Advancing Knowledge, Connection, and Innovation in Labor and Employment Law

I’m honored to serve as the Labor and Employment Section Executive Committee’s 2024 Chair. Our section stands on a foundation of tradition centered on three priorities. The first is our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional continuing legal education programming. Secondly, we cultivate collegiality among our members who represent divergent interests – providing opportunities to build relationships that bridge divides. In addition, we support the development of a diverse pipeline of law students and lawyers who are exploring and expanding their knowledge in our field. This ensures a talented pool of lawyers are available for the future who and equipped to innovate and serve the evolving needs and interests of our clients.

We advance our commitment to excellence in CLE programming by leveraging the holistic perspective of our section’s leadership. We strive for balanced representation among neutrals, defense/plaintiff, and labor lawyers who represent management and unions. We work side by side to develop CLE content designed to address the emerging needs of all of our members, and we create opportunities for our members to connect and build relationships.

Our annual “Boot Camp” CLE reflects our dedication to ensuring that lawyers who are developing their knowledge of labor and employment law have access to foundational information necessary to be an effective practitioner in the field.

Our annual fall conference addresses new developments and hot topics – items of interest whether you’re new to the practice or a seasoned professional. We rotate holding our annual conference on the coast or in the Portland metro area, and we offer options for in-person and virtual attendance. Our programming includes an annual case law update, and in 2022 we offered an annual jury verdict update. Due to popular demand, we provided a jury verdict update in 2023 and will do so again during our 2024 annual conference.

Last but not least, in collaboration with Oregon’s three law schools, we offer annual competitive summer stipends for law students to explore careers in labor and employment law in Oregon.

Thank you to our members for your ongoing support. Your contributions enable us to maintain excellence in CLE programming, promote collegiality, and support the development of labor and employment law practitioners. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining us for an annual fee of $25. Membership benefits include listserv access and CLE credit discounts.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions to help us better meet your needs.

Warm regards,

Mariann Hyland
Chair, Executive Committee
OSB Labor & Employment Section