"To increase the public's understanding of the legal system, to promote civic education, public participation and respect for the law, to improve the quality and administration of the legal system, and to support programs and projects related to the MBF's purpose."
 

Founded in 2005, the Multnomah Bar Foundation (MBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

CourtConnect

What is CourtConnect?

CourtConnect is the Multnomah Bar Foundation's public outreach program. CourtConnect volunteers are judges and lawyers who meet with community or youth groups to talk about the courts and the rule of law, and give audiences an opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences in the justice system. Through CourtConnect, we also invite community groups to tour the Central Courthouse, and sit down with judges and lawyers to share information about their communities, talk about civic engagement, and learn more about the judiciary. 

The goal of the program is to help forge a better connection between the community and the legal profession by putting a personal face on the justice system, making the courts more approachable, and removing some of the mystery surrounding the courts. The program also helps further the court’s goal of increasing procedural justice - the concept of ensuring fairness and transparency of the processes by which decisions are made, treating all participants with dignity and respect, and ensuring they understand the proceedings and their rights - by opening the doors of discussion between the public, the bench and the bar.

Pictured left and above: A CourtConnect event brought the MBF, Multnomah County judges and representatives from the Consular Office of Japan in Portland, the Consulate of Mexico in Portland, the Japanese American Society of Oregon, Japanese Women’s Association, Business Oregon, Partners in Diversity, and Senator Kayse Jama’s office for a guided tour of the Central Courthouse, followed by an opportunity to get acquainted and build relationships over lunch; Central Courthouse, Portland.

Pictured below, right: Judge Chanpone Sinlapasai with Governor Tina Kotek, and Judge Sinlapasai with Judge Melvin Oden-Orr; "New Year in the Park," Glenhaven Park, Northeast Portland.



Pictured below, left: Judge Chanpone Sinlapasai, right, leads IRCO leaders and MBF Director Tyler Volm, center, on a tour of the Central Courthouse, Portland.

Seeking Volunteers for the MBF CourtConnect Program

The MBF invites you to learn about CourtConnect and to consider this occasional volunteer opportunity.

How it Works

We'll share opportunities to visit community and youth groups and you volunteer when there is a weekday or weekend morning, afternoon or evening that fits your schedule.

CourtConnect presentations about the rule of law are usually an hour, including time for discussion and a question and answer period. Presentations may be held online or in person. 

We have a script which you can follow or use as a starting point and let your audience guide you based on their questions and experiences. For new attorneys, think of it as a practice voir dire type of experience. For those who have been in practice for some time, you'll enjoy listening to and learning from people who come from diverse backgrounds and sometimes from other countries.

If you are interested in volunteering or having CourtConnect come to your community or youth group, please contact Pamela Hubbs (503.854.5237, pamela@mbabar.org).

Pictured right: Judge Eric Dahlin and lawyer Tyler Anderson, (center right and third from right, respectively) 
made a presentation on the rule of law to a citizenship class offered by Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR).

Why be a CourtConnect Volunteer?

From Judge Melvin Oden-Orr, Multnomah County Circuit Court, CourtConnect Volunteer

"Educating the public about the role of the courts is our responsibility as lawyers and judges who are its stewards. Members of the community often lump the courts, law enforcement and politics together. As we know, the judiciary is a crucial part of our system of government. MBF’s CourtConnect program provides an opportunity for us to remind the broader community of that important role and share Multnomah County Circuit Court’s commitment to fairness."

Pictured below: CourtConnect volunteers Judge Melvin Oden-Orr and then-lawyer, now Judge Jodie Bureta, (center, and back row, second from left, respectively) visit a SOAR citizenship class.

From Judge Eric L. Dahlin, Multnomah County Circuit Court, CourtConnect Volunteer

"Being a presenter is fun and fulfilling while not requiring a large time commitment. The MBF provides a helpful outline/script that you can use as a guide; thus, you won’t need to draft any materials or spend a large amount of time preparing for the presentation. And by agreeing to volunteer you are not locked in to a long-term commitment; you can do as many, or few, presentations as you would like."

From Tyler E. Anderson, Oregon Department of Justice, CourtConnect Volunteer

"Our legal system can be difficult to understand even as members of the profession. That complexity must be all the more magnified for people new to our nation, and frequently coming from conditions where the legitimacy and accessibility of the legal system is not what we are fortunate to experience here. Even given those underlying issues, our group was engaged, inquisitive, and most impressively from my view, hopeful. They had a sense of ownership in the justice system as a part of their new lives in this country. It is easy to become frustrated, and rightfully so, when our system operates in a way that does not further the interests of justice. But on a night like the one I got to experience at SOAR the ability to play a small part in allowing a group of new Americans to gain some insight and understanding into how the legal system operates to ensure the guarantee of their rights was an experience I will forever be grateful for."

From Bonnie Richardson, Allegiant Law, CourtConnect Volunteer

"The class size is small so you have this amazing opportunity to get to know aspiring citizens and to answer their many questions about the difference between our legal system and the ones they came from. When we do our work as attorneys, we sometimes forget about the basis of our judiciary and the jury. Teaching people about the jury and the way our laws are implemented and enforced reminded me that we truly have the best system in the world. It allowed me a rare opportunity outside a courtroom to provide my knowledge and experience to people who would not otherwise have access to meet judges and attorneys in a positive and welcoming environment. We are lucky to have so many judges, like Judge Dahlin, who are committed to engaging directly with the community. I think this is a great opportunity too for all attorneys to work together with our judges to provide education to our new citizens."

Pictured right: CourtConnect volunteers Judge Eric Dahlin and lawyer Bonnie Richardson (center right, and second from left, respectively) visit a SOAR citizenship class.

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