HOD4_Results

Whereas, the Oregon State Bar supports enhanced Access to Justice;

Whereas, Access to Justice depends upon the availability of an adequate number of Oregon State Bar Member Lawyers to serve the needs of the unserved 80% of Oregonians;

Whereas, the number of OSB Lawyers has failed to keep pace with the population growth of Oregon, resulting in underserved Communities being denied Access to Justice in Civil and Criminal cases;

Whereas, the ongoing shortage of Oregon Lawyers has become more critical in rural Counties; OSB Accredited Law Schools will inspire rural Law Students to represent local Clients by residing and practicing in rural Counties;

Whereas, the shortage of Public Defender Lawyers has also become an acute problem implicating deprivation of Constitutional Rights to Legal Defense Services;

Whereas, the ABA Law School Tuition, and the accompanying burden of Student Loan Debt, has negatively impacted the present and future supply of potential OSB Lawyers;

Whereas, State of Oregon Accredited Law Schools will open more Legal Career Opportunities for students from diverse communities, by making a Law School Education affordable;

Whereas, State of Oregon Accredited Law Schools could provide certain online classes, along with internships and periodic in-person seminars offering flexible scheduling of courses, without the expense of student housing;

Whereas, State of Oregon Accredited Law Schools could feature local practicing Adjunct Faculty Members, with practical experience in representing Clients within their County and community;

Whereas, State of Oregon Accredited Law Schools could qualify for voluntary financial support by OSB Law Firms and Community Non-profits via Endowments and Scholarships; and,

Whereas, State of Oregon Accredited Law Schools could participate in affordable Alternative Pathways to the Bar; now,

Resolved, that the House of Delegates recommends that the Board of Governors appoint a Voluntary Workgroup to study the feasibility of Oregon State Bar Accredited Law Schools.
 

Financial Impact

The Board of Governors anticipates there will be a budgetary impact based on additional staff time needed to support the volunteer workgroup.

 

Presenter:
Danny Lang, OSB #790078, Ex-Officio Delegate, Region 3