The Diversity & Inclusion Department welcomes our new Assistant, Benjamin James.  Benjamin will begin his first day in the office on Monday, May 21st.  For the past four and a half years, Benjamin served as the Recruitment Coordinator for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) in Multnomah County. He was born and raised in Indiana and has a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University.  Please join us in welcoming  Benjamin join our team!

OSB's Mission & Values
The mission of the Oregon State Bar is to serve justice by promoting respect for the rule of law, by improving the quality of legal services, and by increasing access to justice. The bar is committed to serving and valuing its diverse community, to advancing equality in the justice system, and to removing barriers to that system.

Why Diversity is Important
A diverse bar is necessary to remove barriers to justice, promote respect for the rule of law, improve the quality of legal services and increase access to justice.

Opportunities for Law in Oregon (OLIO)
OLIO is the Oregon State Bar's nationally recognized recruitment and retention program for racial and ethnic minorities who are historically underrepresented in the legal community. This diversity and inclusion program begins with an orientation that provides incoming Oregon minority law students with the opportunity to interact with each other, and with upper division students, judges and leaders who will serve as their mentors and role models.

During orientation, students meet a community of diverse supporters committed to helping them succeed. The curriculum focuses on sharpening existing skills and providing new skills to help ensure success in law school and beyond. Students receive valuable information on networking, study skills and Oregon bar exam preparation.

OLIO participants also have opportunities to reconnect throughout the year at several OLIO events, including a bowling network event (BOWLIO), an employment retreat and spring social.

OLIO is a fundamental tool for recruiting and retaining diverse legal talent in Oregon and increasing the diversity of the Oregon State Bar. OLIO fosters an engaged, supportive and inclusive legal community necessary to advance our legal profession and improve legal services to an increasingly diverse population, clients and customers, locally and globally.