Traci R. Ray

Executive Director

P: 503-276-2115
F: 503-274-1212

601 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite 2300
Portland, OR 97204

Email View Printable PDF

Practice Areas

Admitted to Practice

  • Oregon

Academics

  • University of Oregon School of Law (J.D., 2007): Student Bar Association, Elected 3L Class Rep (2006-2007); Research Assistant to Professor Harris: CLE Publication (2005); Pro Bono Certificate Recipient (2004-2007)

  • Arizona State University (B.S., 2004): Pi Beta Phi Sorority: Elected Official (2001-2004); National Chapter Delegate (2004); Arizona State University Senior of the Year (2004); Dean’s Academic Excellence List (2000-2004)

Traci Ray is the Executive Director at Barran Liebman LLP, Oregon’s premiere employment defense firm, where she blends her genuine workplace enthusiasm with a solution-oriented approach in guiding and implementing the firm’s management, marketing, recruitment, attorney development, technology, finances, and administration. She oversees the firm’s speaking engagements and coordinates all firm events and seminars, including Oregon’s largest, award-winning Annual Employment, Labor, Benefits & Higher Education Law Seminar. Additionally, Traci manages the firm’s community involvement, public relations, charitable giving, brand awareness, and advertising. Admitted to practice in Oregon, she leverages her legal background to support the firm’s highly-regarded practices areas with strategic planning and effective communication.

During Traci’s tenure with Barran Liebman LLP, the firm has been continuously ranked #1 in Labor & Employment Law Firms in Oregon by Chambers & Partners USA, and was also honored with a 2016 Chambers Diversity Award for being named as one of the top six law firms in America in the “Most Pioneering Firm for Female Lawyers” category. Additionally, the firm has earned recognition from the Portland Business Journal as the #7 Most Diverse Law Firm in 2022, and as a Top Ten Philanthropic Company in Oregon since 2013.  The firm was also honored with a 2016 Innovation in Philanthropy Award, and was named one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies in 2017. The firm is proud to hold the Top Law Firm ranking in Oregon Business Magazine’s “100 Green Company in Oregon” list, and honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon since 2010, with the #1 Ranking in 2013, 2015 and 2018.

Traci serves on the Children’s Cancer Association’s JoyRx Governing Board of Directors, is a past chair of the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Division, has served as President of the Multnomah Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, and currently acts as the MBA Delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Additionally, Traci was honored to be one of the four national American Bar Association’s LP Division Fellows for 2014-2015, is a Past-Chair of the ABA Women Rainmakers Committee, and has served as an issue editor for Law Practice TODAY. Traci received an American Bar Association Presidential appointment to the Commission on IOLTA for 2016-18, and is a Past-President of the Oregon Law Foundation and the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation Board.

Traci also writes and speaks about legal marketing and career development, and has been published in Law Practice TODAY and Strategies, The Journal of Legal Marketing.  She has taught in the paralegal program at Portland Community College, speaks annually for the Oregon State Bar’s Professional Liability Fund, and is quoted often by the media in regards to the practice of law and on behalf of Barran Liebman LLP.

Traci earned her B.S. from Arizona State University and her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, where she received the 2015 Oregon Law Outstanding Young Alumnus Award for her work within the legal profession and community. Traci has also been honored as a recipient of a 2021 Athena Award from Dress for Success Oregon and was named to the Portland Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” Leading Executive list. 

In addition to her work at Barran Liebman and in our community, Traci is a mom to three school-aged children, is the Athletic Director at St. Pius X, excels at coordinating extensive carpools, and loves crushing early morning Peloton rides.  

Professional Experience & Affiliations

  • Children’s Cancer Association: JoyRx Governing Board of Directors, Member (2023-present)

  • St. Pius X: Athletic Director (2022-present)

  • American Bar Association: Law Practice Division Immediate Past Chair (2021-2022); Outreach-Membership Engagement Committee Chair (2021-2022); Division Chair (2020-2021); Chair-Elect (2019-2020); Vice Chair (2018-2019); Law Practice Division Secretary (2017-2018); Women Rainmakers Committee Chair (2016-2017), Vice Chair (2015-2016), Member (2014-present); Commission on IOLTA, Board Member (2016-present); Law Practice Today Webzine Board Member (2014-present), Vice Chair (2015-2016); Law Practice Division Member (2013-present); MBA Delegate (2011-2013, 2014-2015); ABA YLD Portland Conference Host Committee Chair (2013-2014)

  • American Bar Foundation: Life Fellow (2016-present)

