Sonya Fischer - Lake Oswego, OR

Overview

Sonya Fischer has extensive experience as an advocate for vulnerable populations. Her activism stems from parenting a child with severe developmental disabilities. The institutional barriers that she experienced as a young mother inspired her to speak up and create change for those in need of human services.

While attending Warner Pacific College, Sonya organized parents of children with disabilities to secure important early intervention services. She was soon recruited by Multnomah County, where she assisted the families of children with disabilities in accessing services and facilitated the planning and delivery of services for early childhood education, domestic violence and homeless youth.

In 1991, while completing her master's degree in Public Administration at Portland State University, Sonya began working as an intern for the late senator Frank Roberts, where she spearheaded new disability parking permit legislation. Sonya worked in Salem for 13 years. While working with the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, Sonya helped create a system of in-home supports for children with severe disabilities and facilitated the passage of legislation making it possible for children with disabilities to continue attending the same school when living temporarily outside their parents' home. As legislative staff to Senator Frank Shields, Sonya developed a package of early childhood legislation that resulted in a statewide childcare provider training program that incorporated the importance of healthy brain development for young children.

Sonya graduated from the Lewis & Clark Law School, where she was recognized for her leadership and contributions as both a Joyce Ann Harpole Scholar and a member of the Cornelius Honor Society. The Harpole award is a peer-nominated award given each year to a law student and a practicing lawyer who are notable for balancing a fulfilling life with the study or practice of law. Sonya was also recognized for winning the mock trial competition. While in law school, Sonya spearheaded a pro bono program for law students to assist families with their children's special education planning.

Sonya is a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, where she co-chairs the New Lawyers Section. She is also involved with Oregon Women Lawyers, The Arc of Multnomah County, and the Families and Advocates Coalition. She is active in her children's education, previously serving on school foundation boards and budget committees as well as volunteering in the classroom.

Sonya is a frequent presenter at conferences on topics ranging from family issues to community organizing and effective legislative advocacy.

A member of the Oregon State Bar since 2003, Sonya brings compassion and first-hand legislative knowledge to the practice of law. She combines her legal expertise with her understanding of education and service delivery systems to create successful strategies for her clients. Sonya understands her clients' struggles and utilizes a collaborative approach while building a solid record to preserve her clients' rights.