Tonkon Torp attorneys boosted their contributions to the 2009-2010 Campaign for Equal Justice (CEJ) by 44 percent over the previous year’s campaign, earning the top prize in the Large Firm category for the largest percentage increase. The award was presented at the CEJ annual luncheon on February 16 in Portland.
Tonkon Torp has a long history of supporting the Campaign for Equal Justice, with nearly 100 percent of the firm’s lawyers contributing every year. Statewide, Oregon lawyers who participated in the CEJ’s 2009-2010 campaign have so far raised $943,000.
Established in 1991 by Oregon lawyers, the Campaign for Equal Justice works to improve the well-being of all Oregonians by supporting equal access to civil legal services. Funds raised by the CEJ support 91 legal aid attorneys working with low income Oregonians in 19 communities.
In 2000, the Oregon State Bar, Oregon Judicial Department and Office of the Governor sponsored a Legal Needs Study which showed that more than 80 percent of the legal needs of low to moderate income Oregonians were going unserved.
“With Oregon’s ongoing economic woes and high unemployment rate, it becomes even more difficult for low income individuals to afford or obtain legal representation,” said Michael M. Morgan, managing partner of Tonkon Torp. “Our attorneys feel a professional and ethical obligation to support equal access to civil legal services. I am proud of the significant contribution we make each year to the Campaign for Equal Justice.”
Tonkon Torp attorneys Ronald L. Greenman and Darcy M. Norville have served on the CEJ Board of Directors and other advisory boards over many years.
