NEWS
Doughman named a Rising Star for 2009
Super Lawyers has honored David Doughman as a Rising Star in the legal arena. The award recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state - those who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less. The selection process undertaken by Super Lawyers for this honor involve nomination and rigorous credential research, with no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Oregon named to the list. The staff and attorneys at BEH are very proud of David’s accomplishments.
Hammond elected as President of Clackamas Community College Foundation Board
Jack Hammond is the current President of Clackamas Community College Foundation Board. He has served on the Board for 20 years and this is his second term as President. The Foundation serves a vital role in the community, generating and managing private resources for scholarships, technology, workforce training and facilities. By working hand-in-hand with Clackamas Community College and the community, the Foundation provides funds that will make a difference in the lives of students.
BEH assists Oregon cities in audit settlement
Pam Beery and Nancy Werner were instrumental in the resolution of legal issues and negotiations that led to recent multi-million dollar combined settlement agreements between many Oregon cities and Verizon and Qwest. The action, initiated in 2002, was precipitated by a decline in franchise fees paid by telecom providers for equipment placement in city rights-of-way. Oregonian article from August 6, 2009.
Doughman named partner
We're pleased to announce that David F. Doughman has become a partner with the firm. David's practice focuses primarily on land use and public contracting issues. David graduated from the University of Minnesota, summa cum laude, and from the University of Oregon School of Law. He looks forward to many years with the firm as it continues its exclusive representation of local governments in the Northwest.
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.