U.S. District Court Vacancy
With the announcement by Judge Garr King and Judge Ancer Haggerty that they will be taking senior status in 2009, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced the screening process they will use in recommending possible nominees to the president. As has happened in the past, Sens. Wyden and Merkley will appoint a committee of Oregon attorneys to review applications, to interview finalists and to recommend several names for consideration.

Those wishing to be considered as a judge for the U.S. District Court for Oregon must send a letter of interest, a resume and any supporting material to Sen. Wyden’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Materials, or inquiries, should be sent to the attention of Christina Reynoso at ORfederalcourt@gmail.com.

OSB Seeking Board of Governor Candidates
The Oregon State Bar is currently seeking candidates for the Board of Governors election. Region 2 has one seat and Region 5 has two seats open to active bar members who file candidate forms by May 12. Board terms are four years and begin on Jan. 1, 2010.

Region 1 includes Lane County, and Region 5 consists of Multnomah County.

The board meets five times a year, in various locations around the state, on a Friday and the following Saturday morning. Board committees meet at the bar center three to four weeks prior to full board meetings. Members of the board also serve as liaisons to the Professional Liability Fund, bar sections, committees and numerous other bar groups.

The candidates statement and nominating petition are available here. For more information contact Danielle Edwards, dedwards@osbar.org, (503) 620-0222 or toll-free in Oregon at (800) 452-8260, ext. 426.

Two Recent Amendments to MCLE Rules
The Oregon Supreme Court recently approved the following MCLE Rule amendments, effective Jan. 1.

Previously MCLE Rule 5.7(c) allowed credit for screening accredited programs, provided the original program date was less than five years prior to the screening date. Now the original program date cannot be more than three years prior the screening date.

MCLE Rule 5.7(d) allowed credit for repeat live, video or audio presentations if the member has claimed credit for the activity in another reporting period. Now CLE credit may not be claimed for any program for which you have already claimed credit in any reporting period.

The full text of the MCLE rules is available online at www.osbar.org/_docs/rulesregs/mclerules.pdf.

CLE on Economic Downturn — With ‘Member Stimulus’ Pricing
Concerned about the economy and how it is affecting you and your practice? Here is your opportunity to learn first hand how to cope with the worst economic crash since the Great Depression. OSB CLE Seminars is presenting "How to Survive the Crash — Crucial Skills and Techniques for Weathering the Downturn," on Friday, April 24, at the OSB Center in Tigard.

The presenter is Dustin Cole, head of one of the nation’s leading attorney practice development organizations. Cole has spent more than 20 years providing structured, long-term assistance to help attorneys and firms cope with market changes, partner disputes, mergers and breakups.

This program is accredited for 5 MCLE general or practical skills credits; cost is $49 for the live seminar, live webcast, video replay or video rental. Live attendance at the Oregon State Bar Center is limited to 120; there is no attendance limit for the live webcast.

Visit www.osbarcle.org/Brochures/2009/HSC09.pdf to access a full brochure and registration form. Register online through the electronic brochure or call the OSB CLE Service Center at (503) 431-6413 or toll-free in Oregon: (800) 452-8269, ext. 413, for personal assistance.

Volunteer Defense Counsel Sought
The OSB is looking for members who are willing to volunteer their time to assist lawyers who are being investigated or prosecuted for disciplinary violations. Volunteers on this panel will provide pro bono representation for accused lawyers in disciplinary matters, as time and availability permit. Accused lawyers are not guaranteed that a volunteer on the panel will be available or willing to take every case.

Volunteer defense counsel members are not screened, but they are expected to be familiar with the disciplinary rules and the disciplinary process. The bar does not require the volunteer defense counsel to provide any particular level of service. It is anticipated that most of the volunteer services will be of a consultative nature in the early stages of an investigation or prosecution.

Volunteers serving as defense counsel in disciplinary proceedings are eligible to earn up to two MCLE ethics credits for each 12 months of service. Serving as voluntary defense counsel also meets the OSB pro bono aspirational standard. OSB Bylaw 13.1 details a category of pro bono work designed for those bar members who contribute valuable volunteer time to improve the law, the legal system and the legal profession.

If you are interested in participating on the Volunteer Defense Counsel panel, contact Danielle Edwards, member services administrator, at (503) 431-6426, or toll-free in Oregon at (800) 452-8260, ext. 426, or dedwards@osbar.org.

LRAP Applications Due April 15
When the economy is down, it is tough to be in any business. Losing income isn’t easy — and it is especially hard if you have a huge debt looming overhead from law school.

But there’s good news: if you have student debt of at least $60,000, your salary is $50,000 or less and you have shown a demonstrated commitment to public service, you are eligible to apply for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program. The OSB LRAP provides forgivable loans of $5,000 per year for up to three years for qualified applicants.

For more information, visit www.osbar.org/lrap. Applications are due April 15.

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