Courthouse Connection is a partnership between the OWLS Mary Leonard Chapter and the Marion County Bar Association. Courthouse Connection events are held at the Marion County Courthouse over the noon hour several times each year. Courthouse Connection events provide an opportunity for judges, attorneys, and law clerks to gather to discuss the practice of law in our courts and community.
Past Events
“Literature and the Law” with former Chief Justice De Muniz
Tuesday, June 19, 2018, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Illahe Hills Country Club Join Courthouse Connection for "Literature and the Law" with former Chief Justice Paul De Muniz, who will discuss how an attorney becomes a novelist. The event will feature a networking social and a CLE from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Refreshments provided. Justice's De Muniz's book will be on sale for $50 (by check) with proceeds benefiting the De Muniz Legal Clinic. Please RSVP to help us plan for this event. |
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Salfeld Griggs P.C. Heltzel Williams PC Connolly & Malstrom Saucy & Saucy, PC Collier Law Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP Sherlag De Muniz LLP |
New Tax Law Highlights for Non-Tax Lawyers
Monday, May 21, 2018, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Marion County Courthouse,
Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connection for a conversation with Barbara Jo Smith and Tricia Olson of Heltzel Williams PC about highlights from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that every non-tax lawyer should know. 1.0 MLCE credit will be sought for this program.
Marion County Courthouse,
Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connection for a conversation with Barbara Jo Smith and Tricia Olson of Heltzel Williams PC about highlights from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that every non-tax lawyer should know. 1.0 MLCE credit will be sought for this program.

5-21-18_taxlawcle_recordkeeping_form.pdf | |
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HOLIDAY PARTY & SANTA CENTRAL TOY DRIVE
Friday, December 8, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
5th Floor Jury Assembly Room, Marion County Courthouse
Hosted by Presiding Judge Tracy Prall
As part of the Courthouse Connection program, MLC partners with the MCBA each year to collect toys for "Santa Central." Join us on December 8 for a holiday social and toy drive hosted by Presiding Judge, Tracy Prall.
All donated toys will find their way to foster children in Marion County through the Santa Central program.
SURVIVAL TIPS FOR AVOIDING ETHICS VIOLATIONS AND MALPRACTICE CLAIMS
Friday, October 13, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Barbara Fishleder, PLF Director of Personal and Practice Management. The CLE will include a discussion of the formation of attorney-client relationships; competence and diligence in representation; using technology to communicate with clients; keeping clients informed; proper termination of client relationships; safekeeping client, firm, and third-party funds; and protecting client data.
We will seek 1.0 ethics credit for the presentation. Brown bag lunches welcome.
Friday, October 13, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Barbara Fishleder, PLF Director of Personal and Practice Management. The CLE will include a discussion of the formation of attorney-client relationships; competence and diligence in representation; using technology to communicate with clients; keeping clients informed; proper termination of client relationships; safekeeping client, firm, and third-party funds; and protecting client data.
We will seek 1.0 ethics credit for the presentation. Brown bag lunches welcome.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING
Friday, September 22, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
*Location: Marion County Courthouse, Room 1331 (1st Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Professor Robin Morris Collin of Willamette University College of Law. Professor Morris Collin, a scholar in the fields of sustainability and environmental justice, will present a CLE discussion on "Public Participation in Decision Making" in the context of environmental justice.
1.0 MCLE credit being sought for the presentation. Materials from the CLE can be found here: CLE Outline and Environmental Justice Legislation
Friday, September 22, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
*Location: Marion County Courthouse, Room 1331 (1st Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Professor Robin Morris Collin of Willamette University College of Law. Professor Morris Collin, a scholar in the fields of sustainability and environmental justice, will present a CLE discussion on "Public Participation in Decision Making" in the context of environmental justice.