  • Oregon State Bar Association: Oregon New Lawyer Mentoring Program, Mentor (2013-present); Pro Bono Committee – Events Subcommittee Chair (2013-2014), Chair (2012), Secretary (2011); Lawyers for Veterans Steering Committee, Member (2012-2013); Pro Bono Week Co-Chair (2010-2012); Member (2007-present)

  • Multnomah Bar Association: Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates (2018-present); Membership Committee, Vice-Chair (2017-2018); Member (2015-2018); MBA Mentor (2013-present)

  • Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section: Past-President (2014-2015); President (2013-2014); Board Member (2011-2015); MBA Battle of the Lawyer Bands, Judge (2013); Young Lawyers Section Professional Development & Education Committee, Co-Chair (2010-2011), Publicity Czar (2009-2010); Pro Bono Committee, OSB Pro Bono Fair Delegate (2009), Member (2008-2009)

  • SMART Lawyers for Literacy Campaign: Team Captain (2021-2022)

  • Dress for Success Oregon: Board of Directors, Co-Chair (2017-2020); Secretary (2016-2017); Little Black Dress Circle, Member (2016-2020)

  • Oregon Law Foundation: Board President (2017); Revenue Enhancement (2015-2021); Nominating Committee Chair (2018-2021); Board Member (2014-2021)

  • Campaign for Equal Justice: OLF Liaison to the Board (2017); Advisory Board Committee, Member (2013-present); MBA YLS Liaison to the Board (2011-2013)

  • Portland Community College: Instructor for ABA Accredited Paralegal Program in Intro to Law (2010-2021), Contract & Consumer Law (2009-2021), Cooperative Education Program (2009-2021)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation: Board President (2019-2020); Board Vice President (2018-2019); Publicity Chair (2016-2018); Special Appeal Co-Chair (2013-2019); Board Member (2012-2022); Communications Co-Chair (2012-2013)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: Working Parents Committee, Events Subcommittee, Member (2015-2020); Fashion Show Committee benefitting Dress for Success Oregon, Member (2014-2020); Member (2012-2020)

  • Bradley Angle Purple Purse: Luncheon Committee, Member (2016-2018)

  • ROI Portland Society for Professional Services Marketers: Board Member, Co-Social Chair (2010-present)

  • Legal Marketing Association: Membership Committee & Spotlight, Author (2011-2013); Member (2008-present)

  • Association of Legal Administrators: Board Member & Education Director (2022-present); Human Resources Section, Co-Chair (2015-2017); Oregon Chapter, Member (2013-present)

  • Oregon Public Broadcasting: Business Partner Steering Committee, Member (2014-2021)

  • Albertina Kerr: Events Committee – Christmas Ships Soiree Annual Fundraiser, Member (2014-2018)

  • Portland Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club: Events, Co-Chair (2010-2016); Executive Committee Member: Annual Angel Award Recipient (2011 & 2014); Club Angel Award Recipient (2011); Website Administrator (2011); Golden Arrow, Chair (2009-2010)

  • NW EEO/Affirmative Action Association: Member (2014-present)

  • University of Oregon Alumni Association: Member (2012-present)

  • U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society: Member (2010-present)

  • St. Andrew Legal Clinic: Night Clinic, Volunteer (2008-2011); Race for Justice Committee, Member (2009-2012)

  • Institute for Human Resources Advisory Committee: Board Member (2012-2015)

  • The City Club of Portland: Member (2010-2015)

  • National Legal Aid & Defender Association: Portland Host Committee, Member (2013)

  • Portland State University’s Intercultural Mentors Program (2013)

  • Oregon Law Reunion Class of 2007: Steering Committee, Member (2012)

  • Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter: Board Member (2009-2012); Community Events Committee, Member (2010-2012)

  • Uniting to Understand Racism: Salsa Night Fundraiser, Coordinator (2010); Annual Fundraising Dinner, Coordinator (2009)

  • Oregon Department of Justice: Family Law Division, Law Clerk (2005-2007)

Honors

  • Dress for Success Oregon: Athena Award Recipient (2021)

  • Portland Business Journal: “Forty under 40” Leading Executives (2017)

  • Pi Beta Phi: Young Alumna Achievement Award, Region 5 (2016)

  • University of Oregon School of Law: Outstanding Young Alumnus Award (2015)

  • American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division: Star of the Quarter Award (2014)

  • The Oregonian’s Top Workplace: #1 Ranking & Doers Award (2014)

  • American Bar Association: Law Practice Fellow (2014-2015)

