Oregon State Bar Bulletin — AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Briefs
Comment Sought on Reappointment of Magistrate
The current term of office of U.S. Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta will expire March 4, 2016. Comments from members of the bar and public are invited as to whether Acosta should be recommended for reappointment to a new eight-year term. The court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment.
The duties of a magistrate judge in this court include: 1) conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; 2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; 3) conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings in civil cases; and 4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.
Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m., Sept. 15, and should be addressed to: Office of the Clerk, Human Resources Division, U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, 1000 S.W. Third Ave, Suite 740, Portland, OR 97204.
O’Connell Conference Set Sept. 16
On Sept. 16, the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics and the Univeristy of Oregon School of Law will host its annual O’Connell Conference at the White Stag Building in Portland, 1-6 p.m. The forum is a chance for the judicial and legal community to examine current topics in public policy and public affairs
This year’s conference will explore the theoretical, jurisprudential and political aspects of the ongoing changes in Oregon and national public higher education and legal education with the theme “Oregon’s Public Universities and Colleges: Facing the Challenge.” The program will run 1-5:15 p.m., followed by a reception, 5:15-6 p.m.
Visit the conference webpage http://waynemorsecenter.uoregon.edu/oconnell-conference/ for program updates and presenter details.
The event is free and open to the public. The public is requested to register at tinyurl.com/2015UOConference. The program has been approved for four general MCLE credits. For those seeking MCLE credits, registration is not just requested; registration is required.
Diversity Fall CLE and Networking Social to Be Held Sept. 24
The OSB Diversity Section will host a fall CLE and networking social Sept. 24 at Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland. Attorney Melvin Oden-Orr, formerly with Portland Development Commission and TriMet, and guest panelists will discuss how minority- and women-owned businesses can effectively procure and manage contracts for governmental projects. The presentation will also address important new legislation that impacts projects utilizing certified firms in Oregon.
The fee is $25 for the CLE and social, with a discounted rate of $15 for current or new Diversity Section members. Cost to attend only the social is $10, or free for Diversity Section members. One hour of access to justice MCLE credit is pending. RSVP to Carlos Rasch at crasch@ houser-law.com.
Golf for Classroom Law Project Set for Sept. 28
The Classroom Law Project will host a golf tournament Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Portland Golf Club.
Enjoy a day of golf, raffle prizes, chipping and putting contests, happy hour and other fun activities. To play in or sponsor the tournament, register at www. classroomlaw.org/event/golf-tournament.
Wine & Chocolate Extravaganza Slated for Oct. 24
Youth, Rights & Justice invites all to a night of wine and chocolate tasting to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Oct. 24. This event will be held at the World of Speed Museum in Wilsonville and will feature full access to the museum, rides in racing simulators, dinner and dessert dash, and live and silent auctions.
All proceeds will benefit Youth, Rights & Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families through legal representation and advocacy in the courts, legislature, schools and community. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at www.youthrightsjustice.org. For more information, email janeen.o@youthrightsjustice.org.
Report Unclaimed or Abandoned Funds in October
It’s time to take a look at your lawyer trust account and determine whether any unclaimed or abandoned client funds should be forwarded to the Oregon State Bar in October.
Funds are deemed unclaimed or abandoned if the owner has not accepted payment of the funds, corresponded in writing about the funds or otherwise indicated interest in the funds within two years after the funds are payable or distributable to the owner. Funds deemed unclaimed or abandoned as of June 30 of each year are to be reported during the month of October of that same year, although earlier reporting may be allowed upon written request.
Unclaimed or abandoned funds held in lawyer trust accounts must be reported to the Oregon Department of State Lands, but paid over to the Oregon State Bar with a copy of the DSL report. Note that if the owner’s last known address is in a different state, those funds must be reported and sent to that state.
Unclaimed or abandoned client funds are appropriated to the OSB Legal Services Program to be allocated to organizations providing civil legal aid to low-income Oregonians. Questions about forwarding abandoned funds can be addressed to Judith Baker at (503) 431-6323 or jbaker@osbar.org.
