Agenda
Friday October 3 | 8:00am - 12:00pm
1 Of OADC’s current offerings, how much do they contribute to engagement, and can they be improved?
a Growth Zone
i. Forums
ii. Brief Bank
iii. Job Bank
b The Verdict
i. Case Notes
ii. Articles
iii. Defense Verdict
iv. On the Docket
v. Judge’s Bios
c CLEs
i. Remote – Live + Recorded
ii. In Person
d Social Events/Outreach
i. Passport Program
ii. OTLA/OADC Event
iii. Law Student Outreach
e Defense Practice Academy
f Annual Convention
g Fall Seminar
h Marketing all Resources and Events
2 What could OADC offer to improve member engagement?
a Opportunities with
i. WDTL
ii. DRI
iii. MBA
iv. Law Schools
v. Firms
b Locations other than Portland
c Non-CLE/Social Events
i. Interactions with: judges, new lawyers, OTLA
ii. Portland Event
d Verdict
i. Varied Media Sources
ii. Social Media
iii. Compendium
e Support for Law Firms
f Partnering with Sponsors
The Verdict
View live:
June Verdict
July Verdict
August Verdict
CLEs
2024 Practice Group CLEs
Coverage Practice Group
January 24, 2024
Topic: A Moody Update: The Supreme Court Decision
47 People Registered
New Lawyers Practice Group
February 6, 2024
Topic: Vehicle Accident Reconstruction: A Technology Update with Legal Considerations
24 People Registered
2025 Practice Group CLEs
Coverage Practice Group
April 4, 2025
Topic: A Moody Update
52 People Registered
New Lawyers Practice Group
May 1, 2025
Topic: On Appeal: The Wrongful Death Damages Cap
71 People Registered
New Lawyers Practice Group
May 6, 2025
Topic: Recent Changes to the UCJI
28 People Registered
Employment Practice Group
April 5, 2024
Topic: “State of the Union” Roundtable on Paid Leave Oregon
14 People Registered
Commercial Practice Group
April 26, 2024
Topic: Closely Held Business Disputes 101
19 People Registered
Government Liability Practice Group
July 16, 2024
Topic: US Supreme Court’s Ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson
42 People Registered
Coverage Practice Group (In Person at Bullivant)
October 17, 2024
Topic: A Roundtable to Discuss Strategies for Responding to Moody
12 People Registered
Commercial Practice Group
May 19, 2025
Topic: How to Change a Judge or Arbitrator’s Mind
17 People Registered
Professional Liability Practice Group
April 2, 2025
Topic: Martineau I & II: Loss of Chance, Demonstrative Evidence and Other Issues
22 People Registered
Post Trial Recap CLE
August 28, 2025
Topic: Seng v. Providence
28 People Registered
Defense Practice Academy
Attendance By Year
2023: 22 Registered
2024: 14 Registered
2025: 3 Registered (as of 8/28)
2023-2024 Courses | 10 classes | $1,500
Classes
September 14, 2023
“Getting Your Game On”
Initial file review, planning and case strategy
• Investigation of facts
• Analysis of Law
• Reporting to Carriers and Clients
• Preparing Budgets
• Recording hours
• Managing Stress
October 12, 2023 Discovery
• Discovery
• E-discovery
• ORCP 36 et seq.
• Requests for Production
• RFAs
• SDTs (Documents/Dox & Depo)
• SDT-s meds
• ORCP 39C6
November 9, 2023 Depositions
• Having your game plan/outline
• Effective questioning
• Objections: proper v non-proper
• What to do with obstreperous witnesses and counsel
December 14, 2023
Writing & Arguing Winning Motions/MSJs
• Court etiquette
January 11, 2024 Arbitration
• Binding v non-binding
• Trial de novo
• Presenting evidence & planning witnesses
• Briefing
• Hearing February 15, 2024 Mediation
• Negotiating like a pro
• Tips for drafting settlement & release agreements
March 14, 2024
Trial – Part I: Pre-Trial
• What story are you telling the jury?
• Jury Instructions
• Motions in limine
• Dealing with pre-trial jitters & managing stress
April 11, 2024
Trial – Part II: In Court - In the Courtroom
• Voir Dire
• Opening Statements
• Direct and Cross-Exam
May 9, 2024
Trial- Part III: In Court
• Objections
• Making the Record
• Setting your case up for Appeal
• Closing Argument
June 2024
Post-Trial - At OADC Annual Convention
• Post-Trial (but pre-verdict) motions
• Post-verdict motions
• Appeal
Defense Practice Academy
2024-2025 Courses | 10 credits | 5 classes | $1,500
Classes
October 23, 2024
Case Intake
Gain a step-by-step understanding of case intake procedures, including running conflicts and determining whether the client/issues are a “fit” for your practice. Learn to identify key witnesses, crucial evidence, and potential expert needs from the outset. Delve into initial to-dos including preservation letters, case assessments, early motions, and conflict resolution strategies. Perfect for new lawyers seeking foundational knowledge.
