Firm News
4/15/24: Ed Harnden Advocates for Legal Aid Services in Oregon for the 30th Year
April 15, 2024
Barran Liebman is proud to share that Ed Harnden, Co-Managing Partner, has just returned from Washington D.C. after his annual trip dedicated to advocating for Oregon legal aid services. For a remarkable 30 years, Ed has been making this trip to Washington D.C. to speak with our elected officials in support of increased funding for legal services, which channels money from Congress to local offices that provide civil legal services to eligible low-income Americans.
This year, Ed traveled to Washington D.C. along with Monica Goracke (Executive Director at Oregon Law Center), Susan Grabe (Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer at the Oregon State Bar), Lee Ann Donaldson (Immediate Past-President of the Oregon State Bar and attorney at Nichols Law Group LLC), and Ayla Ercin (Executive Director at the Lawyers’ Campaign for Equal Justice). After meeting with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives including Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, and Earl Blumenauer, Ed and his fellow advocates proudly secured an agreement to sign a “Dear Colleague” letter to all of the 430 Representatives and 100 Senators in support of legal aid funding for $566 million. With a well-received presentation on Oregon’s existing legal aid offices and the further potential to help low-income Oregonians navigate the legal system, Ed was honored to share his perspectives in support of this important cause.
Whether through his own legal practice or his many accompanying efforts to advance legislative priorities in support of legal aid, Barran Liebman is proud of the outstanding contributions Ed makes to our justice system.
3/1/24: Barran Liebman Honored as a 2024 Best Company to Work for in Oregon
March 1, 2024
On March 1, 2024, Barran Liebman was recognized by Oregon Business magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon. In addition to being honored on the small company list, the firm is proud to be distinguished as one of only a handful of law firms on the list.
With employees and companies from across the state participating in the annual survey, employers are evaluated in the following five categories:
Work environment;
Management and communications;
Decision-making and trust;
Career development and learning; and
Benefits and compensation.
In addition, every survey score factors in a participation score and each employer’s own survey of their benefits.
This marks the 15th year that Barran Liebman has been distinguished as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon. As expressed by Barran Liebman’s Executive Director, Traci Ray, “Barran Liebman strives to create an environment with happy employees who work well as a team, provide the best work product for our clients, and set a positive example for other employers.”
In Barran Liebman’s survey results, employees emphasized their appreciation for 100% employer-sponsored health coverage as well as the fun and collaborative culture. As stated by one employee respondent, “I really love my job, and so do my colleagues. I feel supported and I like coming to work every day. We have a lot of fun, and everyone’s input and skillsets are valued. This place is awesome.”
2/12/24: Barran Liebman Sponsors 20th Annual MBA WinterSmash
February 12, 2024
On Saturday, February 10th, Barran Liebman attended and served as a sponsor for the 20th annual Multnomah Bar Association (MBA) WinterSmash. In support of Multnomah CourtCare, CourtSupport, and CourtConnect, this event raised $12,000 for services such as free drop-in childcare for families tending to business at court, bilingual navigator services and courthouse accommodations, and civic education geared towards making the court system more approachable.
In addition to sponsoring the event, members of the Barran Liebman team enjoyed the opportunity to put in some lane time in support of the following programs.
Multnomah CourtCare: In addition to providing children a safe space away from potential conflicts, the CourtCare program’s convenient location at the downtown Central Courthouse helps to reduce the number of rescheduled court appointments. With the ability to serve 80 to 100 children each month, the organization has served over 18,000 children and their families since opening in December of 2001.
CourtSupport: By providing the Central Courthouse with a bilingual navigator who staffs the information desk and connects individuals with needed services and accommodations at the courthouse, this program aids in making the court experience more welcoming and less intimidating.
CourtConnect: This program serves as a bridge between the bench, bar, and community by pairing lawyers and judges to visit community groups, share information about the court system, and facilitate dialogue about the rule of law, and build relationships within the community.
Barran Liebman team members and their families look forward to participating in WinterSmash each year. According to Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, Andrew Schpak, who participated in the event this past Saturday, “Barran Liebman has enjoyed sponsoring this sold-out event for many years. It’s a fun opportunity to engage in some friendly competition for a good cause.”
