Diversity & Inclusion

2016 OLIO Orientation Participants

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.

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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 16 volunteer attorneys and a public member is a critical part of the Diversity and Inclusion Department. The Committee also provide vision, advise the D&I staff, and are strong program advocates.


2016 ACDI Committee Roster

Diversity & Inclusion Staff

Christopher Ling
Acting Director of Diversity & Inclusion
phone: (503) 431-6338
fax: (503) 598-6938
cling@osbar.org

Benjamin James
Diversity & Inclusion Assistant
phone: (503) 431-6335
fax: (503) 598-6999
bjames@osbar.org

Links

Oregon Law Schools

Thinking About Becoming an Attorney?
The following links are resources that may assist you as you begin to explore a career in the legal profession.

Oregon Law School Admissions Offices:

Specialty Bars & Minority Bar Associations

External Scholarship Opportunities for Law Students

Student Loan Resources

Other Diversity Resources

Job Resources