About Us
The Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to making the legal community of Oregon a welcoming environment where people of all colors, races, and ethnic backgrounds can excel academically, professionally, and personally. Since our founding in 1991, we've been fully engaged in the Oregon legal community.
OMLA provides resources, professional development and community-building opportunities for attorneys from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
How we do it:
Bar Exam Grant Program
OMLA provides financial support to bar applicants through its Bar Exam Grant Program, funded in part by the annual Summer Social and Fundraising Auction.
Annual member recognition
Each year, OMLA hosts its annual meeting and Member Recognition Reception to highlight members’ accomplishments.
CLE sponsorships
OMLA offers sponsorships that help reduce the cost of meeting Oregon State Bar CLE requirements.
The Image Program
This early-career program supports attorneys from underrepresented communities through leadership development and networking.
Events and conversations
OMLA organizes luncheons and discussions with leaders across the legal system, including past events with Justice Adrienne Nelson and OSB President David Wade.
Member updates
An active listserv keeps members informed about events, opportunities and announcements.
Networking
OMLA hosts social events that foster mentorship and connection among Oregon lawyers.
Legal education support
OMLA has supported programs including “Opportunities for Law in Oregon,” the Oregon Hate Crimes Conference (2000), the Convocation on Equality (2001), attorney recruitment and retention initiatives (2001) and the ABA National Conference of the Minority Lawyer (2003-05).
OMLA provides resources, professional development and community-building opportunities for attorneys from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
How we do it:
Bar Exam Grant Program
OMLA provides financial support to bar applicants through its Bar Exam Grant Program, funded in part by the annual Summer Social and Fundraising Auction.
Annual member recognition
Each year, OMLA hosts its annual meeting and Member Recognition Reception to highlight members’ accomplishments.
CLE sponsorships
OMLA offers sponsorships that help reduce the cost of meeting Oregon State Bar CLE requirements.
The Image Program
This early-career program supports attorneys from underrepresented communities through leadership development and networking.
Events and conversations
OMLA organizes luncheons and discussions with leaders across the legal system, including past events with Justice Adrienne Nelson and OSB President David Wade.
Member updates
An active listserv keeps members informed about events, opportunities and announcements.
Networking
OMLA hosts social events that foster mentorship and connection among Oregon lawyers.
Legal education support
OMLA has supported programs including “Opportunities for Law in Oregon,” the Oregon Hate Crimes Conference (2000), the Convocation on Equality (2001), attorney recruitment and retention initiatives (2001) and the ABA National Conference of the Minority Lawyer (2003-05).