Page 10 - OWLS AdvanceSheet Winter 2017

Lawyers’ Assoc. of Washington County A Call to Action
continued from page 9
Bowls for Dress for Success The problems Judge Immergut points

to—that women lack confidence, they
feel they cannot juggle it all, and the cul-
ture is not accepting of them—are prob-
lems that judges also can help solve, by
sending the message to all the attorneys
in the courtroom that attorney-mothers
will be treated as leaders, will not have
their confidence undercut by procedural
or scheduling slights, and will be afforded
the basic opportunity to engage in the
profession so they can meet their goals
of becoming top litigators.
If our profession truly wishes to keep
LAWC bowlers included (left to right) Heather Murray, Elizabeth Inayoshi, women, and mothers, from migrating
Judge Michele Rini, Kristine Almquist, Rebecca Guptill, Mary Bruington, from the profession, then women need
Judge Beth Roberts, Sara Kearsley, and Kelly Morgan. not only support from our firms, but

he Lawyers’ Association of Washington County (LAWC), an OWLS chapter, also support from the courts in which
held a bowling fundraiser for Dress for Success Oregon on October 22. LAWC we litigate our cases. Courts can assist
Tcovered the cost of lane fees and prizes at Sunset Lanes in Beaverton so that by providing adequate physical facilities
100% of the proceeds went directly to Dress for Success Oregon. to accommodate breastfeeding mothers
Along with clothing donations, the group raised $425 to assist the nonprofit with (including a refrigerated place to store
its mission to “empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a milk for the duration of a full day of
network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women trial). Judges can assist by being willing
thrive in work and in life.” to think creatively and flexibly about
All the bowlers professed to have a great time, despite the lack of bowling talent how to address these types of concerns
most claimed. as they arise. OWLS has already compiled
For information on how you can get involved with LAWC or on upcoming events, a list of lactation facilities for breast-
please contact Rebecca Guptill at rguptill@harrislawsite.com. feeding mothers located in courthouses
and other public buildings. [See link in
blue box below.] Unfortunately, a quick
review of the list highlights the need for
The Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation, improvement, as only seven courthouses
in Oregon are listed.
the 501(c)(3) sister organization to OWLS, attentiveness to these issues, the collec-
Perhaps with more awareness and
is proud to focus on educating and
OREGON
women supporting women and minorities in order tive efforts of firms, women, and courts
might start to add up in a such a way that
to further their access to and participation
instead of migrating away from the legal
LAWYERS in the justice system. profession, women will feel empowered
to participate with confidence. Maybe
FOUNDATION We fund the Armonica Law Student then we can once and for all stop won-
Book Grant, the Vernellia R. Randall Bar
dering, “Where are the girls?”
Exam Grant, the Justice Betty Roberts Elizabeth Biermann focuses her practice
Leadership Conference Grant, and the on real estate and business transactions,
Janis Hardman Medical Support Grant. loan documentation, and business entity
choice and formation at Tomasi Salyer
To learn more about the Foundation, Martin in Portland.
Support the our grants, or to donate, please visit
Oregon Women Lawyers OwlsFoundation.org.
Foundation Grants OWLS’ list of lactation facilities
by purchasing a raffle ticket for breastfeeding mothers is at
or supporting the www.oregonwomenlawyers.
Special Appeal at the org/resources/lactation-
2017 Roberts & Deiz Awards facilities-for-breastfeeding-
Dinner on Friday, March 10. mothers/.

OREGON WOMEN LAWYERS AdvanceSheet 10 WINTER 2017