We Can’t Do It Without YOU

The Board of Governors is now accepting applications for appointment to bar boards, committees and councils. The bar is able to provide services to the public and its membership because of lawyers like you who volunteer on more than 35 bar groups. If you would like to help build a stronger bar and make a difference in the profession and the legal system, submit your volunteer application by July 30.

More information and relevant forms are available here.

New Rules for Electronic Transmission of Trial Court Records – Effective Aug. 30

In response to the OJD Re-Engineering and Efficiencies Workgroup (CREW), the Chief Justice convened a small appellate group to facilitate the electronic transmission of trial court records for cases on appeal, including files, exhibits, and transcripts. The result will be two Chief Justice Orders that will facilitate electronic transmission of the record and are slated to go into effect August 30, 2010.

The highlights are as follows:

– Trial Court Records (files/exhibits): CJO will permit trial courts, at the TCA's discretion, to electronically transmit the trial court file and exhibits (in lieu of sending the paper record) (electronic transmission is preferred, but not required); this will include permitting attorneys, at their own discretion, to submit CD copies of exhibits to the trial court for purposes of appeal, instead of returning the original paper exhibits for transmission to the Appellate Court Records Section.

– Transcripts: CJO will require transcribers to submit final transcripts directly to the Appellate Court Records Section (upon either transcript settlement or elapsed time to correct); CJO will remove the requirement that transcripts be filed directly with the Trial Court Administrator. (Paper copies still will be served on the lawyers of record as per the current version of the rules, although the lawyers may opt for an electronic version on CD in lieu of a paper copy.)

The remaining process implications and CJOs are being finalized. It is anticipated that the changes will be effective August 30, 2010.  

Need Space for Your Out-of-Office Meeting?

The Oregon State Bar Center has meeting and conference rooms available to rent to lawyers who need space for arbitration or mediation sessions, settlement conferences, or depositions. Numerous room configurations and sizes are available. Amenities include wireless internet access and A/V equipment. All OSB members receive 20% off base rental rates. For information or reservations, call 503-431-6301 (800-452-8260 x 301) or visit the bar’s website.

Nominations Sought for the 2011 Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award

In 1998, the OSB Litigation section established the Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award, which the section gives each year at its Litigation Institute and Retreat to a member of the OSB who exemplifies the standards defined in the Statement of Professionalism. The award is meant to recognize and honor personal and professional qualities, reputation and conduct.

The Litigation section’s executive committee is asking bar members and organizations to submit to it names of lawyers or judges who qualify for the award.  The nominee submission deadline for the 2011 Professionalism Award is August 15, 2010.  Individuals nominated this year but not selected may be considered again by the selection committee in the future.  To submit a nominee, please contact Peter Barnhisel at P.O. Box 396, Corvallis, OR 97339, or via phone at 541-757-0575 or email at barnhisel@bwbslaw.com.

Save the Date – Two Upcoming Events for Lawyers

1) The U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society invites you, your family and colleagues to The Annual Picnic and Celebration of Distinguished Trial Attorneys at Judge Leavy's family hop farm.  The picnic and celebration will be held Sunday, August 8, 2010 beginning at 1:00 pm and will include an old-fashioned barbecue, games, pony rides, inflatable jumps and tractor rides. 

Please RSVP to (503) 326-8150 or mary_ellis@ca9.uscourts.gov by July 30 with the number of adults and children in your party.  Further details and directions to the farm (near Aurora, just south of Portland) can be found at www.usdchs.org.

2) Every year the Top Down film festival shows a variety of films on the roof of the parking structure at the Hotel deLuxe.  This year’s festival includes a film that might be of particular interest to members of the legal profession: the 1956 classic “Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.” The screening, scheduled for Aug. 12, will include live music, food from Gracie’s Restaurant, and drinks from Tazo Tea and MacTarnahan’s Brewing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the NW Film Center’s website.