19 Trial Lawyer • Spring 2024 See A Transformative Journey p 20 through advocacy and education,” became a guiding beacon in our efforts to weave DEI into OTLA’s culture and operations. Our vision statement further underscored this commitment, emphasizing the protection of individual rights, advocating for justice, resisting unjust laws and upholding ethical conduct in the legal profession. Racial equity habit-building challenge One of our most impactful initiatives was the 21-Day Racial Equity HabitBuilding Challenge. Adapted from concepts by the American Bar Association and Eddie Moore, Jr., this challenge was designed to deepen understanding and foster meaningful conversations around racial equity. It included diverse materials such as readings, videos, podcasts and reflection questions, with themes varying from the general to specific focuses, such as the experiences of the African American, Asian-American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ and Latino communities. Former DEI Committee co-chair and now Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Thanh Tran was instrumental in leading the 21-Day Challenges including recruitment of facilitators, leading discussion sessions and finding special guests, constructing syllabus materials, and being a leader on the Challenge listserv. We thank Judge Tran for his efforts and we miss him on the Committee. Surveys and strategic planning Our efforts in surveys and strategic planning were critical in shaping our approach to DEI. We conducted an extensive DEI survey that received an unprecedented response from OTLA membership, reflecting our members’ eagerness to engage with these issues. The insights from this survey were instrumental in informing our strategies and priorities. Mentorship and leadership The mentorship and leadership program was designed to bridge the gap between experienced attorneys and those from underrepresented communities, fostering professional growth, learning and stronger professional networks. The mentorship program, structured to benefit both mentors and mentees, has been a resounding success, creating meaningful and lasting relationships within the plaintiffs’ legal community. Upcoming goals and initiatives Looking to the future, the OTLA DEI Committee is gearing up to launch several innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. In 2024, we will sponsor and organize a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program focused on Power, Privilege and Microaggressions, in collaboration with other bar organizations to enrich these sessions. Additionally, a CLE on representing diverse clients is in the works, where we will devise strategies and best practices, including guidance for legal professionals on effectively representing clients in diverse scenarios, such as appearing before a jury with an interpreter. We recently completed the 21-Day Challenge Initiatives, specifically targeting issues pertinent to Native American/ First Nations. We will be targeting Disability Rights for another 21-Day Challenge in 2025. We also plan to engage law students more actively by collaborating with minority law student associations, enhancing member involvement in law schools and other bar organizations. This effort aims to strengthen the pipeline of diverse legal talent. A member recruitment video is also on the horizon, which will highlight the eligibility criteria for OTLA membership and its benefits, providing potential members with a clear understanding of our members and who our members fight for. In addition, the “How to Law” CLE is scheduled for June 13, targeting nonOTLA new lawyers. This program will provide quick introductions to various aspects of law, aiding in their professional development. Finally, OTLA created member badges for our members' websites, allowOTLA’s updated mission statement is, “Dedicated to protecting people, holding wrongdoers accountable, and promoting a fair and equitable justice system through advocacy and education.”
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