Queen’s Bench Legacy

In 1997–98, Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers, created a commemorative calendar to honor the leaders who shaped the organization and the legal profession in Oregon. Manche LangleyThis calendar marked the 50th anniversary of the organization, founded in 1948, and featured stories and photographs of founders and early members. One of the founders, pioneering lawyer Helen Althaus ’45, helped guide its creation. At the time she was working with the law school on her bequest to help establish the Manche Langley Scholarship, a longtime dream of the organization’s members, and recognized the calendar as a way to connect history with future opportunity.

Helen Althaus ’45Seed funding for the scholarship had begun shortly after Langley’s passing in 1963, but it wasn’t until bequests from Althaus and Jean King ’53, over 30 years later, that it became an endowed reality, ensuring lasting support for law students. The calendar’s pages once again celebrate the legacy of Queen’s Bench and Manche Langley’s enduring impact as a mentor, leader, and matriarch among women lawyers. Proceeds from its sales continue to support the scholarship fund.

Jean King ’53The calendar for October 1997–January 1999 aligns perfectly with October 2025–January 2027, making it just as useful now as it was then. For purchase options email lawgive@lclark.edu.