December 11, 2024
Experts!
Explore the roles of economists, medical experts, and more. Delve into the process of selecting and working with experts in preparation for depositions and/or at trial.
February 5, 2025
Depositions
Explore the art of deposition-taking and defending from start to finish. This session will cover steps including drafting an outline, selecting exhibits, and preparing a witness, and include hands-on experience for all participants in the roles of attorney and witness. Ideal for refining deposition skills.
April 23, 2025
Pretrial Prep
Learn to navigate pretrial filings (including trial memos, witness statements, exhibit lists, and motions in limine) and associated oral argument with finesse. Review trial preparation checklists and discuss best practices.
June 12, 2025
Trial
Hone trial advocacy skills with a focus on openings, closings, and witness handling. Participate in a simulated trial environment at OADC. Present your own “clopening” for invaluable feedback and learning.
Defense Practice Academy
2025- 2026 Courses | 7 classes | $1,750
Classes
September 9, 2025
Getting your Game On
• Initial file review, planning and case strategy
• Investigation of facts
• Analysis of Law
• Reporting to Clients
• Preparing Budgets
• Recording hours
• Managing Stress*
• *Hard to get CLE credits (Ethics & Other)
October 14, 2025
Discovery
• Scope of discovery (based on injury, prayer, type of suit, etc.)
• E-discovery, social media discovery (including new consensus statement)
• RFPs/RFAs, and subpoenas as a discovery tool
• Discovery Motions and conferral (UTCRs) ...and Experts!
• Roles of medical experts, economists, and others
• How to identify who you need
• Key practice pointers to know regarding your experts “files”
November 11, 2025
Depositions & Corporate Depos
• Outlines and Exhibits
• Effective questioning
• Preparing a witness
• Objections: proper v non-proper
• Managing obstreperous witnesses and counsel
• ORCP 39C6
January 27, 2026
Writing & Arguing Winning Motions/MSJs
• Structuring and presenting your ideas and argument in a good way
• Persuasive drafting
• Processes in writing
• Rule 21, MSU, MTC
March 10, 2026
Mediation/ADR
• Negotiating like a pro
• Tips for drafting settlement & release agreements
• Understanding Brackets ...and Arbitration
• Binding vs non-binding
• Tríal de novo
• Presenting evidence & planning witnesses (in person vs paper)
• Prehearing Statement of Proof
• Briefing
• Hearing
April 21, 2026
Trial part 1
• Jury Instructions
• Voir Dire
• Introducing an Exhibit
• Direct and Cross-Exam
• Expert Examinations
• Impeaching a Witness
• Objections, Making Your Record
• Tips for Opening Statement and Closing Argument (to prepare for final programming at Convention
June 2026
Trial part 2
Mock “clopening” with opportunity forfeedback
Annual Convention
Passport Program
March 2025 at Buchalter
29 REGISTERED
19 FIRMS REPRESENTED
Bachofner Arbitration
Ballard Spahr
Brisbee & Stockton
Buchalter
Bullivant Houser
Chinn Smith Winters
Davis Rothwell
Dunn Carney
HWS law Group
Keating Jones
Lindsay Hart
Lober Greenfield
Maloney Lauersdorf
MB Law Group
O’Hagen Meyer
Professional Liability Fund
Schwabe
Travelers Insurance
Wilson Elser
April 2025 at Bullivant
50 REGISTERED
27 FIRMS REPRESENTED
Bachofner Arbitration
Brisbee & Stockton
Buchalter
Bullivant Houser
Chinn Smith Winters
Chock Barhoum
Cosgrave Vergeer Kester
Davis Rothwell
Dunn Carney
Garrett Hemann Robertson
Keating Jones
Lane Powell
Lewis & Clark Law School
Lewis Brisbois
Lindsay Hart
Lober Greenfield
Maloney Lauersdorf
Martin Bischoff
MB Law Group
O’Hagen Meyer
Preg O’Donnell & Gillett
Professional Liability Fund
Schwabe
SFEPC
Smith Freed Eberhard
Stoel Rives
Wilson Elser
Wood Smith Henning
May 2025 at Stoel Rives
35 REGISTERED
22 FIRMS REPRESENTED
Bachofner Arbitration
Ballard Spahr (formerly Lane Powell)
Brisbee & Stockton
Buchalter
Bullivant Houser
Chinn Smith Winters
Chock Barhoum
Davis Rothwell
Dunn Carney
Garrett Hemann Robertson
Gordon Rees
Hart Wagner
Keating Jones
Law Offices of Eric Schilling
Maloney Lauersdorf
Martin Bischoff
MB Law Group
Schwabe
Smith Freed Eberhard
Stoel Rives
The GLB
Wilson Elser
September 2025 at Markowitz
20 REGISTERED
16 FIRMS REPRESENTED
(Data as of 9/1/25)
Buchalter
Bullivant Houser
Cable Houston
Chinn Smith Winters
Chock Barhoum
Dunn Carney
Garrett Hemann Robertson
Gordon Rees
Keating Jones
Maloney Lauersdorf
Markowitz Hebold
Martin Bischoff
MB Law Group
Preg O’Donnell & Gillett
Professional Liability Fund
Schwabe
Wilson Elser
Saturday October 4 | 8:00am - 12:00pm
How can OADC improve engagement of its leadership?
