Class Notes

’61

J Gary McClain -  I live on the Oregon coast ( Neskowin). I’ve been a full time resident here for the past eight years but have owned or had a partial ownership interest in the house for many years. I am a widower and live alone except for my little Dachshund dog ( Dolly). She is eleven, so we’ve grown old together for these past eleven years.

It may be of some interest to others that my OSB number is 610546. I still maintain an active bar license and do some legal work. I have not maintained a law office for a number of years though. This may be the year that I resign as an active member of the OSB but we’ll see. I’ve not checked it out but I doubt that there are many members of the OSB with an active bar license as low or lower than mine. I’m not sure there is any great distinction related to this however other than a demonstration of my unwillingness to quit.

Other than spending two years in the US Army after I was admitted to the Oregon State Bar I have been engaged in the practice of law in one form or another for over sixty years; most of that time was in Clackamas County as a solo practitioner or member of a small law firm. I did, though, work for the Oregon Department of Justice for a couple of years after I got out of the Army and was a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County for a time.

During my many years of law practice in Clackamas County I represented parties in many different areas of law practice such as personal injury litigation, real property matters, criminal defense, estate planning ( wills, trusts, probate) and even a pretty fair number of personal bankruptcies. I still remember the first couple of trials in which I was representing a litigant. Boy, was I scared! My experience included ten years or so as a member of a consortium in Clackamas County providing legal representation to indigent defendants. This meant being in court at least a portion of most days.

For the past ten years or so my law practice has consisted primarily of what I would call lower tier estate planning ( wills, trusts, etc.)

’67

Kenyon Luce was named Honorary Member of 2nd battalion of 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Chairman of AUSA Sgt. Patrick Gass subchapter.

’70

Charles S Burdell - I served as a King County Superior Court Judge until 1990. I left the bench and founded Judicial Dispute Resolution in Seattle to provide alternative dispute resolution services which I continue to do. I've been trying to find a reasonable golf swing for years with no success and spend lots of time with my six grand children!!

’76

Jim Maxwell - and his wife, Lynn, recently completed the Wainwright Coast-to-Coast walk across England. Their 196-mile journey began in St. Bees on the Irish Sea and took them through the Lakes District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors National Parks, ending at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea.

Tim Osborn - After 24 years in private practice and 24 years as an attorney at Microsoft -- a rewarding career I wouldn't trade for anything -- I finally did it -- I retired!

Fred Klimetz - I retired in April 2024 after serving as Municipal Judge for the City of Franklin (pop.32000) for 18 years. Previously was Mayor of Franklin from 1990-2005.

’77

Bonni Cherrick Canary and her husband David are actively enjoying retirement via many trips (Australia, Africa, China, bicycling and river cruising in Europe) and just having fun every year in Mexico. We are also engaged in cooking, gardening, reading, and now--enjoying our first adorable grand-baby, Fyfe Willow Canary (a girl). We feel so lucky to live here in West Linn, Oregon--five to fifteen minutes from three beautiful wineries and somewhat removed from city life (but still close enough to go to wonderful events or venture out to the Gorge, the coast, Bend or Baker City). We love to have visitors so don't hesitate to call to see if we are in town and can get together!

’78

Bruce Campbell - Bruce recently retired from law practice at the Perkins Coie firm. Bruce, his wife Galen, and their dog Maddie now reside part-time in Bozeman, Montana, where he teaches and counsels at Montana State University. In 2025, Bruce will teach MSU Honors College freshmen a course entitled “Texts and Critics.”

’79

Kenneth Stern - I testified before the Senate Higher Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on March 27 regarding "Antisemitic Disruptions on Campus: Ensuring Safe Learning Environments for All Students." https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2024-09-17_-_testimony_-_stern.pdf

’80

Sandra Smith Gangle - Will again lead the foreign  policy discussion group at her local library in 2025.  This is the  seventh year she has conducted the discussions, in conjunction with the Great Decisions program of the Foreign Policy Association.  She also enjoys spending time with her two teenage grandchildren during her retirement.

 

’86

Daniel Santos - Recently elected to the Oregon Historical Society Board. He is also a Trustee at Southern Oregon University and just finished serving 14 years on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Board. In 2023, he served Governor Tina Kotek, the sixth Governor he has advised.

’87

John Hawkins - I recently became the chair of the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants' board of directors. It's an honor to represent the CPA members of our state society.

