“How to Make a Life in the Law,” is a one-man show and historic creation based on one of the nation’s great judges and one of the 19th century’s most popular authors. Bill has meticulously studied the life and writings of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and delights audiences by bringing his unique perspective, signature directness, and character to life, relating in the first-person Holmes’ significant impact on the US Constitution, social thought, and legal policy as we know it, as well as fielding questions in-character on issues as contemporary and diverse as Obamacare and same sex marriage.
Category: General
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Rogue Nation Honors Bill with Promotion to “Global Ambassador” for the Brand
For more than five years now, Bill has been tapped by Oregon craft brewer Rogue Ales both as an advisor, and as Chief Brand Socializer. The company leverages Bill’s passions for authenticity and storytelling to train new employees in how to communicate the brand. In February his service to the company was acknowledged with a promotion to Rogue “Global Ambassador.” Prior he’d been named, “Ambassador at Large.” We’re sure there are more perks involved.
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Who is That on That 10 Hopoe Bill?
On a bill? That would be Bill. Beginning in 2009, Rogue Nation, Oregon’s eclectic beer, spirits, and hospitality powerhouse began issuing its currency honoring our own Bill Barton for all his support of the Rouge Brand and the business community in Newport, home of Rogue World Headquarters. Bill gladly hands out his namesake, talking up Rogue all the while. “That’s real money, there…don’t forget to use it,” he says. And so the Rogue legend grows.
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Bill Honored with Owen Panner Professionalism Award by the Oregon State Bar
“Not only is Bill the recipient of this award, but he is the epitome of this award,” said Judge Owen Panner, namesake of the Oregon State Bar’s Professionalism Award. Bill received the 2013 Owen M. Panner Professionalism Award, the top recognition in the state for personal and professional standards and the furthering of the legal profession. Selected by a jury of peers from both sides of the bar, the award was presented at the annual banquet of the Litigation Institute and Retreat.
View a video highlights reel from the awards ceremony.
Judge Panner, a longtime friend, personally presented the award to Bill. Diverse speakers, including his son and business partner Brent Barton, Peter Richter of Miller Nash, and Anthony Owens, the assistant men’s basketball coach from PSU, toasted Bill commenting on his unparalleled trial skills, unique personality, and deep commitment to law, mentorship, and friendship. “It would be safe to say that Bill honors this award more than the award honors him,” said Judge Panner.
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“Serving Time” on Behalf of Others
With a commitment to social justice, community, and service, Bill and Brent provide legal aid and pro bono services—as well as countless volunteer hours—to various nonprofits in our Newport and Portland communities, and around the state.
- Bill serves on the Advisory Counsel for Lincoln County Legal Aid and is a past member of the Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability.
- Brent has served on the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and the Classroom Law Project; volunteers time for nonprofits like the Oregon Humane Society, and Clackamas Children’s Center; and has served on the boards of the Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theatre. He was also appointed to serve on the Willamette River Cleanup Authority’s commission.
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Brent Barton Serves on Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
In 2009-10 Brent served on the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, a governmental body seeking to implement evidence-based practices in Oregon criminal law. The commission provides a centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems, and develops long-range public safety plans for state prisons, jails, and corrections programs.
Read more about the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
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Bill and JoAnn Barton Endow SEAL Scholarship Program
Bill and JoAnn Barton founded the Barton Family Serve, Earn, and Learn (SEAL) Scholarship Program at Oregon Coast Community College this year because of their belief in the power of education and their desire to bring hope and a spirit of service to current and future OCCC students. The fund provides financial assistance to deserving students at OCCC in exchange for their service to many of the college’s departments.
The Bartons made a generous donation of $300,000 to the OCCC Foundation, with $280,000 set aside as an endowment fund to perpetuate the scholarship. Annual SEAL recipients are supported in their pursuit of a higher education, relieved of some of their educational loan debt, and actively mentored by instructors and staff. They complete on-campus service assignments—45 to 72 hours per term—which increase their work experience, foster career development, and increase their chance of student success. Students benefit from work experience in the nursing skills lab, science labs, tutoring center, small business development center, students services, facilities, and the library.
Since the Barton’s original founding gift, the OCCC Foundation has received additional funding for the SEAL Scholarship Program from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, the Estate of Alline McAlister, and a generous gift from Mr. John Sherman.