1 Current
a Leadership Structure
i. Practice Groups (Number + Topics)
ii. Affinity Groups (Number + Topics)
iii. Board
1. Monthly Meetings
2. Co-Chairing Events
3. 3-person Class
4. Retreat – Review Cost
iv. Executive Committee
v. Nominating Committee
b Communication with Leadership
c Leadership Events
i. January Leadership Dinner
ii. Convention
2 Future
a Communication
i. Board Liaisons
ii. Growth Zone
b Responsibilities
i. Publications
ii. Vice Chair
iii. Chair
iv. Affinity Groups
c In-Person Connections
Practice Groups
Molly Honore, Chair
Markowitz Herbold PC 1455 SW Broadway Ste 1900 Portland OR97201 | 503.295.3085 mollyhonore@markowitzherbold.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Ian Baldwin, Chair
Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP 12755 SW 69th Ave., Ste. 100 Portland, OR 97223 | 971.256.4017 ibaldwin@wshblaw.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Robert W Kirsher, Chair Gordon & Polscer LLC
9020 SW Washington Sq Rd Ste 560 Tigard OR97223 | 503.242.2922 rkirsher@gordon-polscer.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Jaci Houser, Chair Littler Mendelson
1300 SW 5th Ave, Ste 2050 Portland, OR 97201 503.889.8856 jhouser@littler.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Chris Gilmore, Chair Multnomah County Attorney’s Office 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Ste 500 Portland, OR 97214 | 503.988.3138 chris.gilmore@multco.us
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Tom Purcell, Chair
MB Law Group LLC
117 SW Taylor St, Ste 200 Portland, OR 97204 | 503.382.4211 tpurcell@mblglaw.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Melissa J Bushnick, Chair
Lindsay Hart LLP 1300 SW 5th Ave Ste 3400 Portland OR97201 | 503.226.7677 mbushnick@lindsayhart.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Peder A Rigsby, Chair
Bullivant Houser Bailey PC 1 SW Columbia St Ste 800 Portland OR97204 503.499.4417 peder.rigsby@bullivant.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
David Bernstein, Vice Chair Buchalter 805 SW Broadway, Ste 1500 Portland, OR 97205 | 503.226.8431 dbernstein@buchalter.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Claire Whittal, Vice Chair
Gillaspy Rhode PLLC 1220 SW Morrison St., Ste. 805 Portland, OR 97205 | 503.688.5020 cwhittal@gillasphyrhode.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Bryce Adams, Vice Chair
Bullivant Houser Bailey One SW Columbia, #800 Portland, OR 97204 | 503.499.4455 bryce.adams@bullivant.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Rachel Timmins, Vice Chair
Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC 222 SW Columbia St Ste 1500 Portland OR97201 | 503.552.2140 Rachel.timmins@ogletree.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Andrew D Campbell, Vice Chair
Heltzel Williams PC 117 Commercial St NE Ste 400 PO Box 1048 Salem OR97308 | 503.585.4422 x314 andrew@heltzel.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Dmitriy Golosinskiy, Vice Chair
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edleman & Dicker 805 SW Broadway, Suite 2460 Portland, OR 97205 | 971.352.3033
Dmitriy.golosinskiy@wilsonelser.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Hannah I McCausland, Vice Chair Brisbee & Stockton LLC 139 NE Lincoln St PO Box 567 Hillsboro OR97123 | 503.648.6677 him@brisbeeandstockton.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Chris Piekarski, Vice Chair
The GLB Attorneys 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd, Suite 235 Tigard, OR 97224 chrisp@theglb.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Josh Masser, Publications Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani 1300 SW Fifth Ave, Ste 2000 Portland, OR 97080 | 503.382.3896 jmasser@grsm.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Paul Hathaway, Publications Lorber Greenfield & Polito 5 Centerpointe Drive, Ste 400 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 | 503.416.4785 phathaway@lorberlaw.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Michael Walker Parks Bauer
570 Liberty St SE, Suite 200 Salem, OR 97301 | 503.371.3502 mwalker@pbswlaw.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Matt Tellam, Publications Stoel Rives
760 SW 9th Ave, Ste 3000 Portland OR97205 | 503.294.9488 matt.tellam@stoel.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Carey Caldwell, Publications City of Portland 1221 SW 4th Ave, Ste 430 Portland, OR 97204 | 503-823-4047 carey.caldwell@portlandoregon.gov
