Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA)

Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA) 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.

Mark your calendars for OMLA’s 2026 Summer Social & Fundraiser on August 6. More details and registration information co...
06/07/2026

Mark your calendars for OMLA’s 2026 Summer Social & Fundraiser on August 6. More details and registration information coming soon!

OMLA’s Board continues to grow — please welcome Sun Kim!A first-generation Korean American and 2024 graduate of Lewis & ...
06/03/2026

OMLA’s Board continues to grow — please welcome Sun Kim!

A first-generation Korean American and 2024 graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, Sun brings a strong commitment to advocacy, leadership, and service to Oregon’s legal community. During law school, she served as Editor in Chief of the Lewis & Clark Law Review, Vice President of External Affairs for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and as a peer mentor supporting fellow students. She also completed externships with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Child Advocacy and Protection Division and the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.

Sun currently practices construction law and business and commercial litigation and is committed to making a positive impact on both individuals and the broader legal community.

Join us in welcoming Sun as we continue strengthening leadership across our community.

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

Meaningful conversations, new connections and a shared meal made for a memorable OMLA Presidents Luncheon last week.We w...
05/31/2026

Meaningful conversations, new connections and a shared meal made for a memorable OMLA Presidents Luncheon last week.

We were honored to welcome Oregon State Bar President Tomás Hernandez and grateful for the opportunity to connect with bar leadership and members of Oregon’s legal community.

As OMLA’s first in-person Presidents Luncheon since before the pandemic, it was a special opportunity to reconnect, strengthen relationships and celebrate our community.

Thank you to OMLA Board Member Anthony Chavez for organizing a wonderful event and to everyone who joined us at Black Star Grill.

We’re excited to welcome a new voice to the OMLA Board — Anthony Chavez.A dedicated advocate with deep roots in criminal...
05/10/2026

We’re excited to welcome a new voice to the OMLA Board — Anthony Chavez.

A dedicated advocate with deep roots in criminal defense, Anthony is currently an associate attorney at Scissors Law. He handles criminal defense matters, restraining orders for petitioners and respondents, and represents victims of crime. He has experience representing clients charged with crimes in Oregon Circuit Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Before joining Scissors Law, he managed a full felony caseload at Metropolitan Public Defenders’ Multnomah County office.

Join us in welcoming Anthony as we continue strengthening leadership across our community.

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

Empowering the next generation of lawyers starts with conversation and leadership.OMLA board members Fernanda Douglas an...
05/03/2026

Empowering the next generation of lawyers starts with conversation and leadership.

OMLA board members Fernanda Douglas and Gilbert Cotto-Lazo recently joined the University of Oregon, School of Law Student Bar Association to speak on navigating the legal field as a minority.

They shared insights on overcoming barriers, building community and staying resilient to help shape a more inclusive legal profession.

We thank the Student Bar Association for hosting and our board members for their leadership and mentorship.

Read more about OMLA’s recent activities in our Spring Newsletter: https://www.omlalawyers.com/newsletter.html

Early morning, great turnout, and a beautiful day on the coast. Our OMLA razor clamming trip was a success — filled with...
04/21/2026

Early morning, great turnout, and a beautiful day on the coast.

Our OMLA razor clamming trip was a success — filled with learning, laughter, and community building. A big thank-you to Chase Morinaka, OMLA advisory board member, for organizing the trip and sharing valuable insights (and recipes) with the group.

We appreciate everyone who came out and made it such a fun and memorable experience.

Stay tuned for future OMLA events and ways to get involved!

The Q2 edition of OMLA Connect is officially published! This issue reflects a season of engagement and progress, from ad...
04/17/2026

The Q2 edition of OMLA Connect is officially published!

This issue reflects a season of engagement and progress, from advocacy and organizational updates. It also highlights meaningful moments that reinforce the importance of mentorship, representation, and service across Oregon’s legal profession.

Read, share, and stay connected as we continue advancing our shared mission.

Click the link to read: https://www.omlalawyers.com/newsletter.html

Have you heard? OMLA is now on LinkedIn! Stay connected with us for the latest updates, industry insights, events, and o...
04/16/2026

Have you heard? OMLA is now on LinkedIn!

Stay connected with us for the latest updates, industry insights, events, and opportunities to engage with our growing community.

Follow our new page and be part of the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oregon-minority-lawyers-association-omla/

Help us spread the word by liking, following, and sharing with your network. We look forward to connecting with you there!

04/16/2026

Celebrate Law Day with OWLS, MBA, and other law professionals as you retake your oath to defend due process, protect civil liberties, and oppose laws or actions that undermine it.

Stay for a free CLE following the oath, presented by Bonnie Richardson of Allegiant Law and Sr Judge Angel Lopez.

For more information: oregonwomenlawyers.org/events/event/lawday2026

OMLA’s Annual Meeting and Member Recognition Reception brought together 60+ attorneys and community members for an eveni...
01/25/2026

OMLA’s Annual Meeting and Member Recognition Reception brought together 60+ attorneys and community members for an evening of connection, celebration, and looking ahead to the year to come. We were honored to recognize the accomplishments of our OMLA members during 2025 and to gather in community around our shared commitment to lifting as we climb.

A huge thank you to Stoel Rives for their generous partnership and warm hospitality in sponsoring and hosting the reception, and to everyone who attended for bringing such great energy and engagement to the evening. This is exactly the kind of connection we aim to foster at OMLA events, and we can’t wait to do it again soon — stay tuned for more opportunities to connect, network, and build community together!

📸 See a few photos from the evening below.

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Portland, OR

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