Qualifications and experience

Proven expertise across the Oregon legal system

Katina Saint Marie has spent her career in Lane County courtrooms — as a family law attorney, an advocate for domestic violence survivors, General Counsel and Executive Director of The Portia Project, and a pro tem judge. She brings nearly two decades of practice, two graduate degrees from the University of Oregon, and a record of public service recognized by the Oregon Department of Corrections and the UO School of Law.

Bar admissions

  • Admitted to the Oregon State Bar in September 2007, OSB #075327

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, English — University of Oregon, 2015
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence — University of Oregon, 2007
  • Bachelor of Arts — University of Oregon, 2004

Professional experience

  • Pro Tem Judge — Lane County Circuit Court, August 2023 to present
    • In March 2026, the Oregon Supreme Court reapproved Katina as a pro tempore circuit court judge — a judge appointed to hear cases when the court needs additional help — for a second three-year term with no restrictions, on the recommendation of the Presiding Judge and the Lane County bar screening committee.
  • Attorney — Kruse & Saint Marie, Attorneys at Law, LLC, November 2015 to present
  • Interim Director of Domestic Violence Clinic — University of Oregon, August 2024 to May 2025
  • Pro Tem Domestic Violence Clinic Supervisor — University of Oregon, Spring 2022
  • Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar — University of Oregon, September 2015 to June 2016
  • Attorney — Saint Marie Law, October 2013 to November 2015
  • Attorney — Access the Law, January 2011 to October 2013
  • General Counsel and Executive Director — The Portia Project, September 2007 to April 2013
  • Adjunct Instructor — University of Oregon School of Law, September 2013 to May 2015
  • Graduate Teaching Fellow, English — University of Oregon, Fall 2007 to Spring 2008, Fall 2010 to Summer 2011
  • Legal Assistant — Lane County Public Defender Services, July 2008 to November 2010
  • Graduate Teaching Fellow, Women's and Gender Studies — University of Oregon, Fall 2008 to Spring 2010
  • Certified Law Student — Criminal Defense Clinic, August 2006 to August 2007

Grants, awards, and honors

  • Department of Corrections Volunteer of the Year, 2014
  • OLSPIF Bandiero Public Interest Law Award, 2013
  • Doctoral Research Fellowship, University of Oregon, 2011–2012
  • Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Volunteer of the Quarter, 4th Quarter 2009, 2nd Quarter 2014

Volunteer work

  • Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Committee — Member, January 2021 to December 2022; Secretary, January to December 2022
  • Board Member — Law for the People, March 2020 to 2025
  • Center for Dialogue and Resolution — October 2020 to December 2023
  • Self-Help Dissolution Program, CCCF — May 2013 through May 2018