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Makenzie Kaiser, Publications Bullivant Houser One SW Columbia Street, Ste 800 Portland, OR 97204 | 503.228.6351 makenzie.kaiser@bullivant.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Ashley Brown, Publications Garrett Hemann Robertson PC 1011 Commercial St NE Salem OR97301 | 503.581.1501 abrown@ghrlawyers.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Ramon Henderson, Publications Hodgkinson Street Mepham 1620 SW Taylor St, #350 Portland OR97205 | 503.222.1143 rh@hs-legal.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Board Liaison, 2025 Dan Larsen Buchalter 805 SW Broadway, Ste 1500 Portland, OR 97205 | 503.226.8431 dlarsen@buchalter.com
Board Liaison, 2025 Mathew Wiese Davis Rothwell Earle & Xochihua 200 SW Market St, Suite 1800 Portland, OR 97201 503.222.4422 mwiese@davisrothwell.com
Board Liaison, 2025
Christine Sargent Littler Mendelson PC
1300 SW 5th Ave, Ste 2050 Portland, OR 97201 | 503.221.0309 csargent@littler.com
Board Liaison, 2025
Melissa Healy
Stoel Rives
760 SW 9th Ave., #3000 Portland, OR 97205 | 503.294.9263
Melissa.healy@stoel.com
Board Liaison, 2025
Kirsten Curtis
Thenell Law Group 12909 SW 68th Pkwy, #290 Portland, OR 97223 | 503.372.6450 kirsten@thenelllawgroup.com
Board Liaison, 2025
David Cramer
MB Law Group 117 SW Taylor St, Ste 200 Portland, OR 97204 / 503.382.4211 dcramer@mblalglaw.com
Board Liaison, 2025
Helaina Chinn
Chinn Smith Winters LLP 4428 Galewood Ct Lake Oswego, OR 97034 |503.675.4306 chinn@csw-law.com
Board Liaison, 2025
Breanna Thompson
Garrett Hemann Robertson PC PO Box 749 Salem OR 97308 | 503.581.1501 bthompson@ghrlawyers.com
Affinity Groups
Chair
Sharlei Hsu
Betts Patterson & Mines PS
111 SW 5th Ave Ste 3650
Portland OR 97204
503.961.6331
shsu@bpmlaw.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Vice Chair
Taylor Lewis Hart Wagner LLP
1000 SW Broadway Ste 2000 Portland OR 97205
503.222.4499
tbl@hartwagner.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Vice Chair
Jennifer Crow Sheer Law
2101 Fourth Avenue Seattle, WA 98121
503.446.1767
jen@scheer.law
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Board Liaison, 2025
Sarah Tuthill-Kveton
Chock Barhoum
121 SW Morriston St, Suite 500 Portland, OR 97204
971.302.6426
sarah@chuckbarhoum.com
Chair
Anna Claypool
Keating Jones Hughes, PC
200 SW Market Street, #900 Portland OR97201
503.222.9955
aclaypool@keatingjones.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Vice Chair
Brandon Thornburg Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP
900 SW Fifth Ave, 24th Floor Portland,OR97204
503.219.3844
bthornburg@cosgravelaw.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Publications
Gioia Fisk Hart Wagner
1000 SW Broadway, 20th Floor Portland, OR 97201
970.213.3283
gyf@hartwagner.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Board Liaison, 2025
Jason Evans Sussman Shank LLP 1000 SW Broadway, Ste 1400 Portland, OR 97205
503.227.1111
jevans@sussmanshank.com
Chair
A C Estacio-Heilich
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
888 SW Fifth Ave Ste 900 Portland OR 97204
971.334.7008
Ac.estacio-heilich@ lewisbrisbois.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Chair
Bonnie Calhoun
Wilson Elser Moskowitz
Edelman & Dicker
805 SW Broadway, Suite 2460
Portland OR97205
971.352.3020
bonnie.calhoun@wilsonelser. com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Vice Chair
Nelly F Greenberg
Bullivant Houser Bailey PC 1 SW Columbia St Ste 800 Portland OR 97204
503.499.4623
Nelly.greenberg@bullivant.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Vice Chair
Gabrielle Martinez deCastro
Smith Freed Eberhard PC
111 SW Columbia St Ste 800 Portland OR 97201
503.227.2424
gdecastro@smithfreed.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Board Liaison, 2025 Royce Williams TriMet 1800 SW Harrison Portland, OR 97201
503.962.6467
Vice Chair
Ashley L Shearer
MacMillan Scholz & Marks LLC 900 SW 5th Ave Ste 1800 Portland OR97204
503.224.2165
ashearer@msmlegal.com
Term 1-1-24 to 1-1-26
Publications
Olivia Courogen Buchalter
805 SW Broadway, Ste 1500 Portland, OR 97205
503.899.8699
ocourogen@buchalter.com
Term 1-1-25 to 1-1-27
Board Liaison, 2025
Megan Cook
Bullivan Houser Bailey PC
One SW Colmbia St, Ste #800 Portland OR 97204
503.499.4402
megan.cook@bullivant.com
Board
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
This Association shall be known as: OREGON ASSOCIATION OF DEFENSE COUNSEL
ARTICLE II PURPOSES
