Ore. Hisp. Bar Assoc. Honors Compassion & Choices Nat. Legal Advocacy Dir.

February 19, 2016

(Portland, Ore. – Feb. 19, 2016) Kevin Díaz, National Director of Legal Advocacy for Compassion & Choices, will be honored tonight by the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association with the Paul J. De Muniz Professionalism Award. The award is named after Judge De Muniz, who is the first Hispanic Chief Justice in the history of the Oregon Supreme Court. The award ceremony will take place at 5:30pm at the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

Throughout his 20-year career in public interest law, Kevin has worked to protect the liberty and enhance the dignity of individuals who, for one reason or another, have been treated unfairly.

“Receiving an award named after Judge De Muniz, the first Hispanic Justice in the history of the Oregon Supreme Court, is a great honor,” said Díaz. “I hope I do his legacy justice by continuing to follow his example of exemplary service to the Latino community and the less fortunate.”

Kevin’s work as National Director of Legal Advocacy for Compassion & Choices focuses on improving health care and expanding choice at the end of life.

“Kevin is one of the most strategic, smart and creative attorneys I have ever worked with,” said Compassion & Choices Chief Program Officer Kim Callinan. “He exudes professionalism in everything he does. He leads by example and stays laser focused on what really matters. I can’t think of a more deserving person to win this award.”

Previously Mr. Díaz has served as the Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, as well as an advocate for immigrants with a particular focus on issues affecting migrant and seasonal farm workers.

Mr. Díaz currently is a board member of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and is a member of the executive committee of the Oregon State Bar Constitutional Law Section. In the past he was a member of the Oregon Law Enforcement Contacts Policy and Data Review Committee, a board member of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and is a past President of the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association.

Born in Perú and raised in Oregon, Díaz earned degrees at the University of Oregon and the University of Washington School of Law.

Each year, the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association honors an individual with the Paul J. De Muniz Professionalism Award who elevates the practice of law by a combination of:

  • Exemplary professionalism
  • Significant contribution to the justice system and the public
  • Exceptional courage in the face of adversity
  • Outstanding service to the bench and bar
  • Outstanding service to the people of Oregon
  • Exceptional volunteer work and community service
  • Outstanding efforts in providing free or low cost services to the poor
  • Significant contribution to advancing legal education in Oregon
  • Dedication to mentoring students and legal professionals
  • Exemplary dedication to the OHBA
  • Exemplary service to the Latino community

Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts

Michael Cavaiola
National Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected] 
Phone: (480) 622 4427

Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310

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