OTLA Sidebar September 2020

7 • SIDEBAR • September 2020 that the industry is largely either indifferent or in denial that there is a problem.” Past award winner and Guardian Julene Quinn lauds Semple as an attorney who is tirelessly committed to injured workers: “I’ve known Keith for many years and his commitment has always been there. He cares deeply about every single one of his clients, whether they suffer from a small repetitive use injury or a catastrophic permanent disability.” Quinn also notes, “When he lobbies for change [in Salem], he understands it requires reaching across the aisle and working with everyone. He’s a tremendous asset to his firm and to the community of trial lawyers as a whole.” The Doug Swanson Outstanding Worker’s Compensation award was created by Swanson’s law partners following his death in 2004 and recog- nizes an Oregon worker’s compensa- tion attorney who has served injured workers with particular diligence and distinction. The Committee of Oregon Worker’s Compensation Attorneys awarded Semple this year because of his ongoing work with MLAC and in the Oregon legislature on behalf of injured workers, and his continuous passion to help his clients. Guardian Derek Johnson said that Semple brings every win and loss to the firm’s regular reporting of cases, and while he celebrates every victory large and small, he also takes to heart the losses and the setbacks. It is because of this care for his clients and for all injured workers that we honor Semple with the Doug Swanson Award. SWANSON AWARD continued from page 3 are extremely concerned those people most affected have been systemati- cally excluded from discussions and continue to advocate to include these communities in the negotiations. OTLA-PAC continues to support the efforts of pro-civil justice candi- dates. The outcome of the November elections will likely have a significant impact on the immunity debate in 2021. Thanks to the efforts of the leg- islative committee, OTLA-PAC Board members and the generosity of Guard- ians, we have a fighting chance to stand up for the rights of Oregonians in the state capitol. IMMUNITY continued from page 6