Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA)

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Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA)

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Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA) is 501(c)(3) organization committed to making the Oregon legal community a welcoming environment.

Each year, OMLA sponsors numerous activities and programs. Below is a small sample of our activities and events:

�Networking and Social events in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Bend;

�Fundraising for our Bar Exam Preparation Scholarship;

�Scholarship Administration for the Angel Lopez Scholarship, Business Law Section Scholarship and Litigation Section Scholarships;

�Quarterly Luncheons on issues of interest to our Membership past speakers have included the Governor of Oregon, Supreme Court Justices, and many prominent minority attorneys;

�Participate in statewide committees and task forces including the Oregon Supreme Court Task force on Racial and Ethnic issues in the Judicial System and the OSB Diversity section;

�Amicus Curiae briefs filed on issues such as Interpreters in the Courtroom and same s*x marriages;

�Sponsor of Legal Education Programs including the Oregon State Bar Affirmative Action Program event "Opportunities for Law in Oregon," Oregon Hate Crimes Conference (2000), Convocation on Equality (2001), Attorney Recruitment and Retention (2001), ABA National Conference of the Minority Lawyer (2003-2005); and

�A monthly electronic newsletter with a distribution of over 700 attorneys. Our e-newsletter contains information about upcoming OMLA sponsored events, events of interest to the community, as well as job opportunities and announcements.

09/22/2026

As OMLA continues to grow its leadership, we’re thrilled to welcome Helen Toloza to the Board!

A Los Angeles native and first-generation Salvadoran American, Helen studied Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz before earning her law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Helen’s passion for workers’ rights and labor issues has shaped her legal career. She currently serves as a Deputy City Attorney in the City Attorney’s Office for the City of Gresham, where she primarily handles labor matters between the City and its unions. Prior to joining the City of Gresham, Helen worked at Legal Aid Service of Oregon, focusing on eviction defense, and at a union-side labor law firm representing labor organizations in a variety of labor matters.

We’re excited to welcome Helen to OMLA’s Board and grateful for the perspective, experience, and commitment she brings to our organization and Oregon’s legal community.

Learn more about OMLA's Board: https://www.omlalawyers.com/current-board.html

09/15/2026

OMLA’s Board is growing, and we’re excited to introduce Jack Smart!

A Chicano who grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jack fell in love with Oregon while attending the University of Oregon School of Law. After practicing civil defense litigation in Salt Lake City for nine years, he moved to Portland to raise his children in the Pacific Northwest.

Jack currently practices labor and employment litigation and is committed to furthering diversity within his communities. Outside of work, Jack enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and children. He loves to snowboard, fish, and explore new restaurants.

Join us in welcoming Jack as we continue strengthening leadership and advancing our community.

Learn more about the OMLA Board: https://www.omlalawyers.com/current-board.html

09/14/2026

Meet the people behind the titles!

Join us for the OMLA Evening with the Bench & Bar for an evening of conversation, connection, and community with judges, attorneys, and law students from across Oregon.

📅 September 30
🕠 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon — Eugene, OR

💬 Panel Discussion
Hear perspectives from the federal judiciary, private practice, and public service, followed by a reception with members of the state and federal bench.

• The Hon. John V. Acosta, U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
• The Hon. Mustafa T. Kasubhai, U.S. District Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
• Courtney Caimona, Partner, Hershner Hunter LLP
• Claudia Groberg, Chief Counsel, Civil Enforcement Division, Oregon Department of Justice

🎓 All are welcome, and students attend free!

❤️ Thank you to our event sponsor, Hershner Hunter LLP, and venue sponsor, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon.

🎟️ Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omla-evening-with-the-bench-bar-tickets-2000891952693

Come for the panel. Stay for the reception. We hope to see you there!

08/10/2026

100+ people. One great night. ✨

Thursday’s OMLA Summer Social and Fundraiser brought 100+ members of Oregon’s legal community together — our biggest gathering since before the pandemic.

🤝 Connections made
💬 Conversations sparked
💙 Community strengthened

Huge thanks to Littler Mendelson for hosting and to our generous sponsors for supporting OMLA’s Student Bar Grant Program. And thank you to our members and friends who continue to stand behind Oregon’s legal community.

🎥 Take a look back — and stay tuned for the impact of your support in upcoming posts and newsletters!

08/03/2026

🤝 Community is built by those who show up.

Join us this Thursday at the OMLA Summer Social & Fundraiser for an evening of connection, community, and support for the next generation of attorneys through OMLA’s Bar Exam Grant Program.

📅 Thursday, August 6
🕠 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Wells Fargo Tower — Tenant Lounge, 2nd Floor Portland, OR
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omla-summer-social-fundraiser-tickets-1993346241267

Your presence matters. Your support matters. We can’t wait to see you there!

07/27/2026

🎶 We’re not T-Pain… but we would love to buy you a drink. 🍹

📅 Register for the OMLA Summer Social & Fundraiser by July 31, and your first drink is on us!

Even better? Your attendance helps support future attorneys through OMLA's Bar Exam Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to aspiring attorneys as they prepare for the bar exam.

Register today, raise a glass, and help make a difference. We can't wait to see you there!

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omla-summer-social-fundraiser-tickets-1993346241267

07/23/2026

👀 Looking for a reason to join us on Thursday, Aug. 6? We've got 3! ✨

Register by July 31 and your first drink is on us: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omla-summer-social-fundraiser-tickets-1993346241267

07/17/2026

📣 The newest issue of OMLA Connect has arrived!

Looking for the latest from OMLA? We've got you covered.

In this issue:
✨ A recap and update from our Presidents Luncheon
🍽️ A local restaurant recommendation you won't want to miss
🤝🏽 Meet two new leaders helping shape OMLA's future
📰 Plus more news, updates, and highlights

Read the latest: https://www.omlalawyers.com/newsletter.html

07/15/2026

❓Are you following OMLA on LinkedIn yet?

Stay connected with the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association for even more updates on our programs, events, member highlights, community initiatives, and conversations shaping Oregon’s legal profession.

📲Follow us today and join the conversation:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oregon-minority-lawyers-association-omla/

🤝Know someone who should be part of the OMLA community? Share our page with your network!

07/13/2026

OMLA members: Check your inbox for your Columbia Sportswear Employee Store pass!

One of the many benefits of OMLA membership is access to exclusive member perks — like a complimentary Columbia Employee Store pass, valid July 10–Aug. 2.

Your pass details were sent in an email on Monday, July 6. Be sure to check your inbox for instructions and take advantage of this member benefit.

Thank you for being a valued member of OMLA — we’re excited to continue sharing benefits like this with our community!

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Portland, OR

Website

http://www.omlalawyers.com/

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