Oregon

Oregon Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Oregon. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Oregon Law Center

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Oregonians statewide in housing, employment, public benefits, and farm worker issues.

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Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Offers free legal help to low-income residents across Oregon in family, housing, consumer, and public benefits matters.

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Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Connects residents with attorneys for legal consultations and provides referrals for pro bono assistance.

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Oregon Law Center

Provides free legal services to low-income Oregonians statewide in housing, employment, public benefits, and farmworker issues.

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Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Offers free civil legal help to low-income residents across Oregon in housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Oregon is the court of last resort with seven justices. The Court of Appeals handles intermediate appeals with 13 judges. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in all 36 counties. Oregon does not have separate municipal courts; all matters are handled through the circuit court system.

Key State Laws & Protections

Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Comprehensive tenant protections under ORS Chapter 90, including statewide rent control (limited to 7% plus CPI annually), security deposit rules, and just cause eviction requirements for tenancies over one year.

Oregon Equality Act

Broad anti-discrimination law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, and disability.

Oregon Unlawful Trade Practices Act

Consumer protection law under ORS 646.605 prohibiting deceptive business practices with enforcement by the Attorney General and private right of action.

Paid Leave Oregon

Provides up to 12 weeks (14 for pregnancy complications) of paid leave for family, medical, and safe leave purposes.

Oregon Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Strong tenant protections under ORS Chapter 90, including statewide rent stabilization limiting increases to 7% plus CPI annually.

Oregon Family Leave Act

Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid protected leave for employers with 25+ employees, covering more workers than federal FMLA.

Bar Association

Oregon State Bar
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Legal Aid Services of Oregon at 1-503-224-4086 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Oregon DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-866-223-1111

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Oregon Paid Family Leave (2025)

Continued implementation of Paid Leave Oregon providing up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

Oregon Rent Stabilization Updates (2025)

Adjusted annual rent increase caps and strengthened just cause eviction requirements for tenant protection.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $35-$55 (claims up to $10,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $281-$550

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $273-$350

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Oregon Law Center

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Oregonians in housing, family, and public benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Free legal help in 26 Oregon counties covering housing, family, consumer, and immigration matters.

Visit Website →

Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Reduced-fee consultations and referrals to Oregon attorneys for qualifying individuals.

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State Bar Resources

Oregon State Bar

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (503) 684-3763

Pro Bono: Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Committee coordinates volunteer attorney programs.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Oregon

Oregon has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Oregon, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Oregon-specific details.
Oregon allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Oregon sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Oregon minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Oregon sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Oregon.