Section 1. The purpose of this organization shall be: (a) to bring into close association and provide for an exchange among lawyers licensed to practice law in Oregon who devote a substantial amount of their professional time either for the defense of clients in civil matters or representation of clients as in-house corporate counsel, including retired lawyers whose practice was devoted to the same; (b) to promote efficiency in dealing with the general interest of the clients of the members; (c) to sponsor and promote continuing legal education of the membership and of the defense bar; and (d) to support and promote the improvement of the administration of justice and the standard of professional conduct in Oregon courts.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the organization shall not engage in any other activities that are not permitted of an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
Section 2. This Association is not formed nor is it to be operated with a profit objective; nor is it organized for the pecuniary profit of its Officers, Board of Directors, or members; nor shall any part of its net income inure to the benefit of any Officer, Board member or member. Payment of any obligations of the Association shall be devoted solely to the furtherance of the purposes of the Association set forth in Section 1 above.
Section 3. In an effort to further the purposes of the OADC bylaws by promoting the continuing legal education of our membership and the defense bar, the OADC Board of Directors includes within OADC membership legal educators who either satisfy the membership criteria set forth in the bylaws, or who do not maintain an active practice, either plaintiff or defendant; existing members of the state or federal judiciary; practitioners who devote their entire practice to performing arbitration/mediation/reference judge services; licensed paraprofessionals who devote a substantial amount of their professional time for the defense of clients in civil matters; and law students as defined below. Such persons shall be described as non-voting, neutral members.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Those persons shall qualify for membership who are active attorney members of the Oregon State Bar, who are in good standing and who devote a substantial portion of their practice to representing the interests of individual defendants, businesses, insurance companies, or government entities in civil litigation, along with inactive and/ or retired attorney members of the Oregon State Bar whose practice was likewise so devoted
The following shall also be eligible as non-voting, Neutral Members: legal educators who satisfy the above criteria, or who do not maintain an active practice, either plaintiff or defendant; existing members of the state or federal judiciary; practitioners who devote their entire practice to performing arbitration/mediation/reference judge services; and licensed paraprofessionals who devote a substantial amount of their professional time for the defense of clients in civil matters. The following shall also be eligible as non-voting, Law Student members: any law student who is currently enrolled as a student at an accredited law school, or who graduated from an accredited law school within the past one (1) year and does not have full-time employment.
Determination of eligibility for membership shall be vested in the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Applications for membership shall be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Association, on a form approved by the Board of Directors, and shall be accompanied by such application fees as shall be set by the Board of Directors, and by one year’s annual membership dues. The application shall then be reviewed by the Board of Directors for acceptance or rejection.
Section 3. Annual membership dues shall be established in an amount set by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
Section 1. The Officers of the Association shall be the:
President
President Elect
Secretary-Treasurer
Said Officers comprise the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Officers shall be elected by the membership at large for a three-year (3) term beginning on January 1 following the date of their election. Each Officer shall serve their first year as Secretary-Treasurer, their second year as President Elect and their third year as President.
ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. There shall be a Board of Directors which will consist of the three (3) Officers and a minimum of six (6) and maximum of nine (9) other members, from the membership at large. The number of at-large board members shall be determined by the Nominating Committee after consultation with the Board of Directors. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. The business of the Association shall be conducted by the Board of Directors which shall meet at least quarterly. Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the membership at large for a three-year (3) term beginning January 1, following the date of their election.
