2026 Ken Morrow Award Dinner Honoring KO Berger
December 4, 2026, 6–9:30 pm
OCDLA's Ken Morrow Award Dinner & Holiday Banquet
Friday December 4
The Benson Hotel, Portland | Mayfair Ballroom
6:00 – 9:30 pm
KO Berger, Oregon Youth Authority Youth and Family Advocate in the Office of Governor Tina Kotek
Please join the OCDLA Board of Directors in honoring KO Berger with the Ken Morrow Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her career spanning four decades of advocacy for young people and families impacted by the justice system.
Former Governor Kate Brown will receive the Champion of Justice Award in recognition of her significant achievements and outstanding contributions to improving Oregon's justice system.
Your host for the evening ceremonies will be none other than Emily Simon, recipient in 2013 of the Ken Morrow Award – Emily is ready to take the room to new heights of wit and charm!
SPEAKING IN TRIBUTE for KO
Rita Lapp, Investigator
Leland Berger, Attorney
RSVP BY NOV. 30 | Tickets:
Standard: $150
Benefactor: $175
Table of 8: $1200
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Note: This event will sell out, so purchase your tickets now! Benefactors and Table Sponsors will be recognized in the event program. A Table Sponsor is an individual or law firm purchasing a Table of 8 and will provide guest names and meal choices to OCDLA. Tables can fit up to 10 guests; each additional guest (seats 9–10) will be charged the standard ticket price of $150.
The program begins at 6:00 PM in the Mayfair Ballroom. For complete details, click "Agenda."
Questions? Send them to Jennifer Root, jroot@ocdla.org
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What's Included?
Cocktail reception, dinner, and a short live auction to benefit OCDLA's legislative work.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations prior to the RSVP date (the Monday prior to the dinner) are eligible for a refund, or the ticket may be donated to offset costs associated with the dinner or to another person. OCDLA cannot provide refunds for cancellations after the RSVP date.
Friday, December 4, 2026
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
• Featuring former 2013 Ken Morrow Award recipient EMILY SIMON as emcee.
Includes reception with no-host bar, three-course dinner, & award presentations.
The event is a benefit for the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's work in legislative advocacy.
Ken Morrow Lifetime Achievement Award: KO Berger
Katherine Osborn Berger, J.D., has devoted her career to advocating for children, youth, and families in Oregon’s justice system. A member of the Oregon State Bar since 1987, she has spent nearly four decades representing young people, shaping juvenile justice policy, mentoring attorneys, and promoting reforms that recognize the unique needs and potential of youth. Throughout her career, she has been known not only for her legal expertise but also for her deep commitment to treating every young person with dignity and compassion.
Today, Katherine serves as Oregon Youth Authority Youth and Family Advocate in the Office of Governor Tina Kotek, where she helps youth and their families navigate challenges and ensures their voices are heard. Her work reflects a lifelong belief that effective advocacy can change lives and strengthen communities. In addition to her public service, she has been a respected educator, frequent speaker, and mentor whose leadership has influenced generations of juvenile defenders and justice professionals across Oregon.
– Oregon State Bar member in good standing since 1987.
– Frequent CLE presenter, lecturer, faculty member at Trial Lawyers’ College, and contributor to Oregon juvenile law resources.
– Recipient of multiple professional awards, including the OCDLA Julie H. McFarlane Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Former positions include:
- 1987–1990: Staff Attorney at St. Andrew Legal Clinic.
- 1990–2005: Staff Attorney and Legislative Director with the Juvenile Rights Project.
- 2006–2018: Private practice attorney handling aggravated murder and complex juvenile-defense appointments.
- 2022–2025: Resource Counsel for the Oregon Public Defense Commission.
- 2025–Present: Current Oregon Youth Authority Youth and Family Advocate in Governor Tina Kotek's office.
Champion of Justice Award: Former Governor Kate Brown
• Former Governor Kate Brown will receive the Champion of Justice Award in recognition of her significant achievements and outstanding contributions to improving Oregon’s justice system. OCDLA is pleased to honor Oregon’s Governor 2015-2023 with this prestigious award.
Kate Brown, the 38th Governor of Oregon, led the state through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and record-breaking wildfire seasons. Her significant achievements in criminal justice reform include: dismantling death row housing & commuting remaining death sentences; signing the historic juvenile waiver legislation and granting more than 70 individual commutations for juveniles; and appointing a wide array of judges to diversify the bench, including the state's first African American Supreme Court justice. A full bio of Governor Brown's accomplishments will be featured in the event program.
Prior to the governorship, Brown served as Oregon’s Secretary of State, Senate Majority Leader, and in the Oregon House of Representatives. For several years, she practiced family and juvenile law, advocating for vulnerable children and families. She holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder and a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, with a certificate in environmental law.
Currently, Kate serves as the President of the Willamette Falls Trust, where she collaborates with four Confederated Tribes to restore public access to America's second-largest waterfall, creating a space dedicated to healing, conservation, and cultural recognition.
The Benson Hotel, Portland, OR
Lodging (Group Rate Deadline November 20)
Rooms are available starting at $162 per night for a 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds Urban View room.
Click HERE to reserve your room
You may also reserve your room by calling (503) 228-2000. Be sure to mention the OCDLA Winter Conference to receive the special conference rate.
Parking- The Benson
Overnight Valet Parking: $45 per night
Short-Term Parking: $12/hour with a maximum daily charge of $45
Evening Parking: A flat fee of $15 applies after 6 p.m.
Registration Instructions
IMPORTANT - Click the yellow Save button to add your ticket to your cart 1. Click "Add New Registrant" to begin your order. 2. Choose ticket type from the pull down menu. 3. Fill out name and email fields. 4. Click "Save" 5. Click Checkout.