Mentorship Program
Mentorship for 3L law students through 5th-year attorneys!
There is no better way to kick off the new year than with our community! OGALLA is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 OGALLA Mentorship Program. Kicking off with an initial launch party in January 2025 for mentees and mentors, our Program includes LGBTQ+ Oregon lawyers ranging from experienced litigators to sitting judges.
Unlike traditional mentorship programs that match mentors and mentees one-to-one, the OGALLA Mentorship Program is organized by cohort, with mentee attorneys and law students grouped with experienced attorney mentors who are members of the queer community, with cohorts focusing on intersectional identities. The 2025 cohorts will be organized by the following groups: 1) BIPOC; 2) Gender Non-Conforming and Transgender and 3) General LGBTQ+. When signing up, you will be able to select your preferred cohort.
This Program will offer extensive opportunities for professional development and networking while fostering a safe space to connect, gain support and build a legal community. Aside from meeting regularly as a cohort, participants will also have the opportunity to socialize and network with other cohort mentees, mentor leaders, and guest practitioners who will visit sessions to provide their expertise and offer additional perspectives. Additionally, mentors will recommend resources to mentees to offer more opportunities for growth to new lawyers.
OGALLA’s goal is to provide developing LGBTQ+ lawyers with a pathway to success and to thrive in the Oregon legal community—our community is stronger together!
Program Highlights
The 2025 Program will commence January 2025 and run through August 2025 and will include a monthly cohort meetup (you can always ask for more meetups!).
Kickoff party hosted by OGALLA in January 2025 with all cohorts!
Invitations to OGALLA events and an opportunity for additional networking with the OGALLA Board and other LGBTQ+-identifying and supporting attorneys.
Topics will include navigating queer diversity at work (including intersectional identities), increasing personal safety in more rural counties, expanding your network, and more!
This Program features some amazing mentors, including LGBTQ+-identifying and BIPOC judges, litigators, and practitioners, including professionals with JD preferred roles.
Are you excited yet?! We are!
We look forward to meeting you and kicking off 2025 with you! Cheers!
OGALLA Board Members at the 2023 OGALLA Dinner
Meet Your Mentorship Program Co-Chairs!
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London S. Ballard (she/her)
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Erin M. Burris (she/her)