ARTICLE VI
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the President and the four (4) immediate past Presidents of the Association. Three members of the Nominating Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall meet annually and nominate the new Officer to join the Executive Committee for a three-year term beginning the subsequent year in accordance with Article IV above.
Section 3. Nominees for Officer shall be or have been a member of the Board of Directors for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years in the past five (5) years.
Section 4. The Nominating Committee shall meet annually and nominate the three (3) new members of the Board of Directors, to replace the three Board of Director members whose terms are ending, for a three-year term beginning the subsequent year in accordance with Article V above. The Nominating Committee shall consider recommendations for replacement members of the Board of Directors from the membership made in writing, if any.
Section 5. Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled as determined by the Nominating Committee.
Section 6. The election for the new Officer and Board of Directors members shall be held in the last quarter of each year by ballot sent to the membership by either mail, email, facsimile or other similar electronic communication. Unless delegated to another by the Executive Committee, OADC staff shall tally the votes ensuring secrecy and security of the votes received. The elected Officer and Board of Directors members shall be those nominees who received the majority vote from ballots received.
ARTICLE VII DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors. The President shall, with the assistance of the Secretary-Treasurer, present to each meeting of the Association and of the Board of Directors a written agenda of the matters to come before such meeting. The President shall appoint the annual convention chairperson(s). Any member of the Board of Directors who has served on the Board of Directors for one (1) year shall be eligible for such appointment. The President shall perform such other duties and acts as usually pertain to the office of the President and as may be prescribed by the Association and/or Board of Directors.
Section 2. The Secretary-Treasurer as custodian shall keep, or cause to be kept, all books, papers, documents, and other property of the Association. The SecretaryTreasurer shall keep a true record of the proceedings of the Association, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, and do and perform all acts usually pertaining to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer and as may be prescribed by the Association and/or Board of Directors, all under the supervision and direction of the Board of Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer shall make reports of the Association’s activities at every meeting of the Association and of the Board of Directors.
As Treasurer, the Secretary-Treasurer shall perform the usual duties of a Treasurer in an Association of this kind; collect dues, keep accounts and except for current expenses, shall disburse the monies of the Association only upon direction of the Board of Directors, and shall make reports of the receipts and expenditures and financial condition of the Association at every meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
Section 1. The Association shall have an annual meeting, at a date and location designated by the Board of Directors, to report upon the business of the Association and to take such other action as is in the best interests of the members.
Section 2. Special meetings can be called by the Board of Directors or by written petition presented to the Board of Directors by fifteen percent (15%) of the voting members.
ARTICLE IX COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors may appoint such committees from the membership at large as it deems necessary.
ARTICLE X REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
A member of the Association may be removed or expelled from membership by the Board of Directors for: 1. Conduct which is adverse to the purpose of the Association.
2. A Change in the member’s practice which would disqualify the member under Article III.
3. Non-payment of membership dues.
A member shall have a right to be heard by the Board of Directors before action to expel is taken, except for expulsion under No. 3 above (non-payment of membership dues).
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed only by: 1) a majority vote from the Board of Directors, if written notice of the substance of the proposed amendment(s) was provided to each Board member at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the Board meeting at which the vote will be taken; or 2) by a written petition with notice of the substance of the proposed amendment(s) presented to the Board of Directors with fifteen percent (15%) of the total membership’s signatures supporting the proposed amendment.
Notice of proposed amendments and ballots shall be transmitted to all voting members by either mail, email, facsimile or other similar electronic communication at least thirty (30) days prior to the stated deadline for voting. Unless delegated to another by the Executive Committee, OADC staff shall tally the votes ensuring secrecy and security of the votes received. The bylaws shall be amended only by a twothirds (2/3) or greater vote of the ballots received.
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION
Section 1. This Association may be dissolved in the following manner:
(1) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, if written notice of the proposed dissolution was provided to each Board member at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the Board meeting at which the vote will be taken. or
(2) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, if written notice of the proposed dissolution was provided to each Board member at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the Board meeting at which the vote will be taken; and at a special meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present; provided that notice of the proposal to dissolve be given to the members by mail at least thirty (30) days before the meeting at which such action is proposed.
Section 2. Any and all assets of this Association at the time of dissolution shall be applied and distributed as follows:
(1) All liabilities and obligations of the Association shall be paid, satisfied and discharged.
(2) Any remaining assets shall then be distributed to nonprofit organizations who promote the access of justice to Oregonians, as determined by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
Revised 9-79, 6-20-97, 6-18-99, 6-14-13, xx-xx-22
Roles & Responsibilities
OADC Mission Statement
The Mission of OADC is to collaborate, educate and unify the Oregon defense bar by providing professional development, sharing collective knowledge, advocating for defense concerns and working to protect the civil justice system.
