priorities were to go to school and work. After the first quarter, I forfeited my dorm deposit and moved off campus. I got an apartment and one of my suitemates followed me. After my second quarter, I transferred home to my local community college. Financially, it made sense for me because I was racking up a lot of school loans. I finished community college and then transferred to Pacific Lutheran University. I enjoyed PLU and wish I had gone there from the beginning. The professors made sure I was going to finish. They taught me the concept of building relationships and networking. They taught me to think differently and my passion for learning was born. PLU holds a special place in my heart. I tell young people today that there’s a college for everyone, you just have to find what works for you. In the end, most employers don’t care where you went to college. All they care about is what you are able to do and your commitment to your work. I obtained a master’s degree at the University of Oregon. There I met Professor Steven Bender. He guided me, took me under his wing and helped me apply to law school. He pointed me in the right direction to pay for a prep course for the LSAT. The first time I applied to law school I did not get in. I did not know you should take a prep course – I had no time, nor the money. Bender pushed me to get back on the track of law school and directed me to an LSAT program at U of O that was affordable. It was not the top program, but I am grateful it existed. Bender told me I should apply to law school and he would write a recommendation letter. The next time I applied, I got in. I will never forget my hands trembling as I placed the law school applications in the mail box. Eventually, I made my way to Lewis and Clark and obtained my J.D. I enrolled in what the school called the “night program.” I disliked that name, because it felt like we were second class citizens. I chose to call it the four-year track. I attended both day and night classes. I attended classes that fit my work schedule. I would attend summer classes so I could carry a lighter workload during the school year and still be able to graduate in four years. I’m grateful the school had this program. Not working never crossed my mind. My first son was born during my second year in law school. When people looked at me, I would explain “he was a planned baby”. They would look at me as if to say “are you crazy?” I wanted to have my first child before I started my career. While attending law school and having a baby, my husband was working on his B.A. We would tag team. He would drop the baby off while I was on campus and he’d head to his campus to continue his studies. When I graduated from law school, my eldest was two-years-old. My youngest child was born when I decided to be a solo practitioner. We wanted a second child and knew there would never be a perfect time to have one. My journey to becoming a lawyer began in childhood, translating for my mom and others. I saw and felt how uncomfortable they were telling me what to say. I do not wish that on anyone. A pivotal moment was when a doctor asked me to translate for a stranger with a broken leg. I fainted at the sight of the fracture but continued translating from the doorway. At that moment, I knew a career in medicine was not for me, but my heart went out to the injured person. Perhaps the biggest impact on my career path was when a personal injury attorney helped my mom. He spoke my mom’s language, explaining everything directly to her without needing me to translate. He treated her with respect, making her feel important even though her case was small. This personal touch contrasted sharply with other attorneys, who treated her like a number and used me as the interpreter. I knew if I became a lawyer, I would speak directly with my clients, regardless of their case size. I continue to uphold this promise, ensuring each of my clients receives personal attention and respect. Another significant aspect of that experience was that the settlement money allowed my mom to purchase a home and achieve greater stability. Witnessing this, I began to associate becoming a lawyer with the potential for a decent income. Inspired by an adjunct professor in estate planning who stressed the importance of joining local, specialized organizations, I joined OTLA as a new lawyer. My mentor described professional groups as the “pipeline” for staying updated with legal changes, highlighting them as the easiest and most affordable way to remain current. She was right. When I started clerking, I asked a partner at the law firm I was working at about which organization to join. He pointed me to OTLA, the right direction. OTLA serves as the essential pipeline for Oregon trial attorneys, offering the latest news on laws that impact our profession and the clients we represent. The benefits of membership far exceed the annual dues, providing not only the CLE credits needed to maintain one’s license, but also trial training skills and practical advice on managing a law office. As technology continues to evolve, I believe solo practices will become more common. I have observed this trend in my generation and anticipate advancing technology will further enable plaintiff trial attorneys to open their own offices or form small partnerships. I joined the OTLA Executive Committee to encourage others, regardless of firm size, to pursue leadership roles within the organization. As a solo practitioner, I bring a unique perspective and aim to show fellow solos that they, too, can offer valuable contributions and insights. By stepping into this role, I hope to inspire others to recognize their potential and actively participate in shaping the organization. At our core, I know it’s the same for you as it is for me. The great equalizer is hard work. President’s Message continued from p. 5 6 Trial Lawyer | Fall 2024
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