BodyFelt Mount

The firm held a Peep Contest where the challenge was to create a diorama using Peeps.  The response was outstanding.  Nearly everyone in the firm participated as either a member of a team or as a judge.  Seven teams, consisting of 3-4 firm members, created remarkable dioramas, many with sound effects.  The winner was “Occupy Peepland” with team members Bonnie, Holly, Heather B. and Meg.

See more Peep-tastic pics here.

17 Bodyfelt members and family volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank.  We helped pack over 9000 pounds of pinto beans.  As you can see, we had fun doing it.

The Court of Appeals agreed with our client and interpreted a key statutory phrase for automobile surety bond coverage in the case Brasher’s Cascade Auto Auction, Inc. v. Guillermo Leon and Western Surety Company,  ___ Or App ___ (Dec 29, 2011).   Vicki Smith argued the case and our past colleague Pam Stendahl prepared the briefs.  One issue was the interpretation of the “inventory financing security interest” exception to a vehicle code violation, found at ORS 822.045(2).  The Court provided a much needed analysis of that exception.  The Court also agreed that the plaintiff’s loss did not arise from the bond principal’s failure to provide titles to vehicle purchasers.

Bryana Sack married Patrick Blessinger on November 20 in Cabo, Mexico.  Congratulations to the couple on their new and exciting life together.  Bryana is now known as Bryana Blessinger.

Bodyfelt Mount, along with the Oregon State Bar, the Multnomah Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers, and Oregon Minority Lawyers Association, and numerous others sponsored the Convocation on Equality which took place on November 4, 2011 at the Oregon Convention Center.  The goal of the Convocation was to develop an action plan to move the profession forward in increasing racial and ethnic diversity.  Associate Erin Catherman was recognized at this event as a Convocation on Equality Champion for her extensive work in diversity.

Congratulations to Jason and Marni Gardner and the new addition to their family.  Gabriella Beatrice was born on November 10, weighing over 8 pounds.  Gabriella is welcomed by her parents, her brother and sister.  Aren’t they both adorable?

Beavers, Ducks, Huskies and Wolfpacks – Oh my!

Bodyfelt Mount welcomes Sara Cassidey to the firm as an associate attorney.  Sara comes to us after clerking for the Honorable Timothy J. Sercombe of the Oregon Court of Appeals.  She graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University College of Law.  We are excited to have Sara join our team.

Rick Lee presented at the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel’s Fall Seminar on October 28, 2011.  The focus of the presentation was the Top Appellate Decisions Affecting Insurers and Insureds.  Below is his commentary on Fox v. Country.