We believe jury verdicts are a way to promote positive social change. Our success in the courtroom provides a unique opportunity to give back. Making a difference means giving time and resources to causes that protect and promote the rights and well-being of others. We believe that the ability to make a difference is a privilege.

Legal Aid and Pro Bono

• Bill serves on the Advisory Counsel for Lincoln County Legal Aid.
• Bill is a past member of the Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability

Legislation

• Bill served as co-chair of the financial committee that opposed and ultimately defeated the Oregon Medical Association-sponsored initiative to limit recovery for medical malpractice claims. The Barton Law Firm will continue to strive for a better community, state and nation. Our support and advocacy of fairness and justice for all helps strengthen the fabric that holds society together.

Children's Welfare

• We have provided financial assistance to the Lincoln County Olalla Center, a local mental health treatment facility for children.
• The Barton Law Firm, P.C. has also been recognized by the Lincoln County Children's Advocacy Center for our volunteer efforts on behalf of children in foster care who have been physically or sexually abused.
• Bill is an original co-founder and past Chairman of AAJ's Child Sexual Abuse Litigation Group.

Schools

• Bill has represented area Booster Clubs in negotiations with the Lincoln County School Board in an attempt to preserve the county's high school athletic programs, school annuals, newspapers, choir, cheerleading, drama, band, and student government.
• Significant contributions to the Newport Boosters and other school clubs and activities have helped to ease the financial burden of participation for many local students. Bill has also supported projects that provide opportunities for high-school kids to earn money for activity fees.
• Bill and is a frequent lecturer at Oregon's three law schools and local high schools.

Community Involvement

• Bill has been named Rotarian of the Year and has been honored by the Optimist Club for his service to youth.
• The Barton Law Firm has made significant financial contributions to My Sister's Place, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.
• The Barton Law Firm financially supports Samaritan House, a community resource for homeless families.
• Bill and his wife, JoAnn, sponsor a bed at Thugz Off Drugs, a facility for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
• The Barton Law Firm pledged to finance one half of a two-year office space lease for Lincoln County CASA. A challenge to match the funds was issued to other local businesses. By initiating the fundraising effort, Lincoln County CASA was able to afford a larger space, thereby training more volunteers to serve more at-risk community children.
• Bill and JoAnn Barton established The Barton Family Foundation Serve, Earn & Learn Scholarship Endowment Fund.  The fund provides financial assistance to deserving students at Central Oregon Coast Community College in exchange for service to OCCC's various departments. 

Photo by Steve Card

The Yaquina Bay Optimist Club presented its annual Respect For Law award Wednesday at the Embarcadero Resort in Newport. This year's recipient was attorney Bill Barton, who was recoginzed for his involvement in the lives of high school students in the area of law. He has spoken at student body assemblies, been a mentor to at-risk youth, judged and given advice to student mock trial groups, and spoken to government and law classes. Pictured are: Greg Wells, Optimist Club president; Barton; Jennifer Haggerty, Optimist Club vice president; and Al Fitzpatrick, Optimist Respect for Law chairman.