Law school recognizes two distinguished attorneys

The law school will honor two distinguished attorneys at a special awards banquet on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Student Lounge at the law school.

The law school will recognize Judge Anna J. Brown ’80 as distinguished graduate and Edwin A. Harnden as honorary alumnus.

Last fall, President Bill Clinton nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of Brown as U.S. District judge for the District of Oregon.

Brown completed her juris doctorate through the law school’s evening program in 1980. She served as a civil trial lawyer with the Portland law firm of Bullivant Houser Bailey and began working as a trial judge for Multnomah County in 1992. She has presided over numerous complex civil and mass tort jury trials. In addition to serving for two terms on the law school’s Alumni Board of Directors, Brown was a prominent member of the judges panel for the recent Alumni Day 2000.

Harnden received his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from Columbia University, where he was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.He is an attorney with Barran Liebman in Portland. He specializes in employment litigation and general employment dispute resolution.

“Harnden’s commitment to the law school is admirable and unwaivering,” says Jim Huffman, dean of the law school. Harnden is a member of the Board of Visitors, aids the admissions department by hosting receptions for prospective students at his firm and donates consistently to the Annual Fund.

“With a passion for access to justice issues, Harnden encourages law students to establish a habit of pro bono service,” says Huffman.

Harnden is president-elect of the Oregon State Bar and is active with the Multnomah Bar Association, where he has served as president and received the Award of Merit for Outstanding Service to the Profession. He is a faculty member of the National Employment Law Institute, has served on the Multnomah County Circuit Court Arbitration Panel and chairs the board of the Professional Liability Fund.

In addition, Harnden is involved with numerous community activities including the American Cancer Society and Oregon Law Related Education Program.

A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $70. For reservations, call (503) 768-6899.