1.0 MCLE credit being sought for the presentation. Materials from the CLE can be found here: CLE Outline and Environmental Justice Legislation
ROAD TO THE CIRCUIT COURT BENCH
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Presiding Judge Tracy Prall (Marion County Circuit Court), Judge Channing Bennett (Marion County Circuit Court), Misha Isaak (General Counsel to Governor Kate Brown) and Gina Johnnie (Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP) about pursuing a circuit court judgeship.
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Join Courthouse Connections for a conversation with Presiding Judge Tracy Prall (Marion County Circuit Court), Judge Channing Bennett (Marion County Circuit Court), Misha Isaak (General Counsel to Governor Kate Brown) and Gina Johnnie (Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP) about pursuing a circuit court judgeship.
US SUPREME COURT: A TERM IN REVIEW CLE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Courthouse Connection is pleased to offer its annual review of highlights from the United States Supreme Court term. Join us as Judge Claudia Burton (Marion County Circuit Court), Judge Erin Lagesen (Oregon Court of Appeals), and Justice Rives Kistler (Oregon Supreme Court) discuss several important SCOTUS opinions from the Court's recent term.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (5th Floor)
Courthouse Connection is pleased to offer its annual review of highlights from the United States Supreme Court term. Join us as Judge Claudia Burton (Marion County Circuit Court), Judge Erin Lagesen (Oregon Court of Appeals), and Justice Rives Kistler (Oregon Supreme Court) discuss several important SCOTUS opinions from the Court's recent term.
MEET THE PRO TEM JUDGES
Monday, June 26, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Marion County Courthouse, 5th Floor Jury Assembly Room
A favorite with local practitioners, join us for a "Meet the Judges" event at the Marion County Courthouse. Courthouse Connection will introduce the community to Marion County's newest pro tem judges. Join us for a panel discussion with Hon. Rafael Caso, Hon. Janet Klapstein, Hon Heidi Strauch, and Hon. Daniel Wren. This is a great opportunity to ask questions regarding courtroom expectations and other practice tips. \
Monday, June 26, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Marion County Courthouse, 5th Floor Jury Assembly Room
A favorite with local practitioners, join us for a "Meet the Judges" event at the Marion County Courthouse. Courthouse Connection will introduce the community to Marion County's newest pro tem judges. Join us for a panel discussion with Hon. Rafael Caso, Hon. Janet Klapstein, Hon Heidi Strauch, and Hon. Daniel Wren. This is a great opportunity to ask questions regarding courtroom expectations and other practice tips. \
COURTHOUSE CONNECTION CLE SERIES
Discussing the Impacts of Oregon's Marijuana Industry on Your Practice
Tuesdays in April 2017 , 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, 5th Floor Jury Assembly Room
Courthouse Connection will begin its 2017 programming year with a timely CLE series on the marijuana industry in Oregon. This series will span the broad array of practice areas impacted by the recent changes to Oregon's laws. Join us for the following presentations over the noon hour:
One CLE credit will be sought for each presentation. Brown bag or box lunches welcome. Cost for each CLE is $15, or $50 for the series ($40 for new attorneys). Free to students and those not seeking CLE credit. RSVP below to this series. Checks made out to the Marion County Bar Association may be sent in advance to Gina Johnnie at Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt LLP. Payments will also be accepted at the door. Questions? Email Erin Dawson at [email protected].
Discussing the Impacts of Oregon's Marijuana Industry on Your Practice
Tuesdays in April 2017 , 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Location: Marion County Courthouse, 5th Floor Jury Assembly Room
Courthouse Connection will begin its 2017 programming year with a timely CLE series on the marijuana industry in Oregon. This series will span the broad array of practice areas impacted by the recent changes to Oregon's laws. Join us for the following presentations over the noon hour:
- April 4 -- Judy Giers (Oregon Department of Justice) will explain the interaction between state and federal regulations
- April 11 -- Michael Keane (Garrett Hemann Robertson, PC) will discuss the implications for employment law
- April 18 -- Mark Mayer (Office of Legislative Counsel) will address an overview of laws relating to marijuana
- April 25 -- John Albert (Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, LLP) will outline the difficulties faced by landlords, as well as banks and other lenders
One CLE credit will be sought for each presentation. Brown bag or box lunches welcome. Cost for each CLE is $15, or $50 for the series ($40 for new attorneys). Free to students and those not seeking CLE credit. RSVP below to this series. Checks made out to the Marion County Bar Association may be sent in advance to Gina Johnnie at Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt LLP. Payments will also be accepted at the door. Questions? Email Erin Dawson at [email protected].
