Forest Grove and Yamhill approve new city charters

On May 19, 2009 voters in the cities of Forest Grove and Yamhill approved new city charters. BEH acted as counsel for both charters that are based on the 2004 League of Oregon Cities Model Charter, authored by Tom Sponsler.

Sponsler drafts new Home Rule Charter for the City of Portland

Tom Sponsler recently completed a charter project for the Portland City Auditor.  It involved a legal analysis of the existing 1903 legislative city charter with its 278 sections and 65,809 words. The review resulted in an annotated document that identifies provisions superseded by state law, outdated sections, and provisions more appropriate for ordinances.  It also identified sections relating to the Portland commission form of government and other basic political decisions.  Based on that analysis, Tom prepared a draft home rule charter of 56 sections and 5,085 words. The draft charter is posted in the “Publications” section of this website along with the summary memo. The draft is a general powers charter that preserves current provisions unique and important to the City of Portland form of government.

Peer Recognition for BEH Attorneys

Pam Beery, Paul Elsner and Tom Sponsler were honored again in 2009 by recognition from Best Lawyers in America®. The publication is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession and being listed is a mark of professional distinction.

Pam Beery and Paul Elsner were also recognized as among Portland’s Best Lawyers by Portland Monthly Magazine in 2009.

Beery, Elsner & Hammond, LLP is dedicated to representing local government clients throughout the Pacific Northwest- the only firm of its kind in Oregon. BEH serves as general counsel and special counsel. We exclusively represent local governments, enabling us to provide unmatched expertise completely free of conflicts of interest.