Todd Melnik - I finally got married again in December 2023. My youngest daughter is pre-law at UCLA. My Netflix documentary "Long Shot" is now the most thumb-upped documentary in Netflix history. I've privately met and spoken to two US Supreme Court Justices about the case. I have lectured about Long Shot at the Wyoming and Arizona Judge's annual conferences. As a part-time Administrative Law Judge, I preside over 20-40 mental health cases monthly. Still active outside the courtroom with gym and daily pickleball matches.

’89

Thomas Nisbet-Lance - I am announcing the publication of the first six journeys of a unique travel series that combines food, history, natural scenic wonders, and unusual peculiarities from a departure point in Salem to a particular correctional institution in Oregon. The travel series is called, "The Road of a Thousand Wonders : Where to Eat, What to See, Where to Stop on the Road to the Correctional Institution". Available now on Amazon, or www.thomaslance.net. 

Kristin Richardson - retired after 29 years as a senior deputy prosecutor and 8 years as a Superior Court judge in King County, Seattle WA. She now is assisting part-time with a federal grant investigating cold case homicides.

Leonardo Rapadas - After spending decades in law enforcement as an assistant attorney general, Attorney General of Guam, and United States Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, I have joined the Alternate Public Defender of Guam as a Staff Attorney concentrating on Family and Criminal Law. 

’90

John Ballinger - I married Sharaine Fisher on September 14, 2024. My kids plus many Willamette alumni were in attendance. It was a beautiful day, great party and outdoors with no rain!

’91

Joseph Rockne - I am pleased to share that I was recently honored with the designation of "Super Lawyer." As I enter my 21st year as a solo attorney, I continue to focus on real estate law and litigation, proudly serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Western Washington. On a personal note, my daughter recently graduated summa cum laude from Willamette University with degrees in Mathematics and Biology, along with minors in Chemistry and Music (Bassoon). We are incredibly proud of her achievements and excited for her future endeavors.

’93

My husband, Greg Peden, was diagnosed with kidney disease nearly 20 years ago. His kidney function drastically decreased last year and he started dialysis in May 2023. We have exhausted immediate family and close friends as possible donors, so we are now "casting the net wide" in hopes of finding a kidney match to save his life. Would you consider sharing your spare? Please refer to the OHSU Living Donor website or 503-494-8500. Feel free to reach out to me, Sherri Peden, with any additional questions! 503-421-4500.

Donald L Krahmer Jr - Donald L. Krahmer retired from Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt after a 36-year career in law and business. He has also joined the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries, Columbia-Willamette. He and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Portland, OR.

’94

Edward J. Wurtz has been appointed to the Washington Mediation Association as a member of the board.

’96

Chase Alvord - After stepping down as Managing Partner at Tousley Brain Stephens PLLC, became General Counsel of Rec Room Inc., a massively multiplayer online video game. Remain of counsel at Tousley Brain Stephens.

’97

Kari L. Stephens, formerly Kari L. Oakes, is currently serving as the President-Elect of the State Bar of Nevada and will succeed as President on July 1, 2025.

’98

Theressa Hollis - 2024 is the 10th anniversary of Guardian Partners, an Oregon nonprofit co-founded by alum Theressa Hollis. Its mission is to protect the dignity and safety of Oregonians under guardianship, including seniors & adults with disabilities and minors, and to support court appointed fiduciaries with case monitoring, education, and resources.

’00

William R Long - Halfway through this year I have published five books--the most for me in any comparable time.
1. 135 Words--giving "better than the OED definitions"
2. Shorts--examination of writing in 8 genres
3. Kiss Your Ass Goodbye-- an examination of religious overconfidence
4. My Prior Life (1870-1952)-- a speculative journey into another world.
5. China in 2025: A Behind-the-Scenes Visit to Southern China.
By the end of the year I plan to publish. in addition, my third autobiography; then a book expositing the Hebrew text of Jonah; and two volumes exploring the history of 400 English language idioms.

William R Long - Two books published in the last year: Broadway Poems: Pandemic, Personal, Political. First foray into the poetic genre. January 6 Select Committee Report in a Nutshell. The official report is 814 pages; this book is under 100 but tries to do justice to its findings and recommendations.

’03

Katheryn Gettman, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Corporate Practice, was named one of Finance & Commerce’s 2024 Top Women in Finance. The annual list recognizes impactful women in Minnesota’s financial industry for their business accomplishments and leadership as role models for future generations.