  • Campaign for Equal Justice: Staff Award for Exceptional Fundraising Contributions (2014)

  • Oregon New Lawyers Division of the Oregon State Bar: Project of the Year Award (2013)

  • Oregon Super Lawyers Magazine: Rising Star (2013-present)

  • Oregon Business Magazine 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon: #1 Ranking (2013, 2015 & 2018); #1 Overall Point Getter (2015 & 2018); Listed in the Top Ten (2010-present)

  • Portland Business Journal: Innovation Award (2016); Top Ten Philanthropic Companies in Oregon (2013-present)

  • Oregon Business Magazine: Top 100 Green Companies in Oregon: 2013-present; #1 Ranked Law Firm (2016)

  • Daily Journal of Commerce: Unsung Hero Finalist (2012)

  • Legal Marketing Association Northwest Your Honor Awards: Promotional & Collateral Materials Winner for Barran Liebman LLP’s Holiday Card (2016); Promotional Events Winner for Barran Liebman LLP's Annual Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Seminar (1st Place Four Years Running – 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013)

  • Pacific Printing & Imaging Association: PrintROCKS Competition – 2nd Place in “Cards Category” for Firm Holiday Card (2021); People’s Choice Award (2017); 1st Place in “Promotional Category” for Firm Holiday Card (2010); 1st Place in “Cards Category” for Firm Holiday Card (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016); 2nd Place in “Cards Category” for Firm Holiday Card (2017); 3rd Place in “Cards Category” for Firm Holiday Card (2012)

  • Business for Culture & the Arts: Art of Leadership Program, Graduate (2009-2010)

Representative Presentations

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Success Tips for Joining a Firm,” Panelist (11/8/23)

  • Dress for Success Oregon: Annual Gala, Emcee (5/13/22)

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Success Tips for Joining a Firm,” Panelist (11/18/21)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: Affinity Bar Series - Negotiating Your Worth at Work, Featured Presenter (9/29/21)

  • Oregon State Bar Corporate Counsel Section CLE: “Lawyers as Leaders,” Panelist (9/20/31)

  • 2021 Women of Legal Tech Summit: Opening Remarks (3/3/21)

  • Willamette Law Dean’s Academic Excellence Series: “Before You Click Submit: Application Tips From Employers,” Panelist (3/1/21)

  • ABA Midyear Meeting: Speaker & Presenter (2/17/21 – 2/19/21)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: New Lawyer/Law Student Event, Featured Presenter (2/10/21)

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Tips for Lawyers Joining Firms,” Presenter (10/29/20)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: Law Student Event, Featured Presenter (10/14/20)

  • American Bar Association Section Officers Conference (SOC) Fall Leadership Meeting:
    “Timely Topics for Experienced Leaders: Virtual Meetings, Membership Development, & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives,” Panelist (9/23/20)

  • Oregon ALA: “Return to Work Roundtable,” Panelist (4/30/20)

  • American Bar Association Midyear Meeting: “Present & Powerful” Speaker Series, Closing Remarks Presenter (2/14/20)

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Success Tips for Lawyers Joining Firms,” Moderator (10/31/19)

  • University of Oregon C-Suite Breakfast, Presenter (10/31/19)

  • 2019 LMA Tech West Regional Conference: “Event Strategy & Management,” Presenter (10/21/19)

  • Oregon ALA Annual Conference: “Performance Improvement Plans,” Panelist (4/20/19)

  • Legal Marketing Association: “Getting ROI from Your Attorneys’ Speaking Engagements,” Presenter (8/16/19)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: 30th Anniversary Soirée, Featured Presenter (7/11/19)

  • Dress for Success Oregon: Annual Gala, Featured Presenter (4/12/19)

  • Oregon ALA Annual Managing Partner Event: “Increasing Flexibility in Law Firm & In-House Careers,” Panel Moderator (4/4/18)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division: “Programs & Strategies” Webinar, Presenter (3/29/18)

  • American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW, Presenter (3/8/18)

  • Legal Marketing Association/American Bar Association/Managing Partner Forum: “What Lawyers Need to Know,” Panelist (12/5/17)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers Queen’s Bench: “Veteran’s Legal Issues,” Moderator (11/14/17)

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Success Tips for Lawyers Joining Firms,” Moderator (11/2/17)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: “Best Practices for Contract Attorneys,” Co-Presenter (10/19/17)