12/15/23: Barran Liebman Spreads Holiday Cheer in Support of Ronald McDonald House Charities
December 15, 2023
The attorneys and staff of Barran Liebman hope to spread cheer this holiday season by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC).
With Barran Liebman partner Sean Ray currently serving on Ronald McDonald House Charities®’ Governing Board for Oregon & SW Washington (and having previously served as a member of their Young Professionals’ Friends of the House Board from 2015-2021), the Barran Liebman team has enjoyed standing alongside Sean in support of RMHC’s mission to provide critical, free-of-charge housing and meals to families traveling for medical care. In addition to supporting RMHC throughout the year, including most recently at RMHC’s October Hope-Raiser Gala, this is the third consecutive year the Barran Liebman team has held a firmwide holiday toy drive for RHMC. With guests going through stressful medical treatments during their stay at RHMC, the Barran Liebman team hopes to brighten the season for patients and their families.
12/7/23: Barran Liebman Honored as a 2023 Top Ten “Most Admired” Company
December 7, 2023
On Thursday, December 7, Barran Liebman was honored at the Portland Business Journal’s luncheon celebration of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies, ranking in the Law & Accounting category’s top ten. With a survey sent to over 5,000 CEOs and executives in our region each year, our team is proud to be recognized among the many impressive organizations that make Oregon such a special place to live and work.
The Portland Business Journal recognized ten different categories ranging from nonprofits to multibillion dollar national organizations, and Barran Liebman is thrilled to have been ranked #9 in our category. As expressed by Co-Managing Partner Ed Harnden who attended this year’s awards luncheon along with Co-Managing Partner Andrew Schpak and Executive Director Traci Ray, “We are grateful to our friends and clients in the Oregon business community who took the time to distinguish our firm, and send congratulations to our fellow honorees in which we have the pleasure of working alongside.”
As a top ten honoree, Barran Liebman also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Portland Business Journal’s Thought Leader Roundtable Discussion: “Secrets of Most Admired Companies.” With seven panelists from across industries and a discussion led by Portland Business Journal Publisher & President Candace Beeke, we enjoyed hearing perspectives from other business community leaders. The full interview, featuring our own Shayda Le, can be accessed here.
11/2/23: Best Law Firms: 14 Years of Top Ranks
November 2, 2023
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, for the fourteenth consecutive year, rated Barran Liebman a top law firm in their 2024 Best Law Firms® rankings.
Barran Liebman achieved a Tier 1 ranking—the highest recognition possible—for its work in the following practice areas: Employment Law (Management), Labor Law (Management), and Litigation (Labor & Employment) for the state of Oregon.
Law firms included in the 2024 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for their professional distinctions and outstanding reviews from clients and peers. Attaining a tiered ranking demonstrates a combination of service quality and legal expertise.
To be eligible for ranking, a firm must have a lawyer who is listed in Best Lawyers®, which recognizes the top 5 percent of attorneys practicing law in the state of Oregon. This year, Barran Liebman has not only one, but nine lawyers listed in Best Lawyers®. Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Ed Harnden, and Andrew Schpak were all named, with Nicole Elgin, Chris Morgan, Shayda Zaerpoor Le, Sean Ray, and Iris Tilley recognized on the Ones to Watch list (which recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have been in private practice for 5-9 years). Learn more about Barran Liebman’s Best Lawyers® honorees here.
Barran Liebman is proud to once again be recognized by Best Lawyers® as a Tier 1 firm, and is grateful for its clients who continue to provide support.
ABOUT “BEST LAW FIRMS”
The U.S. News Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms® rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.
10/26/23: Oregon State Bar Honors Barran Liebman with 2022 Pro Bono Award
October 26, 2023
On Wednesday, October 25, Barran Liebman was honored with an Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Award, ranking first in the medium-sized firm category. Each year, the Oregon State Bar celebrates the collective contributions of law firms throughout the region who have gone above and beyond in giving back to the community. Out of the medium-sized firms considered this year, Barran Liebman was proud to be awarded with the highest level of pro bono service in its category (over 400 collective volunteer hours).
