SOUTH OF THE GORGE A Look at Law Practice in Oregon’s 7th Judicial District By M. Kay Pulju T his is the third in a series of stories examining — from the perspective of practicing lawyers — conditions and opportunities in non-urban parts of the state for attorneys who are just starting out or those who want a change of pace. This installment features impressions gathered from Hood River, Wasco, Sherman and Wheeler counties. iStock Illustration by Sunny Chao. (Photos by Eric Valentine, nine29 Photography and iStock.) Hood River Windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking and rock climb- ing. Hip cafes and microbrews and a charming downtown core, surrounded by fruit trees in bloom. Who wouldn’t want to live in Hood River? Not so fast. While many young lawyers would likely jump at the opportunity, there are a few things to consider first. When Tim Wong accepted a position as deputy district at- torney for Hood River just over a year ago, he was a bit sur- prised to discover that housing is as expensive and scarce (if not more so) than in Portland. So he took the job but still lives in North Portland with his wife Sara, who practices workers’ compensation in Washington County. Wong says their com- mutes are roughly equivalent but his is “on cruise control” and has the added bonus of amazing scenery. Plus he loves the work, gets along well with his colleagues — at least one of whom also commutes from Portland — and is getting the type of trial experience he has always wanted. For now, he wouldn’t change a thing, but he doesn’t rule out a future move. As it is, he’s enough of a local to know the best place for tacos: Hood River Taqueria. >> JULY 2016 • OREGON STATE BAR BULLETIN 19