Diversity & Inclusion

2016 OLIO Orientation Participants

See OLIO Orientation Pictures on our Facebook page.

What is OLIO?

Opportunities for Law in Oregon (OLIO) is the Oregon State Bar's recruitment and retention program for law students who can contribute to the bar's historically or currently underrepresented membership; who have experienced economic, social, or other barriers; who have a demonstrated interest in increasing access to justice; or who have personally experienced discrimination or oppression.

This diversity and inclusion program begins with an orientation that provides a diverse group of Oregon's first-year law students with the opportunity to interact with each other, and with upper division students, judges and leaders who will serve as their mentors and role models. During orientation, students meet a diverse community of supporters committed to helping them succeed. The curriculum focuses on sharpening existing skills and providing new skills to help ensure success in law school and beyond. Students receive valuable information on networking, study skills and Oregon bar exam preparation.

OLIO participants also have opportunities to reconnect throughout the year at several OLIO events, including a bowling networking event (BOWLIO), an employment retreat and a spring social.

OLIO is a fundamental tool for recruiting and retaining diverse legal talent in Oregon and increasing the diversity of the Oregon State Bar. OLIO fosters an engaged, supportive and inclusive legal community necessary to advance our legal profession and improve legal services to an increasingly diverse population, clients and customers, locally and globally.

Following are video testimonials from past OLIO students from all three Oregon law schools about the benefits of this valuable program. More student testimonials from OLIO students and supporters can be seen on the Oregon State Bar video page.

Support OLIO – Donate now using PayPal

OLIO fosters innovation and excellence by creating a diverse community of talented lawyers in Oregon. A diverse bar is necessary to remove barriers to justice, promote respect for the rule of law, improve the quality of legal services and increase access to justice. Your tax deductible donation to the Oregon Law Foundation, OLIO's fiscal sponsor, supports OLIO.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (ACDI)

Duties/Responsibilities
Members of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (ACDI) score applications for the Public Honors, Clerkship Stipend, Scholarship, and Bar Exam Grant programs. This committee of 20 volunteer attorneys, one OSB liaison and two public members is a critical part of the Diversity and Inclusion Department. The Committee also provides vision, advises the D&I staff, and is a strong program advocate. .

2017 ACDI Committee Roster

Simon, Daniel		Chairperson
Patterson, Jonathan A		Secretary
Alarcon, Jacqueline Lizeth		Member
Davis, Bryson E		Member
Davis-Larry, Sherisa		Member
Glisson, Gary W		Member
Groberg, Claudia G		Member
Krant, Susan Bradley		Member
McKelvey, Connie Elkins		Member
Montag, Andrea Greene		Member
Nakashima, Kyle Kazuo		Member
O'Brien, David P		Member
Patterson, Jollee Faber		Member
Rutledge, Kasia E		Member
Summer, Miranda		Member
Wadia, Yazmin		Member
Commissiong, Nicole Rachael		Advisory Member
Myles, Phylis Chadwell		Advisory Member
Petersen, Sarah M		Advisory Member
Levelle, Michael D		BOG Contact
Gregory, Shari R		OAAP Liaison
Gzik, Ralph Edward		NLD Liaison
Puente, Jonathan		Bar Liaison