recidivism and forming lasting community healing.
Please join us Tuesday, April 10th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "The Path to Healing" with Trish Jordan from Red Lodge Transition Services, a Native American-led organization that provides a culturally-focused transition for women recently released from jail, prison or treatment, back into the community.
CLE credit pending.
Mar 13 DARE TO BE POWERFUL - WOMEN OF COLOR IN POLITICS
In 1987, women held just 4.7% of all seats in the U.S. Congress; as of 2017, it is still only 19.4%. A far smaller percentage are women of color: 38 women of color served in the 115th Congress, alongside four delegates. Although many strides have been made since the first African American woman won election to the Congress in November 1968, the work of equity and inclusion is far from done. Among many other issues, no Native woman has ever been elected or served in the U.S. Congress.
Come and be inspired at "Dare To Be Powerful - Women Of Color In Politics" by two incredible women on Tuesday, March 13th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page. Our speakers include the impressive Tawna Sanchez (the first Native American to represent Portland in the state Legislature) and Joann Hardesty (who served in the Oregon House of Representatives from January 1995 – June 2000 and is currently running for Portland City Council).
CLE credit is being sought.
In 1987, women held just 4.7% of all seats in the U.S. Congress; as of 2017, it is still only 19.4%. A far smaller percentage are women of color: 38 women of color served in the 115th Congress, alongside four delegates. Although many strides have been made since the first African American woman won election to the Congress in November 1968, the work of equity and inclusion is far from done. Among many other issues, no Native woman has ever been elected or served in the U.S. Congress.
Come and be inspired at "Dare To Be Powerful - Women Of Color In Politics" by two incredible women on Tuesday, March 13th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page. Our speakers include the impressive Tawna Sanchez (the first Native American to represent Portland in the state Legislature) and Joann Hardesty (who served in the Oregon House of Representatives from January 1995 – June 2000 and is currently running for Portland City Council).
CLE credit is being sought.
Feb 13 BEING VISIBLE - STORIES OF OUR ATTORNEYS WITH DISABILITIES
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 28 years ago with the promise of comprehensive protection for people with disabilities in work and public life, national statistics still show that historical barriers persist for individuals with disabilities, leading to low employment rates and salaries. Approximately 6.87% of American Bar Association members self-report as having a disability, in comparison to the national rate of 19%. To close the gap, attorneys must be willing to consider and confront the ways their colleagues have been marginalized, and how we can change things moving forward.
Please join us Tuesday, February 13th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "Being Visible - Stories of Our Attorneys with Disabilities" with the wonderful speakers Gabrielle Richards of Martin and Richards and Miranda Summers of Summer Family Law.
Jan 9 TWO SUITCASES - STORIES OF OUR REFUGEE SISTERS
When refugees leave the lives they have built in their home countries to escape persecution, war, violence, or natural disaster, U.S. Immigration and Customs allows the lucky few who are granted admission to the UNITED STATES to come—with just two suitcases. Imagine if the two bags you took on your last flight or trip were all you were allowed to bring with you into a new life in a new country—what would that look like?
Please join us at the Federal Courthouse in Portland, Oregon at noon this Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the first Queen’s Bench Luncheon of the year where 2018 Roberts & Deiz award recipient Chanpone Sinlapasai, Marandas & Sinlapasai and Adina Matasaru, Matasaru Law, will enlighten us about the refugee experience in America, from journeys of hardship and violence to places of peace and restoration.
We begin our ongoing conversation about voices from the margins with a short introduction to Intersectionality by Banafsheh Violet Nazari, Nazari Law.
CLE Credit Approved.
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 28 years ago with the promise of comprehensive protection for people with disabilities in work and public life, national statistics still show that historical barriers persist for individuals with disabilities, leading to low employment rates and salaries. Approximately 6.87% of American Bar Association members self-report as having a disability, in comparison to the national rate of 19%. To close the gap, attorneys must be willing to consider and confront the ways their colleagues have been marginalized, and how we can change things moving forward.
Please join us Tuesday, February 13th at noon at the federal courthouse in Portland or via FacebookLive on the Queen's Bench Facebook page for "Being Visible - Stories of Our Attorneys with Disabilities" with the wonderful speakers Gabrielle Richards of Martin and Richards and Miranda Summers of Summer Family Law.
Jan 9 TWO SUITCASES - STORIES OF OUR REFUGEE SISTERS
When refugees leave the lives they have built in their home countries to escape persecution, war, violence, or natural disaster, U.S. Immigration and Customs allows the lucky few who are granted admission to the UNITED STATES to come—with just two suitcases. Imagine if the two bags you took on your last flight or trip were all you were allowed to bring with you into a new life in a new country—what would that look like?
Please join us at the Federal Courthouse in Portland, Oregon at noon this Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the first Queen’s Bench Luncheon of the year where 2018 Roberts & Deiz award recipient Chanpone Sinlapasai, Marandas & Sinlapasai and Adina Matasaru, Matasaru Law, will enlighten us about the refugee experience in America, from journeys of hardship and violence to places of peace and restoration.
We begin our ongoing conversation about voices from the margins with a short introduction to Intersectionality by Banafsheh Violet Nazari, Nazari Law.
CLE Credit Approved.
Do you have a suggestion for a speaker or topic for a luncheon? Email the planning committee.