Beginning in 2024, the Oregon State Bar will begin licensing qualified paralegals to perform some limited legal work previously available only from lawyers. The licenses will be for designated work in the areas of housing and family law, where up to 84% of Oregonians currently arrive in court with no legal assistance.
The program was first proposed by a 2017 Futures Task Force, and developed through the work of several workgroups between 2018 and 2022. It benefited from multiple periods of public comment and extensive input by courts, bar members and the public. The Oregon Supreme Court granted final approval in July 2022. The OSB in now accepting LP applications, and will begin issuing licenses in February 2024.
The following provides an overview of the scope of practice for LPs, all within the areas of housing and family law. Further detail is available in the Rules for Licensing Paralegals (RLPs) and in the LP Admissions Flowchart.
What kinds of cases will Licensed Paralegals assist with?
For full detail about the scope of practice for LPs, please consult the
Rules for Licensing Paralegals (RLPs).
Family Law
LPs may usually assist with:
- Dissolution of marriage
- Separation or Annulment
- Custody and Parenting time
- Child support and Spousal support
- Remedial contempt (excluding confinement)
LPs may not assist with:
- Most appeals.
- Matters involving Stalking Protective Orders.
- Modifications of custody, parenting time, or child support when the initial court order originates outside Oregon.
- Premarital or Postnuptial agreements.
- Family Abuse Prevention Act cases.
- Matters related to defined benefit plans or deferred compensation plans.
Landlord/Tenant
LPs may usually assist with:
- Oregon Residential Landlord/Tenant Act cases
- Forcible Entry and Wrongful Detainer cases
LPs may not assist with:
- Most affirmative plaintiff cases in circuit court.
- Agricultural or Commercial tenancies or leases.
- Matters involving affirmative discrimination claims, except if asserted as a counterclaim or defense of a Landlord-Tenant matter.
- Matters related to injunctive relief.
What can licensed paralegals do?
For full detail about the scope of practice for LPs, please consult the
Rules for Licensing Paralegals (RLPs).
- Enter into a contractual relationship to represent a client. For Family Law cases, this would be limited to representing individuals.
- Meet with potential clients to evaluate and determine needs and goals and provide advice.
- Assist clients in choosing, drafting, and filing forms.
- Assist clients in drafting and servicing of pleadings and documents including orders and judgments.
- File documents/pleadings with the court.
- Assist, draft, serve and complete written discovery.
- Attend depositions, but not take or defend. May assist with scheduling and compelling deposition appearances and preparing clients for being deposed and for taking a deposition.
- Prepare for, participate in, and represent a party in settlement discussions, including mediation.
- Assist in preparing for hearings, trials, and arbitrations.
- Prepare clients for court appearances and for judicial settlement conferences
- Attend court appearances and depositions with clients to provide support and assistance in procedural matters.
- Respond to the court on behalf of clients to inquiries when requested.
- Review opinion letters, court orders, and notices with a client and explain how they affect the client including the right to appeal.
