On March 9, 2007, at a sold-out dinner at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Justice Carson received the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award for promotion of minorities in the law. The award is presented annually by Oregon Women Lawyers to recognize a lawyer or judge who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of minorities in the legal profession.

As Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, Justice Carson supported the work of, and helped to implement the recommendations of, the Task Force on Ethnic Issues (now the Access to Justice Committee).

In presenting the award, Liani Reeves of the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association (OMLA) noted that Justice Carson made it a point to personally welcome new minority Oregon law students at the OLIO (Opportunities for Law in Oregon) orientation program. Justice Carson also attended numerous OMLA events, and personally called to apologize when his schedule did not permit him to attend an event. Ms. Reeves emphasized that Justice Carson did not just attend such events but actively engaged these new lawyers and law students in conversation. "He is interested in our paths; and he personally welcomes us to the Oregon legal community," Reeves said.

A standing ovation of those present joined Ms. Reeves in recognizing Justice Carson for his important work in opening doors to our profession.

Justice Carson and Liani Reeves are pictured above with the Judge Mercedes Deiz Award.