  • Association of Legal Administrators Oregon Chapter: “The Future of Law,” Facilitator (10/18/17)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division: Women Rainmakers Webinar, Presenter (9/20/17)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division: Women Rainmakers Roundtable, Presenter & Facilitator (9/12/17)

  • Lewis & Clark Law School: Professionalism Discussion Leader at 1L Orientation (8/23/17)

  • American Bar Association: Law Student Division Leadership Panel, Presenter (8/10/17)

  • Oregon ALA General Education Session: “How to Enhance Employee Retention, Work Product and Job Satisfaction,” Presenter (5/31/17)

  • MBA YLS Spring Business CLE Series: “Best Management Practices,” Presenter (5/18/17)

  • Oregon Business Events: “Navigating Leadership in a Changing World,” Panelist (4/25/17)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: “Performance Evaluations: Best Practices,” Featured Panelist (4/6/17)

  • Legal Marketing Association: Annual Conference – Las Vegas, Presenter (2017)

  • American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW: “What’s Your Priority? Where To Spend When Your Needs Exceed Your Budget,” Presenter (3/16/17)

  • American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW: “Make a Long Story Short: Creative Ways to Use Email Newsletters, Ebooks and Blogs,” Panelist (3/16/17)

  • Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) + Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) Webinars for Busy Lawyers: “Manage a More Engaging Workplace for Your Law Firm Employees,” Presenter (2/15/17)

  • ABA YLD/LPD: “Growing Lawyers, Growing Leaders,” Panelist (2/2/17)

  • OSB PLF Learning the Ropes: “Success Tips for Lawyers Joining Firms,” Moderator (11/3/16)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: “Marketing Your Practice,” Featured Presenter (6/1/2016)

  • Association of Legal Administrators Oregon Chapter: “The Power & Importance of Internal Marketing: Attaining Success for Your People & Firm,” Presenter (3/16/16)

  • PCC Career Day: “Professional Development, Networking & Internships,” Presenter (1/23/16)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division Women Rainmakers Roundtable, Presenter and Facilitator (10/6/15)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers: “Pay Up – Negotiating Your Worth at Work,” Panelist (9/17/15)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division Women Rainmakers: “Finding Your True Grit,” Presenter & Facilitator (5/12/15)

  • AAfPE 2015 Pacific Regional Conference: “Reality Check – What I Want a Paralegal Candidate to Tell Me They Know,” Panelist (4/23/15)

  • MBA YLS Entrepreneur Academy: “Law Firm Marketing,” Panelist (4/22/15)

  • PCC Career Day: “Professional Development & Networking,” Presenter (1/24/15)

  • Lewis & Clark Law School Employment Law Society: “Networking, Recruitment & the Job Search,” Panelist (11/12/14)

  • American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Fall Conference: “Tips for Effective Networking and Business Development,” Moderator (10/10/14)

  • Willamette Law School: “Portland or Bust! How to make it in the Portland Legal Scene,” Presenter (9/30/14)

  • ROI Portland: “Developing Rainmakers & Building a Strong Firm Culture,” Presenter (9/30/14)

  • American Bar Association Law Practice Division Women Rainmakers: LinkedIn Seminar, Presenter & Facilitator (9/16/14)

  • Oregon Women Lawyers Brown Bag Series: “Marketing for Contract Lawyers,” Featured Presenter (9/2/2014)

  • MBA YLS President’s Year-End Address (5/30/2014)

  • Various Guest Speaking Engagements: Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyer Section (2012-present)

  • PCC Paralegal Courses: Consumer Law/Intro to Law/Cooperative Education Program, Instructor (2009-present)

  • Legal Marketing Association Northwest Chapter: “Key Conference Takeaways,” Panelist (2014)

  • Legal Marketing Association: Annual Conference - Orlando, Presenter (2014)

  • The LexBlog Network: “Setting Expectations & Managing Resources,” Live Interview (2014)

  • Legal Entrepreneurs of Oregon: “Solo & Small Firms,” Guest Speaker (2014)

  • American Bar Association 12th Circuit Meeting Law Student Division: “Litigation, Transaction, & Other - What Should I Do With My J.D.?” Attorney Panelist (2014)

  • REAP Inc.: Challenge Student Leadership Camp, Guest Speaker (2012)

  • University of Oregon School of Law: Phi Alpha Delta’s Annual Networking Event, Panelist (2012)

  • Multnomah Bar Association: “What You Didn’t Learn In Law School: The Transition to the Real World of Practice,” Panelist (2011)

  • Oregon Attorney Assistance Program: “Lawyers in Transition” Seminar, Guest Presenter (2010)

Representative Publications