OADC Leadership Structure and Selection
The OADC Leadership is comprised of its Board Members as well as its Practice Group and Affinity Group leaders.
The Practice Group Leadership Team is led by a Chair, Vice Chair and a Publications Liaison. The Affinity Group Leadership Team is led by a Chair and is supported by Vice Chairs.
Each group is assigned an OADC Board Liaison, whose role is to encourage, support, and guide the work of the leadership team.
The leaders for each position are appointed by the OADC Board for a two-year term. At the end of the two-year term, Practice Group and Affinity Group leaders are typically asked to rotate up within their group ’ s leadership team for another two-year term. For instance, the Publications liaison is asked to rotate up to the Vice Chair position and the Vice Chair is asked to rotate up to the Chair position. Leaders in the Chair position who have completed their two-year term are among those considered by the OADC Nominating Committee for a position on the OADC Board of Directors.
The OADC Nominating Committee, who is comprised of the most recent four past OADC presidents and the sitting president, select three nominees to join the OADC Board. Those nominees are voted upon by all OADC members at large. An OADC Board Member serves a three-year term. At the conclusion of the three-year term, one of the three Board Members in their third year are identified by the Nominating Committee to join the Executive Board as an Officer (President, President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer). This is likewise voted upon by OADC membership following the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. The Executive Board is a threeyear term with each Executive Board member moving up in position the following year (e.g., President-Elect moves into President role). Past presidents of OADC serve on the Nominating Committee for a four-year term immediately following their presidency.
Practice and Affinity Group Roles
The role of the Practice Group and Affinity Group Leadership Team is to offer timely education opportunities to our membership, to create opportunities for our members to meet and network, to develop and implement a plan to foster community among affiliated OADC members, to supply pertinent articles for publication in The Verdict, to help grow and maintain our membership, and to generally support the mission of our organization and the work of our profession.
Practice & Affinity Group Responsibilities
Responsibilities of each Leadership Team include:
Professional Conduct. Conduct yourself with professional integrity as a representative OADC, and to promote professionalism within our membership and the broader legal community.
Practice Groups - Programming
Develop a 1-hour CLE program for possible inclusion in the Annual Convention at Sunriver or the Fall Seminar. The OADC Board members responsible for planning the Annual Convention and Fall Seminar will determine which CLE programs will be utilized for which event and will coordinate with the practice group leaders for further details.
Develop at least (1) one other CLE opportunity for presentation during the year to affiliated members in person and/or virtually. This does not need to be limited to a 1-hour program. The formatting is at your discretion.
Affinity Groups – Programming
Develop and/or support an event or programming that fosters community and diversity and inclusion among OADC. The format is at your discretion and examples include law school outreach, community service programming, educational programing, social events and diversity job-fair events.
Networking. Provide at least (1) one opportunity during the year for affiliated members to physically and/or virtually gather to foster community and professional development. The format is at your discretion (examples include breakfast or lunch meeting, community service event, social-hour events, virtual coffee talks, etc.) and this can be combined with a CLE.
Publications – Practice Group only Submit content for publication in The Verdict, which is published four times a year. Publication assignments will be at the discretion of the editorial team. Practice Group Publications Liaisons are required to attend an annual meeting in February with The Verdict editorial team to obtain further details. Affinity Groups may submit content for inclusion within The Verdict at their discretion and shall coordinate with The Verdict editorial team.
Board Member Interaction. Meet at least quarterly with your OADC Board Liaison to review the status of your Practice or Affinity Group’s activity. In addition, the Chair of each Practice and Affinity Group is required to attend, or delegate another leader from its group to attend, one Board meeting where the leader will report to the Board on their group ’ s activities. The Board meeting calendar will be posted at the start of the year for sign-up by the leaders.
Membership. The Practice and Affinity Group leaders share in the responsibility, as a group, or as individuals, to actively promote and grow membership in OADC and participation in our events. Each group is expected to recruit three (3) new OADC members each year. New members recruited by each group should be reported to the group ’ s Board Liaison.
Attendance All Practice Group and Affinity Group leaders are expected to attend: Leadership Meeting in January. Leadership Meeting in June (held in conjunction with Annual Convention). Annual Convention at Sunriver.
Fall Seminar in Portland. Their respective Practice Group or Affinity Group activities.
Social Media Provide input and support for the OADC website and activities.
Legislative Activity Provide input and support OADC legislative activities.
Individual Responsibilities
Chair
The Chair ensures that the Practice Group or Affinity Group meets the responsibilities and expectations described above. Beyond overall support of the
Leadership Team, the Chair is specifically responsible for ensuring that appropriate CLE programing and networking opportunities are developed.
