ABOTA In The News
I am pleased to share that the American Board of Trial Advocates has been featured in the latest issue of the Oregon State Bar Bulletin.
The Bulletin’s article, “High Honors: 2026 Oregon State Bar Annual Awards” highlights all award recipients including Multnomah County Presiding Judge Judy Matarazzo. In the portion of the article about Judge Matarazzo is a brief description of ABOTA’s work with our judges. The article includes the following reference to ABOTA:
Anne D. Foster, of Smith Foster King, current president of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Oregon chapter, worked directly with Matarazzo on an initiative called the Judicial Roundtable, an annual legal education program designed specifically for judges and focused on civil law and the substantive topics that judges themselves identify as areas where they want deeper knowledge and up-to-date information. The program is structured as a collegial, practitioner-led discussion in which judges actively set the agenda, engage with experienced trial attorneys and explore emerging legal issues in real time.
“This format - collaborative, candid and practical - was Judge Matarazzo's vision," says Foster. "She understood that the bench and bar are stronger when they learn from each other, and she was determined to create a forum in which that exchange could occur in a structured, substantive way." See page 20 of article.
This recognition reflects well not only on our chapter, but also on the exceptional trial lawyers who make up our membership. I want to extend particular thanks to the volunteer lawyers who have generously given of their time and expertise to participate in our round tables, our CLE workshops called Masters in Trial, on our membership committee and on our Board. Their willingness to share practical experience, engage in candid discussion, and mentor fellow trial lawyers is central to ABOTA’s mission and has helped make these programs a meaningful resource for our members and the community.
ABOTA’s mission—preserving the right to trial by jury, promoting civility and professionalism, and supporting an independent judiciary—continues to resonate throughout Oregon’s legal community. You all embody that mission in a very direct way.
A pdf copy of the relevant Bulletin material is attached for your review. I encourage you to read the full article and share it with colleagues who value the role of jury trials in our justice system.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ABOTA and to the trial bar.
With appreciation,
Anne Foster
President, Oregon Chapter
American Board of Trial Advocates
Upcoming Chapter Events
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Tuesday, December 01, 2026 6:00 PM • Arlington Club | 811 SW Salmon St, Portland
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Thursday, January 21, 2027 • San Francisco, CA
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Thursday, April 01, 2027 • The Arizona Biltmore |2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix
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Thursday, May 06, 2027 • TBD
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Friday, May 07, 2027 • Lewis & Clark Law School
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Friday, August 20, 2027 • Park City, Utah
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Friday, October 08, 2027 • Washington, DC
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Wednesday, January 12, 2028 • Amelia Island, FL
2027 Status Change Deadlines
If you are considering Senior, Temporary Inactive, or Emeritus status for 2027, the deadline to submit your application to the Chapter is November 11, 2026.
If you are considering Retired status for 2027, the deadline to submit your application to the Chapter is March 1, 2027.
ABOTA offers the following discounted membership categories for those that are retiring or leaving the practice of law as a way to stay involved in the organization. Each has specific criteria as listed below.
MEMBERSHIP STATUS REQUIREMENTS:
Senior Status - Age 75+ OR no longer practicing/mediating due to illness, injury or, infirmity AND ABOTA member for at least 10 years
Temporary Inactive Status - No longer practicing due to disability, absence from the country, or employment in a position that prohibits the practice of law. This status is only good for 3 years, then you must move to a different status.
Retired Status - ABOTA member for at least 10 years OR on Temporary Inactive Status due to a disability for 3 years, AND no longer practicing law.
Emeritus Status - ABOTA member for at least 10 years AND Fellow for 5+ years AND no longer practicing law AND service distinction (chapter/national leadership, substantial ABOTA involvement/leadership)
**Mediation, arbitration, and senior judicial roles are considered practicing law.
You are able to change your status at any time during the year, but the bylaws require you to be current on your dues before your application is processed. Therefore, if you apply in January (for all but Retired status), you must pay the full 2027 dues and the discounted dues would apply for 2028.
TO CHANGE YOUR STATUS FOR 2027:
- Complete the correct application (below)
- Email completed application to nicole@or-abota.org by November 11th (or March 1st for Retired status).
Membership Process
Membership RequirementsMembership in ABOTA is by invitation only. You can nominate a new member by emailing Nicole Battles at nicole@or-abota.org. Nominees must have at least 7 civil jury trials to verdict plus additional experience to reach 100 points. They must also have a strong reputation for civility and professionalism. Nominees will be vetted by the Executive Committee before being presented to the full membership for a vote. If a nominee receives a 75% affirmative vote of the membership, they will be contacted and asked to fill out and submit an ABOTA application.
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