Fall 2005
LAW SCHOOL BRIEFS
New Faces at the College of Law Jocelyn West Compton JD’04 joined the College of Law staff in February 2005 as assistant to the dean. After graduating summa cum laude from the law school, Compton worked as an associate at the Portland law firm of Miller Nash LLP, where her practice emphasized business and corporate law. While a law student at Willamette, she served as executive editor of the Willamette Law Review, was active in moot court competitions, and worked as a student mentor and teaching assistant. Compton earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon. She has been actively involved in the Salem community for several years as a coach and mentor for high school youth. In July 2005, the College of Law welcomed Cathy McCann JD’02 to its staff as associate director of alumni relations. McCann holds a BA in journalism from the University of Oregon and worked in several public relations positions before attending law school. A member of the Oregon State Bar, she worked in private law practice in the areas of family law, personal injury and criminal law before joining the College of Law staff.
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cases involving the constitutionality of federal statutes and regulations, like the constitutionality of copyright laws protecting foreign authors,” he explained. “But I also was able to do more fact-based legal work, which was less philosophical because it involved more traditional lawyering — like depositions and discovery.” Diller added, however, that he did not always personally agree with some of the issues the office handled. “At the end of the day, you’re doing the administration’s bidding,” he said.
“Willamette really serves as an intersection for me; I can pursue my interests in education and educational reform, international children’s rights, and service to community and children in need,” stated Binford, who teaches the Business Law Clinic and co-teaches the General Civil Practice Clinic and the Externship seminar. She is also busy developing a 10-year strategic plan for the Clinical Law Program, which assists disadvantaged populations and non-profit corporations with legal issues and provides externship placements for law students. Second- and third-year law students serve as the primary contacts for clinic clients. They draft motions and argue cases under the supervision of clinic staff.
Motivated by a desire to address legal issues he truly believes in and to pursue “law for law’s sake,” Diller left Washington for the world of academics. “Working in academics allows you to argue for the side you think is right,” he explained. “And it gives you the freedom to pursue views you want to advance within the legal community.” He joined the College of Law faculty in the summer of 2005.
Just as her father’s unmapped road trips provided her with a broader view of the world, Binford said she believes the law clinic will widen Willamette students’ appreciation for the law. “The clinic is more than just a great way for students to build their resumes before leaving law school,” she explained. “It can really rock their worlds — alter their perceptions of their role in society and the power they will have as lawyers. For some students, this experience can change their entire career path.” No doubt, Binford will be there, providing support and guidance as they find their way.
Diller, who teaches Property and State and Local Government Law, appreciates the opportunity to engage his students in philosophical discussions of legal issues. “I want to help them understand that where there is no black letter law, there are infinite shades of gray to examine.” 36