Oregon State Bar Bulletin — OCTOBER 2012
Letters
About Those Pin-Up Photos
I am disappointed by the inclusion of the revealing photos of paralegal Mary McCourt and attorney Leta Gorman in their recent bar Bulletin profiles (Profiles in the Law, June 2012 and August/September 2012, respectively). While their extracurricular activities and dancers may be interesting to read about, it was shocking to see these activities illustrated by such provocative “pin-up”-style photos in the center spread of a professional magazine. As a woman, I hope to see other female attorneys respected for their brains rather than their bodies. As a lawyer, I was embarrassed to be introduced to two of my colleagues while they were wearing what is essentially underwear.
I notice that the Bulletin has not featured any photos of shirtless male lawyers, or male lawyers in Spandex or Speedo briefs, engaging in such “empowering” activities. That’s a relief; at least male lawyers can still get featured in the magazine without showing some skin.
Joanna M. Wagner, Portland
Editor’s note: Over the years, Profiles in the Law has covered all manner of lawyers’ outside interests, pretty much nearly all of which involved street clothes. For the record, the Bulletin has in the past featured one bare-chested male swimmer and a bar president in jogging shorts. In every case, we should point out, the photos were selected by the profile subjects themselves and published with their permission and encouragement.
We Love Letters
The Bulletin welcomes letters. In general, letters should pertain to recent articles, columns or other letters and should be limited to 250 words. Other things to keep in mind:
Letters must be original and addressed to the Bulletin editor. We do not reprint letters addressed to other publications, to other individuals, to whom it may concern, etc. Preference is given to letters responding to letters to the editor, articles or columns recently published in the Bulletin.
Letters must be signed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. (There are exceptions. Inquire with the editor.) Letters may not promote individual products, services or political candidates. All letters must comply with the guidelines of Keller v. State Bar of California in that they must be germane to the purpose of regulating the legal profession or improving the quality of the legal services available to the people of Oregon.
Letters may be edited for grammatical errors, style or length, or in cases where language or information is deemed unsuitable or inappropriate for publication. Profane or obscene language is not accepted.
We strive to print as many letters as possible. Therefore, brevity is important, and preference will be given to letters that are 250 words or less. Letters become the property of the Oregon State Bar. Authors of rejected letters are notified by the editor.
Send letters to: Editor, OSB Bulletin, P.O. Box 231935, Tigard, OR 97281.