Urban League Hires Former DA Mike Schmidt as General Counsel

Attorney Mike Schmidt has joined the Urban League of Portland as general counsel. As Multnomah County District Attorney, Schmidt was pioneered justice reforms modeled throughout the U.S. While in office, he also worked with the Urban League of Portland to secure funding for Oregon’s first justice integrity unit. The unit was responsible for overturning wrongful convictions and helping people continue their successful rehabilitation and re-entry to the community.

 “I have gotten to know Mike over the years, beginning before he became the district attorney for our region’s most populous county. I know he’s the right person to support our legal and advocacy teams. At this moment of scripted chaos in Washington, DC, our Urban League is ready to fight back for the people we serve across Oregon and Southern Washington,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Nkenge Harmon.

 “I expect great work from Mike and our advocacy team,” she added.

 His portfolio at Urban League will include housing, health care, environmental justice and civil rights.  Harmon said, “Seeing the former DA successfully lobby for funding for a critical justice initiative let me know that he would stick to his campaign promises, even in the face of predictable pushback from cynical opponents. He believes Oregon is for all of us, not just the wealthy.”

Schmidt appreciates the Urban League and its members for entrusting him with such a critical role at a turbulent time.

The Urban League of Portland has protected and advanced civil rights for 80 years,” Schmidt said. “As we celebrate that 80th anniversary, we will use every legal tool available to ensure the promise of civil rights and democracy remains unbroken in the Pacific Northwest.”