Additionally, Co-Managing Partner Ed Harnden was individually recognized as the top pro bono contributor for the 2022 year. When asked about the significance of pro bono work in our legal community, Ed expressed that “Pro bono plugs us into situations where we’re helping others… We owe them that. It’s just our responsibility. Lawyers are given the right to practice law, and it’s up to us to help others who can’t afford lawyers and can’t navigate the system.” With this value in mind, Barran Liebman leadership is proud to back this culture of volunteerism by allowing up to 50 hours of pro bono work to be counted towards attorney billable hour quotas.
Community involvement and access to justice has always been at the core of Barran Liebman’s culture, and the firm supports organizations through monetary contributions, as well as board service and pro bono legal advice. We remain committed to the many non-profits we have had a partnership with over the years and look forward to upholding this strong investment in our community.
10/25/23: Barran Liebman Awarded with 2023 PBJ Corporate Philanthropy Award
October 25, 2023
Barran Liebman is honored to have been named by the Portland Business Journal as a “Top Ten Philanthropic Company” in their small size company category. With the rankings announced at today’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards luncheon, the Barran Liebman team was proud to be ranked #3 in its size category. Barran Liebman places an emphasis on community involvement, and we are proud to be named among the many remarkable companies who share in our community investment.
In addition to the Portland Business Journal’s Philanthropy Awards recognizing companies that are making a difference by providing monetary donations to create change, the Awards recognize companies who partner with non-profits to produce change in other innovative ways. For example, in addition to Barran Liebman’s financial donations, our team strives to find new ways to work with different non-profits in the community. According to Ed Harnden, Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner who accepted the award on behalf of the firm, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” With Barran Liebman investing in non-profits through pro bono support (over 400 collective volunteer hours in 2022), board and committee service, and financial contributions, Ed’s motto is proudly implemented at the firmwide level.
From pro bono legal work to a variety of other legal volunteer activities, Barran Liebman supports the Campaign for Equal Justice, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, Transition Projects, and Camp UKANDU. While these are just a few of the many non-profits the firm supports, Barran Liebman is proud to participate in fundraisers and donate time and talents to a broad range of organizations.
8/17/23: Nine Barran Liebman Partners Named to Best Lawyers
August 17, 2023
With the publication of U.S. News & World Report’s The Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition, Barran Liebman is honored to announce that nine of our partners were recognized by Best Lawyers as leaders in their respective areas.
Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Ed Harnden, and Andrew Schpak were named in the area of Employment Law Management. Paula Barran and Ed Harnden, having both been listed for 20 consecutive years, earned additional recognition in the areas of Labor Law Management and Labor & Employment Litigation. Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, Andrew Schpak also received recognition in the area of Labor & Employment Litigation.
Barran Liebman is also pleased to announce that five of our partners have been named on the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list, which recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have been in private practice for 5-9 years. In this category, Nicole Elgin, Shayda Le, Chris Morgan, and Sean Ray were recognized in the areas of Labor & Employment Law Management and Labor & Employment Litigation. Iris Tilley was named in the area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.
Barran Liebman appreciates the feedback of legal industry peers and is proud of its team for their expertise and unmatched commitment in the labor, employment, and benefits law management and litigation fields.
2024 Edition Award Listings:
Amy L. Angel (Best Lawyer; listed since 2015): Employment Law Management
Paula A. Barran (Best Lawyer; listed since 2001): Employment Law Management, Labor Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Nicole C. Elgin (Ones to Watch; first year listed): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Edwin A. Harnden (Best Lawyer; listed since 2004): Employment Law Management, Labor Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Shayda Z. Le (Ones to Watch, listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Chris M. Morgan (Ones to Watch; first year listed): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Sean P. Ray (Ones to Watch, listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Law Management, Labor & Employment Litigation
Andrew M. Schpak (Best Lawyer; listed since 2021): Labor & Employment Litigation
Iris K. Tilley (Ones to Watch; listed since 2021): Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. Best Lawyers’ lists of outstanding attorneys are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. If the votes for an attorney are positive enough for inclusion in Best Lawyers, that attorney must maintain those votes in subsequent polls to remain on the list for subsequent editions.
7/31/23: Barran Liebman Proudly Sponsors DoveLewis 2023 Annual Golf Tournament
July 31, 2023
On Friday, July 28, 2023, Barran Liebman had the privilege of sponsoring and participating in DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s Annual Golf Tournament in support of Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT).
