Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation

06/06/2026

Thank you to all who made the Roberts Deiz Award Dinner an outstanding success! Your generous contributions are making a difference for the next generation of lawyers in the Oregon legal community.

06/02/2026

05/21/2026

We couldn't be more proud of our 2007 Armonica grantee Vanessa Nordyke!

Salem, I am honored and humbled.

The people of this city sent a clear message: they are ready for a Salem that works for everyone. You have given me the privilege of serving as your next mayor, and I do not take that trust lightly.

I want to thank Mayor Julie Hoy for her service to our city. Public service is not easy work, and I respect her commitment to Salem.

To every neighbor who knocked doors, made calls, provided a contribution, dropped a ballot, and believed that things can be better: this is your victory. I have said from the beginning that the people are on our side, and last night’s results proved it.

I got into this race because I know what Salem is capable of. I've seen it in the REACH Team, which is keeping our community healthier and safer. I’ve seen it when Salem stands together, whether for our libraries and Center 50+ or in our streets to protect the democracy they love. I've seen it in the residents who show up to city hall meeting after meeting because they love this place and they refuse to give up on it.

That's the Salem I'm fighting for. More affordable homes. A city that responds to behavioral health crises with care. A budget that reflects our values. A government that listens. A mayor who communicates with you.

As you know, I have served on four city boards, worked as a Oregon Department of Justice Senior Assistant Attorney General, led a nonprofit for foster care children, and served on our city council for six years.

Every bit of that experience has prepared me for this moment. I know our budget. I know our systems. I know that our work ahead is significant.

To the communities who supported this campaign: I hear you, and I will show up for you.

Salem's moment is here. Let's build it together.

05/09/2026

For more information, or to buy raffle tickets, go to this link: https://event.auctria.com/f41e44fb-9f65-403a-8f06-6683056811de/

04/06/2026

Oregon Women Lawyers' founding president, Katherine O'Neil, will be honored at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 25 with a mentoring award. Marilyn Harbur will provide introductory remarks. To listen live, go to https://americanbar.zoom.us/j/97303854826?pwd=atmJYTUn6a1Ay39Xc1w9cYlN6Cntof.1

04/02/2026

We are delighted to announce that Jennifer Quigley of Lewis & Clark Law School is the recipient of our Vernellia R. Randall Bar Exam Grant. She will be sitting for the July Oregon Bar Exam.

04/01/2026

One hundred years ago today, on April 1, 1926, Mary Jane Spurlin was sworn in as a district court judge in Portland, Oregon, making her Oregon's first female judge. To learn more about Oregon's first women judges, come to Trudy Allen's talk at Queen's Bench - Multnomah Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers on Tuesday, May 12.

03/27/2026

This day in history: On March 27, 1885, Mary Leonard was admitted to federal practice in Oregon, making her the first woman with that distinction. Her petition for admission in Oregon state courts was denied on constitutional grounds.

03/26/2026

Remembering Helen Althaus (1910-2006) on her birthday.