Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award
The Oregon State Bar Litigation Section is proud to present the annual Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award at its annual retreat in March of each year. The award is named after an esteemed member of the federal bench, and honors a member of the bench or bar who exemplifies the highest personal and professional standards.
Past recipients are:
| Year | Recipient |
| 2026 | Julie Vacura |
| 2025 | J. Scott Moede |
| 2024 | Stephen English, Portland |
| 2020 | Clarence Belnavis, Portland |
| 2019 | Hon. Anna Brown, Portland |
| 2018 | Robert Shlachter, Portland |
| 2017 | Joe Richards, Eugene |
| 2016 | Hon. Michael J. McShane, Eugene |
| 2015 | Jim Gidley, Portland |
| 2014 | Hon. Mark D. Clarke, Medford |
| 2013 | William A. Barton, Newport |
| 2012 | Judge Lynn R. Nakamoto, Portland |
| 2011 | William B. Crow, Portland |
| 2010 | Nancie Potter, Portland |
| 2009 | Thomas E. Cooney, Lake Oswego |
| 2008 | Carl Burnham, Jr., Ontario |
| 2007 | James L. Sutherland, Eugene |
| 2006 | Arthur C. Johnson, Eugene |
| 2005 | Donald B. Bowerman, Oregon City |
| 2004 | Mic Alexander, Salem |
| 2003 | Fred Hartstrom, Eugene |
| 2002 | Tom Tongue, Portland |
| 2001 | Judy Snyder, Portland |
| 2000 | Gene Hallman, Pendleton |
| 1999 | Don McEwen , Portland |
| 1998 | Hon. Owen M. Panner, Portland |
To nominate a candidate for the Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award, please send a confidential letter to [email protected]. Be sure to include a short statement of the reasons for your nomination, and at least two further references for the nominee. You will be contacted for more detailed information if your nominee becomes a finalist.
Nominations are accepted year-round, but typically close in May for consideration of the following year’s award. Late nominations and nominees who are not selected to receive the award will be carried over to the next year’s candidate list.
Screening and Selection Criteria for Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award
- The award recipient should exemplify (not simply meet) the standards defined in the Oregon State Bar Statement of Professionalism.
- The award is intended to recognize and honor personal and professional qualities, reputation, and conduct. Leadership activities and service with the bar or the community in general, while probative of professionalism, should not be considered key in the screening and selection process.
- Pro bono service should be considered in the screening process.
- The award recipient should be a role model for other attorneys, particularly younger attorneys.
- Because the recipient should serve as a role model, an appreciation of diversity in the screening and selection process is essential. In particular, the award should recognize the increasingly important contributions of lawyers who are women, minorities, engaged in public/government practice, and solo and small firm practitioners.