United States Supreme Court Term in Review
Monday, September 29, 2014, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Marion County Circuit Court, 5th floor jury assembly room
This event is free to attend. 1.0 General MCLE credit pending.
Join Courthouse Connection for a presentation on the United States Supreme Court Term in Review, featuring panelists Justice Rives Kistler, Oregon Supreme Court; Judge Timothy Sercombe, Oregon Court of Appeals; and Judge Claudia Burton, Marion County Circuit Court. The panel will be moderated by Judge Doug Tookey, Oregon Court of Appeals. The panelists will discuss the following cases:
Riley v. California, 134 S.Ct. 2473
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-132_8l9c.pdf
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 134 S.Ct. 2751
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-354_olp1.pdf
Harris v. Quinn, 134 S.Ct. 2618
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/11-681_j426.pdf
Printed materials will not be provided. Please review those cases prior to the presentation.
For questions, email the Mary Leonard Law Society at [email protected].
Click here to download the event flyer.
Monday, September 29, 2014, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Marion County Circuit Court, 5th floor jury assembly room
This event is free to attend. 1.0 General MCLE credit pending.
Join Courthouse Connection for a presentation on the United States Supreme Court Term in Review, featuring panelists Justice Rives Kistler, Oregon Supreme Court; Judge Timothy Sercombe, Oregon Court of Appeals; and Judge Claudia Burton, Marion County Circuit Court. The panel will be moderated by Judge Doug Tookey, Oregon Court of Appeals. The panelists will discuss the following cases:
Riley v. California, 134 S.Ct. 2473
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-132_8l9c.pdf
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 134 S.Ct. 2751
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-354_olp1.pdf
Harris v. Quinn, 134 S.Ct. 2618
Available at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/11-681_j426.pdf
Printed materials will not be provided. Please review those cases prior to the presentation.
For questions, email the Mary Leonard Law Society at [email protected].
Click here to download the event flyer.
eCourt in Marion County
Tuesday, August 26, 2014, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Marion County Circuit Court, Room 1331
This event is free to attend.
Join us for a nuts and bolts CLE - discover what you can expect when the new eCourt system arrives in Marion County. Ed Jones will offer an eCourt demonstration and answer your questions relating to the upcoming transition. Please RSVP using the form below or email MLLS at [email protected].
Tuesday, August 26, 2014, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Marion County Circuit Court, Room 1331
This event is free to attend.
Join us for a nuts and bolts CLE - discover what you can expect when the new eCourt system arrives in Marion County. Ed Jones will offer an eCourt demonstration and answer your questions relating to the upcoming transition. Please RSVP using the form below or email MLLS at [email protected].
If you are unable to attend the eCourt presentation on August 26, 2014, please consider attending an eCourt demonstration on one of the following dates and times:
12:00-1:30 p.m.
September 15
September 24
October 10
October 15
October 20
October 21
October 22
9:00-10:30 a.m.
October 20
October 21
October 22
For more information about the additional eCourt demonstrations, please contact Marion County eCourt Analyst Andrea Nofziger at [email protected] or (503) 566-3912.
12:00-1:30 p.m.
September 15
September 24
October 10
October 15
October 20
October 21
October 22
9:00-10:30 a.m.
October 20
October 21
October 22
For more information about the additional eCourt demonstrations, please contact Marion County eCourt Analyst Andrea Nofziger at [email protected] or (503) 566-3912.