Honorable Ann Aiken, JD ’79, Professor John Bonine, Morris Galen, JD ’50, Weston Koyama, JD ’19, Ellen Rosenblum, JD ’75, and William (Bill) Warnisher, JD ’91, are examples of Law Ducks who have personified Oregon Law’s public-minded lawyering and leadership tradition.

Judge Ann Aiken, JD ’79: Committed to Justice Reform and Mentorship

Judge Ann Aiken, JD ’79, is a senior US District Court Judge for the District of Oregon and is known for her commitment to justice reform and mentorship. A native of Salem, when Aiken was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1998, she became the first woman to serve as Chief Judge of the District of Oregon (2009- 2016). Judge Aiken has presided over significant cases, including rulings on the USA PATRIOT Act and the Juliana v. United States climate lawsuit. 

Aiken pioneered the District of Oregon's Re-entry Court, supporting rehabilitation for former inmates. A dedicated mentor, she has guided hundreds of Law Ducks, primarily through externships and clerkships, inspiring law students and new lawyers to think courageously and creatively about their future careers.  Aiken’s impact on legal education, the profession, and her noteworthy contributions were recognized with Oregon Law’s 2020 Meritorious Service Award.

John Bonine: A Trailblazer in Environmental Law

Before joining Oregon Law’s faculty in 1978, John Bonine served as a legislative assistant in the US Senate and as associate general counsel with the EPA. During his tenure at Oregon Law, Professor Bonine was a transformative educator, scholar, and leader, and helped to propel the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center (ENR) to prominence as a hub for innovation and public interest activism 

Bonine co-founded the world’s first environmental law clinic in 1978, which later evolved into the Western Environmental Law Center, providing pro bono legal support to grassroots conservation organizations. He also co-founded the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW), a global network of public interest environmental attorneys, and the internationally renowned Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC). 

As a faculty leader with ENR, Bonine helped direct the Global Environmental Democracy Project, focusing on transparency, public participation, and access to justice in environmental decision-making. Throughout his career, Bonine worked to empower communities, strengthen environmental governance, and advance global environmental justice. His teaching, scholarship, and advocacy continue to shape the next generation of environmental lawyers and drive reform in environmental law across the globe.

Morris Galen, JD’50: Principled Lawyer and Generous Supporter of LRW

Morris Galen, JD ’50, was a founding partner of Tonkon Torp LLP, one of the largest law firms in Portland, Oregon. Known for his sharp legal mind and principled leadership, Galen was recognized from 2008-2018 as one of the best lawyers in America by Real Estate Law. He also received the 2015 Jaqua Distinguished Alumnus Award from Oregon Law. 

Practicing for over six decades, Galen began his legal career during a time when Oregon Law was building its now-renowned Legal Research and Writing (LRW) Program. The rigorous training in legal analysis and writing that he received helped lay the foundation for his success in both law and business. 

Galen was also a generous supporter of legal education, contributing to scholarships and academic initiatives that strengthened the LRW Program and the school’s national reputation. Through his substantial gift, and the gifts of colleagues who wished to honor him, he dedicated funds to create the Galen Endowment for the Advancement of Legal Writing, helping to ensure his legacy endures through generations of Oregon Law students and faculty members serving as the Galen Scholar in Legal Writing.

Weston Koyama, JD ’19: Advocating for Marginalized Communities

Weston Koyama, JD ’19, is a dedicated Japanese American public defense attorney based in Portland, Oregon. Koyama’s passion for justice is deeply rooted in his family's history; his great-grandfather, Keizaburo Koyama, was unjustly incarcerated during World War II, an experience that profoundly influenced Weston's commitment to civil liberties. 

Koyama has worked as a public defender with Metropolitan Public Defender in Portland, as an associate attorney with Andor Law, a staff attorney with the Oregon Law Center, and as assistant attorney general working in the Oregon Department of Justice, Appellate Division. Through his private practice, Koyama continues to advocate for marginalized communities, striving to ensure that every individual receives fair and zealous representation in the justice system. While at Oregon Law, Weston was the first-ever Minoru Yasui Fellow and was involved with the Asian Pacific Law Student Association (APLSA). 

Ellen Rosenblum, JD ’75: Embodiment of the People’s Attorney

As the first woman to hold the position of Oregon’s Attorney General (2012-2024), Ellen Rosenblum, JD ’75, was the embodiment of the people’s attorney during her forty-two years in public service. Driven by the critical need to protect and advocate for all, Rosenblum helped to ensure fair treatment for everyone, especially those most vulnerable. She led efforts to challenge federal policies she viewed as harmful to Oregonians, and she took strong stances on issues like privacy, reproductive rights, and public access to government. 

Rosenblum’s career in law began as an assistant US attorney in Eugene and Portland, where she focused on prosecuting white-collar crimes. She later served as a state trial court judge and then as a judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals. Rosenblum’s legacy of fairness, independence, and strong commitment to justice continues to shape Oregon’s legal landscape. 

William (Bill) Warnisher, JD ’91: A Dedicated and Compassionate Prosecutor 

For over twenty-five years, Bill Warnisher, JD ’91, handled some of the Lane County District Attorney’s most challenging cases. His dedication to the rule of law was matched only by his devotion to mentoring both practicing attorneys and aspiring law students. Warnisher began his career as a judicial clerk for Judge Gordon Cottrell. Later, he joined the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, and also served as a municipal court judge. He was known by opposition attorneys, judges, and colleagues alike for his unflinching integrity and a relentless pursuit of the truth rather than victory. Warnisher’s leadership and mentorship embodied the ideals to fight fairly and to never lose sight of the humanity of everyone involved in a case. His desire to make a difference was influenced by his extensive travel throughout the world and, through the law, he discovered his calling as a “champion for the victims.” Warnisher received the Joseph M. Kosydar Award for Professionalism from the Lane County Bar Association in 2011 in recognition of his professionalism and civility.