DoveLewis, an eminent non-profit emergency veterinary hospital, operates a 24-hour critical and intensive care unit that attends to both companion and wild animals, providing vital emergency care to nearly 30,000 animals annually. In addition to their critical work supporting animal welfare, they lead a number of community programs, including PACTT. Specifically, PACTT is responsible for visiting schools, assisted living facilities, courtrooms, hospitals, shelters, and more to help community members by providing positive interactions with expertly trained therapy dogs. With this year’s tournament taking place at Langdon Farms Golf Club, it was a beautiful setting for an afternoon of camaraderie over golf and dogs!
The Barran Liebman golf team participating under the name “Reigning Cats and Dogs” triumphed in the mixed division, which included teams comprised of at least one female member. Additionally, a member of the Barran Liebman group won the esteemed women’s long drive contest.
Pictured below, Barran Liebman Co-Managing Partner Andrew Schpak, enjoyed meeting PACTT canines with some of his fellow colleagues. In addition, team member Lauren Heesacker is featured with Ron Morgan, President and CEO of DoveLewis, as well as Lauren and Jessica Peterson, who had the opportunity to spend some time with PACTT therapy dog “Rosella.” Members of the team also enjoyed running a sponsor booth and chipping competition on hole #18.
The firm appreciates DoveLewis’ work in organizing this fun event for our animal-loving community and is honored to partner with such a dedicated organization.
7/24/23: 9 Barran Liebman Attorneys Listed in the 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers Magazine
July 24, 2023
The Barran Liebman team is honored to announce that nine of our attorneys have been named to the 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers® & Rising Stars® lists. Amy Angel, Paula Barran, Edwin Harnden, Richard Liebman, Sean Ray, Andrew Schpak, and Iris Tilley were selected as “Super Lawyers.” It is the 16th year that Paula Barran, Edwin Harnden, and Richard Liebman have been selected, with Paula ranked number one in the state. Paula Barran has been named to the list since she graced the cover of the first edition of Oregon Super Lawyers in 2006, and she continues to be an excellent role model for other females in the legal profession. Paula also continues to be honored on the “Top 25 Women” list.
In addition to the selected “Super Lawyers,” this annual list celebrates the achievements of young lawyers under the age of 40 or with less than 10 years of practice. Nicole Elgin and Chris Morgan were selected as 2023 “Rising Stars.” Barran Liebman places a tremendous value on leading by example and we are proud that as a firm, nearly half of our attorneys have been selected as “Super Lawyers” or “Rising Stars.”
About “Super Lawyers”
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.
To learn more, please visit their website here.
7/14/23: Barran Liebman Hosts 13th Annual Tribute to Women in Business Event
July 14, 2023
Barran Liebman proudly held its Annual Tribute to Women in Business event on Thursday, July 13th . This special occasion has been a privilege for the firm since 2008, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of more than 200 exceptional local businesswomen, along with valued clients, colleagues, and friends.
Each year, Barran Liebman embraces the opportunity to cultivate a fresh Women in Business theme. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Business & Blooms,” showcasing a bouquet bar for guests to make their own arrangements, a garden-variety of floral-inspired cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres, and a fresh flower wall where guests could take pictures to capture the fun. Attendees also heard from Barran Liebman partners Paula Barran and Shayda Le on the importance of women supporting other women, and the value of hard work and dedication.
Barran Liebman eagerly anticipates this annual event and extends a heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful female business community, whose support makes this such a special collective celebration. Being a female majority owned firm, the Barran Liebman team remains dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in leadership roles within the workplace and community.
6/2/23: Barran Liebman Proudly Recognized on the “2023 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon” List
June 2, 2023
Today, Barran Liebman was recognized by Oregon Business magazine in their annual “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon” list that celebrates the efforts of organizations that have gone above and beyond to demonstrate environmental responsibility in the workplace. In addition to this being the eleventh consecutive year Oregon Business honored Barran Liebman’s efforts towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, the firm is proud to lead its industry as the top-ranking law practice on the list.
The “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon” list is released annually to shed light on local businesses across all industries that are implementing green workplace practices and setting a standard for other organizations to follow. At Barran Liebman, our firm culture is rooted in our commitment to our clients, employees, and community. In addition to our downtown Portland office being ENERGY STAR certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (awarded for performing in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide), we work to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing printing, encouraging and supporting the use of public transportation, making a conscious effort to use locally sourced catering and vendors, and operating in a digital environment to the extent feasible.
