- OSB Speaks Out for the Rule of Law
A key element of the Oregon State Bar’s mission is to promote respect for the rule of law. On March 13, in response to recent efforts to punish the law firm Perkins Coie for its legal advocacy, President Myah Kehoe released a statement defending the independent judiciary and the rule of law. The OSB Board of Governors has also signed on to a joint statement by the American Bar Association and by bar organizations across the country.
- OSB Seeks Comment on NextGen Bar Exam
The Oregon State Bar Board of Bar Examiners (BBX) is seeking input on a recommendation for OSB implementation of the National Conference of Bar Examiners' (NCBE) NextGen Bar Exam. The new exam, first available in 2026, will increase focus on legal skills and analysis, in addition to the legal knowledge emphasized in the current Uniform Bar Exam. More information is here.
- Court Approves Amendments to the Rules of Licensure
The Oregon Supreme Court has approved amendments to the Rules of Licensure, addressing: 1) requirements of the New Lawyer Mentoring Program, and 2) MCLE credits for serving as a bar examiner. Both a clean copy of the new RLs, and a redline of the amendments are available. The new rules will be effective May 1, 2025.
- Board of Governors Election – File by May 13
Three seats are up for election to the OSB Board of Governors. Relevant forms and information are available here.
- Out of State Members: New Licensure Rule Effective 1/1/25
If your principal office is outside Oregon, and you engage in the private practice of law in Oregon, new OSB Rule of Licensure 5.3 effective January 1, 2025, requires you to maintain malpractice coverage substantially equivalent to PLF primary coverage, unless otherwise exempt. See the Rules of Licensure here.
- 2025 OSB Awards Nominations
The nomination deadline for this year's OSB awards and the Edwin J. Peterson Professionalism Award is Tuesday, June 3 at 5:00 p.m. Nomination forms and instructions are available here.
Award recipients will be honored at the Celebrating Oregon Lawyers event on Wednesday, October 22 in Portland. Event details will be posted as they become available.
Event sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you have questions about the nomination process, sponsorship opportunities or the event, please contact Cathy Petrecca at cpetrecca@osbar.org or (503)431-6355.
- Oregon Law Help Soft-Launch
OSB and our partners are now testing Oregon Law Help, a new website where low-income Oregonians can find civil legal information and free or affordable legal help. During this soft-launch phase, OSB is collecting user feedback to help make the site the best it can be. View the in-progress site here and use this form to share your feedback or suggestions.
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Oregon State Bar Public Meetings
Click here for notice of upcoming public meetings pursuant to ORS 192.640. Please note that meetings are subject to change or cancellation, and may be amended during the course of the month. To confirm a meeting, call the OSB Center at (503) 620-0222.
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Judicial Vacancies
For the latest information on current State and Federal court vacancies, including selection processes, please visit our Judicial Vacancies page. This page also includes information on recent judicial appointments.
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Unified Bars and Federal Litigation
Currently there are multiple challenges across the country to the legitimacy or legality of unified bars. More information, including what these challenges could mean for the OSB, is available here.