’04

Celeste Mountain Monroe - Miller Nash LLP welcomes Celeste Mountain Monroe to the firm’s employment and education teams. Mountain Monroe, based in the firm’s Seattle office, focuses her practice on employment litigation, counseling and investigations. 

’06

Lori McLaughlin Beight -  is celebrating five years as owner of White Oak Wills & Trusts, LLC, a boutique estate planning firm serving Oregon and Washington. The team includes David J. Scott, JD'20 and newly minted Kaitlyn Metscher, JD/MBA'25. We let attorney Robin Trueworthy join us two years ago even though she's not a Willamette grad, but only because she graduated Wellesley cum laude and earned Order of the Coif. 

’10

Katelyn Skinner - was appointed by the Oregon Supreme Court to serve as a pro tempore (“pro tem”) judge for the Washington County Circuit Court. Pro tem judges serve in various capacities as a part-time volunteer in the state’s judicial districts and assist in the work of the state’s courts, and thereby, improve access to justice. Katelyn has been a practicing attorney since 2010 and is an equity partner at Buckley Law where she leads a team of family law attorneys. Katelyn is well-versed in complex family law matters including divorce, custody disputes, modification issues, international disputes and international family law. She regularly litigates international civil child abduction cases pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, in Oregon federal District Court and in federal district courts outside of Oregon. 

Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg - I was honored to be named one of the Portland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2024.

’14

Layla Kailani McLean - Recognized as 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Portland Business Journal Lake Oswego, OR – Buckley Law P.C. is pleased to announce that attorney and shareholder Layla Kailani McLean has been named to the “40 Under 40” list by the Portland Business Journal (PBJ) for 2025. “I am truly grateful to receive this recognition from the Portland Business Journal,” said Layla Kailani McLean. “It is an honor to be included in this phenomenal group of 2025 honorees. 

Brandy Robinson - I founded Zebra MedNex, an AI-driven healthcare SaaS startup. The platform is designed to transform patient management and engagement by providing advanced research tools and monitoring systems that improve the tracking of patient treatments. Leveraging AI to analyze large datasets, Zebra MedNex empowers healthcare professionals with actionable insights to create personalized treatment plans. This approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and optimizes treatment outcomes, ensuring patients receive the individualized attention to their care needs. 

 

’15

Annalise Best (Oetken) - 2024 was a busy year with my son, Jaxson W. Best born in January and my wedding on Thunder Island, in Cascade Locks in July. My law practice, Oetken Hall Law, is going on 10 years and focused in Estate Planning, Guardianship and Conservatorship and Adoption out of Milwaukie, Oregon. 

’17

Brittany Occhipinti - I was just promoted to Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Child Protection Section of the Alaska Department of Law. I also recently earned my Child Welfare Law Specialist certification signifying expertise in my field. 

’18

Paul Charas - I have officially retired as a bingo caller. It was a lot of fun, but it is time to let the younger generation take over.

Paul Charas - was elected District Attorney of Lake County. I take office January 6th of 2025.

’20

Nicole Hatz - My firm, Volat Law, and I have been selected as a top 5 finalists for the Willamette Week’s 2024 Best of Portland Reader’s Poll for Best Law Firm and Best Lawyer. 

’21

Chelsey Butchard -  has announced the opening of her solo practice, Butchard Law, a comprehensive family law firm located in Vancouver, WA. Dedicated to serving her community, Butchard Law specializes in a wide array of family law issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protection orders. Chelsey has established a strong reputation in Clark County for her compassionate approach to legal services and representation of her clients. Her dedication extends beyond the courtroom; she is actively involved in giving back to the community and was recently commended by the WSBA for her extensive pro bono work. 

Bruce Garrett - Bruce Garrett joined Dunn Carney LLP in May 2024. He joined the litigation department, where he specialized in employment law.

’22

Pablo Pak - Pablo Pak JD’22 passed the California Bar and joined Olsen & Brueggemann, APC in Manhattan Beach, CA. They specialize in providing business-focused legal support across a variety of industries. Their practice areas include commercial litigation, corporate law, employment matters, entertainment law, startup advisory services, and real estate transactions.

’23

Schwabe welcomes associate Zach Forrester to the firm’s Anchorage office. Zach is an Indian Country & Alaska Native Corporations lawyer who provides strategic counsel and advocacy. He has researched and written extensively on Federal Indian and Tribal issues. Previously, Zach served as a judicial law clerk conducting in-depth research on Alaska’s criminal law, preparing bench memos for panel discussions, and assisting in editing judicial orders and opinions.