OTLA Sidebar September 2020

21 • SIDEBAR • September 2020 backgrounds, there is a sense of additional community there because the struggles are so similar. In a sense, I appreciate that because, like they say, “the struggle is real.” I give to the Guardians of Civil Justice program because: It is our duty as lawyers to guard and defend the rights of our clients, and that obligation does not begin and end in the courtroom. We must advocate for just and fair laws that provide an actual remedy at law for our clients and other injured persons. That advocacy requires a source of funds that can be used not only to defeat unjust laws, but also to advocate for sensible laws and promote political leaders locally and nationwide who will stand beside our clients and other injured persons during their most trying times. What I’d most like my colleagues to know about OTLA is: OTLA is like a family that cheers you on while also elevating and encouraging you to be the best trial lawyer representing plaintiffs and other injured persons in Oregon and nationwide. OTLA further provides a community space and resources that regularly assist me in my legal practice. There’s more to life than my job. My favorite things to do are: Karaoke is my jam. I live for singing and embarrassing myself while singing because our work is already serious enough. Life is short. We should enjoy every minute of it. I knew I was grown up when: I was able to open a bank account. I absolutely can’t live without: Coffee. Let’s face it, coffee is a necessity. My favorite fictional character is: King T’Challa, may he rest in peace. If I could give one piece of advice to new lawyers, it would be: Enjoy the learning process and do not be afraid to dive right in simply because you are a new lawyer. Your opinion is no less worthy. I relax by: Spending time outdoors with my husband Chuy and our three crazy dogs, Priya, Miley, and Lily and traveling around the US to watch the OSU Beavers get unfortunately schooled by other football teams. I’ve always wanted to: Lobby in the legislature. OTLA gave me the opportunity to do this last year and it was wonderful experience. My best subjects in high school were: History and choir. The class I dreaded most in law school was: Secured Transactions. My first job was: Sea World of San Diego working as a games host! I was the person on the microphone running the booths in the games department where you could win all kinds of stuffed animals. Guiltiest pleasure: Hot Cheetos, 100%. Something not many people know about me is: I have a major preference for speaking in Spanish rather than English, to the extent that my brain automatically runs through the alphabet in Spanish whenever I am searching for a case file by name. SPOTLIGHT continued from page 20 My favorite author/musician/poet/ artist: Jack Johnson The reformation/revolution/social movement I appreciate most is: BLM and the Women’s March. My motto, summed up: Work hard always, play hard some- times. Martinez can be reached at Richardson Wright at (503) 546-4632 or by email at melina@richardsonwright.com. To join the Guardians of Civil Justice or learn more about the program, contact any OTLA board member or Development Director Nora Fogarty at (503) 223-5587 ext. 104 or nora@ oregontriallawyers.org. Martinez, top left, enjoys a little post-COVID fun on the golf course with family.