The Chair is also responsible for ensuring its leadership teams’ attendance at the events specified above and attending one Board meeting (or designating a representative on the Chair’s behalf) to report on the activities of their group.
Vice Chair
The Vice Chair is responsible for supporting the efforts of the Practice Group or Affinity Group leadership team to meet the responsibilities and expectations described above.
The Vice Chair is also specifically responsible for working with the OADC Board Membership Committee to promote membership in our organization, grow our membership, and retain existing members.
The Vice Chair is also responsible for working with the Legislative Committee to track legislation that is pertinent to your Practice or Affinity Group, to communicate with your Practice or Affinity Group about legislative matters, and to coordinate legislative efforts as may be necessary.
Publications Liaison (Practice Group)
The Publications Liaison is responsible for ensuring that timely submissions are provided for publication in The Verdict, for carrying out the requests of Editorial Board, and attending any meetings called by the Editorial Board. Specific deadlines, submission requirements, etc., will be detailed separately by the Editorial Board.
The Publications Liaison is also responsible for supporting the efforts of the Practice Group or Affinity Group leadership team to meet the responsibilities and expectations described above
Board Liaison
The Liaison’s role is to encourage, support, and guide the efforts of the Practice Group or Affinity Group Leadership Team, to report upon their efforts to the Board of Directors.
Practice Group Responsibilities
The official role of each Practice Group is to offer continuing legal education at our annual convention and other events throughout the year, host practice group meetings and networking opportunities, publish pertinent articles in our newsletter, The Verdict, and more.
Each Practice Group is led by a Chair, Vice Chair and a Publications Liaison appointed by the Board (the “Practice Leadership Group”), normally for a two-year term. Where appropriate, the Board may also appoint a legislative committee representative to the Practice Group. Each group also is assigned a liaison from the OADC board of directors.
GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities for each Practice Leadership Group are to:
1. Attend the Practice Group dinner meeting in January each year, attend the Annual Convention each year, attend the Fall Seminar each year, and attend your Practice Group activities.
2. Develop and/or present a 1 hour CLE program to include in the Annual Convention in Sunriver in June. You will find out more about this at the January Practice Group meeting.
3. Propose CLE topics for the Fall Seminar and participate as requested with follow-up on speakers and written materials (see timeline below for deadlines).
4. Submit 2 articles, 4 case notes, and 4 defense success stories for publication in the OADC newsletter, The Verdict, which is published four times a year (you will receive newsletter deadlines under separate cover from our newsletter editor, Jeanne Loftis).
5. Develop and maintain communications within the practice group. Create at least 2 opportunities during the year for members to share information (for example, webinars, brown bag lunches or breakfast meetings). Watch for other possibilities to share information among practice group members.
6. Meet at least quarterly with your OADC board liaison to review and discuss the status of your Practice Group activity.
7. Solicit new members to the OADC and look for ways to improve the involvement of OADC members in the OADC and Practice Group activities.
8. Provide input and support for the OADC website, as requested.
9. If requested, assist in OADC legislative activities.
INDIVIDUAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Practice Group Chair
The Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Practice Group meets the expectations described above in a timely manner. Specifically, the Chair will ensure that a program is developed and available for the Annual Convention (topic subject to the convention chair’s approval), and to create two meeting opportunities throughout the year for the group.
Practice Group Vice Chair
Work with the Chair to ensure that the Practice Leadership Group meets the expectations described above.
Act as the Practice Group liaison to the OADC Membership Committee and work on membership recruitment. Monitor proposed legislation of interest to members of the Practice Group.
Work with the Board Liaison and Legislative Committee Chair to assist the Board in developing positions on proposed legislation in your practice group’s topic areas (unless a separate liaison has been assigned to your practice group).
Practice Group Publications Liaison
Work with the Chair to ensure that the Practice Leadership Group meets the expectations described above.
Oversee all publication efforts of the Practice Group.
Coordinate and work as directed by the Newsletter Editor to arrange for timely submission of the Practice Group articles and case notes for publication in the OADC Newsletter. Specifically, you will need to submit 2 articles, 4 case notes, and 4 defense success stories for publication in the OADC newsletter which is published four times a year (you will receive newsletter deadlines under separate cover from our newsletter editor).
Board Liaison
Supervise and monitor Practice Group efforts.
Meet with the Practice Leadership Group quarterly to review and discuss the status of Practice Group activity. The first meeting should occur before February 1 and include an orientation session to review information and expectations.
Maintain ongoing communication with the Practice Group Chair on at least a monthly basis (by phone or email).
Report to the Board monthly on the status of the Practice Group’s activities.