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Just three years after finishing law school at the University of Oregon, Anna Sortun went back to her alma mater to teach first-year torts law as a visiting assistant professor. She began her career as a clerk for Judge Alfred T. Goodwin of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and now works for Tonkon Torp LLP, where she has excelled in courtroom litigation.

Sortun is also a legal scholar, and has published articles in the Oregon Litigation Journal, the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform and the Oregon Law Review.

But she鈥檚 also earned recognition for her work in the community. In 2007 she was co-winner of the Multnomah County Bar Association Pro Bono Award of Merit for her work on the landmark case of Legal Aid Services of Oregon v. Legal Services Corporation.

She is primary legal counsel to Portland School and Community Reuse Action Project, more commonly known as SCRAP Portland, and has represented indigent clients through the Southwest Legal Clinic. She also finds time to provide pro bono legal advice to nonprofits on employment matters.

At Tonkon Torp, Sortun mentors new lawyers and works with in-house development training. She鈥檚 a member of the firm鈥檚 hiring committee, which recruits law students through a summer associate program.

She is an active member of the Oregon State Bar Committee on Federal Practice and Procedure and Oregon Women Lawyers, and is a past member of Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court.

Sortun is involved in the arts as a board member of Photolucida, a contemporary photography nonprofit, and for three years was a board member of the Northwest Dance Project. She has also done volunteer work for Girls Inc. of Oregon with its Power of the Purse Auction.

What was your favorite law school course (and why)?

Constitutional law.聽 It was (and still is) fascinating to learn about how our laws have evolved in response to changes in our cultural and political climate.

Which living person do you admire the most?

My parents tie for first place, but someone who has been on my mind lately is Edna Adan. I just read about her in 鈥淗alf the Sky鈥� by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Her commitment to the women of her country is truly inspiring.

What鈥檚 the first CD you bought with your own money?

“Disintegration” by The Cure.

What trait do you most admire or like in others?

Authenticity.

What is your favorite word?

Our son will be two in January and is learning to talk.聽 He just discovered “green,” and now every time we see a green light, car, bug 鈥� you name it 鈥� he gleefully shouts “gweeeeeeen!” It makes me really happy.