The Barran Liebman team is proud of our community’s collective sustainability efforts and looks forward to playing a continued role in green innovation.
6/1/23: Barran Liebman Celebrates Top Marks Awarded by Chambers USA
June 1, 2023
Barran Liebman is honored to once again be distinguished as a Band 1 firm in the Chambers & Partners National Rankings for 2023. Each year, Chambers & Partners researchers conduct client and attorney interviews in order to identify individual attorneys and law firms who exceed qualities that are most valued by clients. As one of the longest ranking firms on the list, Barran Liebman is proud to once again receive Band 1 recognition.
In addition to the firm’s notable expertise within the Labor & Employment practice area, Barran Liebman’s efforts to lead by example are reflected in the firm’s devotion to clients, the community, and the legal profession as a whole. In this year’s rankings, a client described how “The [Barran Liebman] team provides very good service when brought into an issue, and good responsiveness on research and tailoring responses.”
Paula Barran has held Band 1 recognition since 2003 and Edwin Harnden, Barran Liebman’s Co-Managing Partner, has held Band 1 recognition since 2009. This is the highest honor awarded by Chambers & Partners and Barran Liebman is proud to see these influential partners retain this honor for yet another year in a row. One client enthused that “Paula is scary good.” Another complimented that “She’s head and shoulders above most of the crowd.” Edwin Harnden was also individually recognized as being “kind, supportive, and smart.” With general counsel regularly calling upon our firm for complex legal matters, another client stated that “He’s a top-notch lawyer’s lawer.”
The firm is excited to announce that Amy Angel has been recognized in Band 4 of all labor and employment attorneys. As stated by a client, “Amy is a very good lawyer, very experienced, smart and practical.” For the second year, Shayda Le and Andrew Schpak have also been named as “Up & Coming Attorneys in the area of Labor & Employment Law. As noted by a client, Shayda is “smart, savvy, and extremely good on her feet.” Andrew’s expertise was also complimented by clients, one of which described the following experience: “The opposing party was not logical and so it was a bit dicey, but Andrew navigated that effectively with the other attorney. We reached a satisfactory outcome in a really messy case.”
Last but not least, Barran Liebman is excited to announce that Iris Tilley has been recognized with Band 2 recognition for her work in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice area. According to a client, “She’s extremely knowledgeable, prompt, and a good partner.”
About Chambers & Partners
Covering 185 jurisdictions throughout the world, the Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990. Their 150-member research team ranks both attorneys and law firms by interviewing clients, evaluating accomplishments, and speaking with attorneys. While Chambers uses information submitted by law firms, their most credible source of information is their in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews. These give them the wide-ranging and testable information on which their rankings and commentary rely.
To learn more about Chambers & Partners and to review this year’s rankings, visit their website here.
5/12/23: Barran Liebman Proudly Supports the 2023 PBA Rose City 5K Run
May 12, 2023
On Thursday, May 11th, Barran Liebman was proud to support and participate in the Portland Business Alliance’s Annual Rose City 5K Run. Taking place along the Portland Waterfront Park, the Barran Liebman team enjoyed the opportunity to support the Portland community, exercise, and take part in the Portland Business Alliance’s efforts to connect and engage members of the Greater Portland business community through networking events, committees, programs, social media, and newsletters.
Barran Liebman Co-Managing Partner Andrew Schpak is proud to serve as a Board Member of the Portland Business Alliance. Having been involved with the Alliance since 2017, he is also a graduate of Leadership Portland (a Portland Business Alliance Program that broadens perspectives on the most critical issues facing the Portland metro region while giving back through community Impact Projects) and a Past Chair of the Leadership Portland Alumni Association. As best stated by Andrew, “The Portland Business Alliance provides an important outlet for business leaders to connect with one another both professionally and socially, all while sharing the common goal of addressing critical issues that affect businesses and community members in the greater Portland area.”
In addition to supporting the Portland Business Alliance’s programs, the Rose City 5K Run benefitted the Portland Parks Foundation in their work to maintain and support Portland’s prized park system.
