Barran Liebman News

Ed Harnden Receives the 2012 MBA Professionalism Award
May 22, 2012

Contact: Traci Ray
Client Services Director, 503-276-2115

Ed Harnden, managing partner at Barran Liebman LLP, was honored at the Multnomah Bar Association’s Annual Dinner with the 2012 MBA Professionalism Award on May 21, 2012. The award recognizes candidates who exemplify, not simply meet, the standards set forth in the MBA Professionalism Statement:

Professionalism goes beyond the observance of the legal profession’s ethical rules and serves the best interests of clients and the public in general; it fosters respect and trust among lawyers and between lawyers and the public, promotes the efficient resolution of disputes, and makes the practice of law more enjoyable and satisfying.

Harnden, who has focused his practiced on employment law defense in Portland since 1972, was nominated by attorneys, judges, law students and non-profit community leaders. “This award is truly humbling,” remarked Harnden. “I consider myself lucky to have such a loving family, supportive firm, collegial legal community, and wonderful mentors that make what I do possible. Professionalism is more than dressing the part, it is acting the part - and I try to live by that ideal daily.”

Harden, a husband, father, and grandfather, practices full-time in addition to his Managing Partner role at Barran Liebman LLP. Additionally, he is the current Multnomah Bar Foundation Board President and an active Campaign For Equal Justice Board Member. In 2011, he was the recipient of The Henry H. Hewitt Access to Justice Award, presented by The Lawyers' Campaign for Equal Justice, and the Legal Leader of the Year Award, presented by the Daily Journal of Commerce. In 2010, he was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers, the premier professional trial Organization in America. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Judge Learned Hand Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award for his civic services throughout the community. He acted as the 2001 President of the Oregon State Bar and the 1996-97 Multnomah Bar Association President, and continues to actively serve on the boards of several community and Bar organizations. He is a past president of the Professional Liability Fund, and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He is involved regionally and nationally in developing advanced leadership and management roles for law firms and lawyers, and is a mentor to many young attorneys and law students alike. In addition, Ed was elected by his national colleagues as a national fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers for his sustained outstanding performance in the profession. This year, he was also named in The Best Lawyers In America directory and in the Oregon Super Lawyers magazine on the Top 10 Lawyers in Oregon list.

Read more about Ed’s recognition here.