David Bartz, Jr., president and shareholder of the regional law firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, received the Liberty and Hope Award from the Oregon League of Minority Voters (OLMV) at a dinner on May 21. In addition to Bartz, Paul Allen, owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, also received the prestigious award.

The Liberty and Hope Award is the OLMV’s highest honor and recognizes those who have taken extraordinary steps in elevating the economic, social, educational, and political aspirations of minorities in Oregon. The award was presented at OLMV’s fourth annual Liberty and Hope Awards Dinner, which convenes minority leaders, other key public and private sector leaders, and community members to meet and celebrate Oregon’s minority communities.

“Dave has poured much of his heart and soul into advancing the rights and opportunities of Oregon’s minority communities over his career and we are all very proud to see him receive this significant honor,” said Mark Long, managing partner at Schwabe.

Bartz has a long history of supporting diversity in the legal profession. He has served on the Access to Justice Committee (Oregon Department of Justice) and was recently reappointed to the Affirmative Action Committee of the Oregon State Bar. In 2008, he was honored by Oregon Women Lawyers Association for his work in promoting women and minorities in the legal profession. The award from Oregon Women Lawyers is named for Judge Mercedes Deiz, Oregon’s first female African-American judge. Also in 2008, the World Arts Foundation presented Bartz with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work to advance the success of minority attorneys.

Bartz focuses his practice on the litigation of environmental and construction issues. He has extensive experience representing clients in court and before administrative agencies including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington Department of Ecology and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

OLMV seeks to mobilize the grassroots, both within the League and minority communities, through education and training. The organization promotes respect for all individuals and the value of diversity in all communities at all levels. OLMV is committed to empowering communities in the process of collective decision making and deliberation for the common good.