Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) Leadership Academy

**Class 1 Receiving a Tour of the Oregon Supreme Court from Court of Appeals Judge Egan and Former Chief Justice Walters**

In 2016, Payne, along with Past OTLA President Tom D’Amore of D’Amore Law Group, helped create and launch the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association’s Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is designed to give new lawyers practicing 0-10 years within OTLA the sills and techniques necessary to make them successful and effective leaders in the organization, their practice, professional settings and their communities. The Leadership Academy prioritizes admission for lawyers from underrepresented communities, and part of its goal is to add to the diversity of the leadership within the plaintiff’s bar, the judiciary, and the Oregon State Bar. OTLA Staff spends significant time and effort making the program a success. Payne continues to oversee the program as a mentor of participants, and D’Amore generously acts as the program’s annual sole Diamond Sponsor.

The bi-annual program is comprised of five sessions highlighting leadership training, personal development, a day at the legislature and appellate courts, and a service project which the participants plan and implement. Each session includes a social event with leaders of the bar, elected officials, or members of the judiciary.

“Participation in the OTLA Leadership Academy is an unparalleled boon to one’s practice and personal and professional development.” — Maria Witt, Class 3.

“[The] Leadership Academy was an enriching experience well worth every single minute spent. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn about OTLA, the legislative process, and the judicial process, and to make meaningful connections with like-minded attorneys facing similar battles and successes. I anticipate that the benefits of the program will serve me for decades to come . . . !” — Talia Guerriero, Class 3.

The program has been highly successful in training leaders. Graduates of the program include Oregon’s BOLI Commissioner, a state representative, two circuit courts judges, two members of the Oregon State Bar Board of Governors, OTLA’s President, and nine members of OTLA’s Board of Governors.

OTLA Sidebar: Retrospectives & Reminiscences, Oct 2022

OTLA Sidebar: Leadership Academy: Day in Capital and at the Courts a Success, Mar/Apr 2023