February 11, 2015

The SBLC Celebrates Another Great Year

The Small Business Legal Clinic held their Annual Open House on February 4, 2015.  The evening provided an opportunity to honor small businesses of Oregon and to celebrate the Small Business Legal Clinic and the many people who make the SBLC’s accomplishments possible.

The Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) held their Annual Open House on February 4, 2015.  The evening provided an opportunity to honor small businesses of Oregon and to celebrate the Small Business Legal Clinic and the many people who make the SBLC’s accomplishments possible.

In 2014, more than 200 small businesses and nonprofits were served by the SBLC. Two of these clients were local musician, Neil Mattson from Montavilla Guitar Studios and neon artist and sign shop owner, Peter Cao from Artico Lite.  Mr. Mattson provided musical accompaniment and Mr. Cao shared his neon artwork during the Open House. Nearly 120 people were in attendance, including: Pro Bono Attorneys, community partners, Lewis & Clark Law School students and faculty, SBLC staff, clients, and our generous community donors. 

Every year an attorney is recognized for his or her outstanding service to the clinic above and beyond what other attorneys have contributed.  In 2014, more than 80 attorneys from the community volunteered over 650 pro bono hours for the clinic. Of these attorneys, Brant Norquist of Stoel Rives LLP earned the distinction of Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.  Mr. Norquist began volunteering with the clinic in 2010. During that time, he impressed the SBLC with his dedication, commitment and kindness. He worked with numerous clients in 2014 and received rave reviews from each one. In addition to volunteering his time, Mr. Norquist has been instrumental in encouraging other attorneys at Stoel Rives to become involved with the clinic.

Sixteen other local attorneys were also recognized for their significant contributions provided throughout 2014.   The Pro Bono Champions included Andrew Paris (Andrew Paris Law), Anthony Geltosky (Gelstosky Law), Carrie Murray, (Perkins Coie)  Brentley Bullock (Perkins Coie), Cindy Hahn, Craig Fouts, David Herman (Intel), Jamie Dickinson (OLCC), Mark Porter (Nautilus Inc), Scott Moede (City of Portland), Scott Rider (Intel), Elizabeth Inayoshi (Law Office of Elizabeth Inayoshi), David Koempel (Holland & Knight), Charlie Harris, Levi Johnston (Intelekia) and Peter Tran.

The Small Business legal Clinic, in addition to celebrating past successes, announced the addition of the Low Income Taxpayers’ Clinic under the leadership of Professor Jan Pierce. Professor Pierce has led the LITC since 2000. The clinic joined the SBLC in January 2015.

“2014 was a year of expansion and growth for the SBLC.  The dedication of the staff and volunteers continues to be the driving force behind the clinic’s success and ever-growing footprint in the community.  The team should be extremely proud as we reflect upon the SBLC’s development throughout the past nine years. I look forward to all that 2015 will bring.” –Steve Goebel, SBLC Director