In the State of Oregon, many people are injured because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of an individual or company. These people have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a lawyer in their state. Unfortunately, not all people that call themselves lawyers are reputable or able to properly launch a lawsuit. Membership in the Oregon State Bar is the reassurance needed to insure that an individual is qualified to present a court case in front of Oregon courts.
The Oregon State Bar is an organization that represents legal professionals in the state of Oregon. The organization was created to license and discipline lawyers, regulate the practice of law, and provide a variety of services to bar members and the public. The bar is a public corporation and an instrumentality of the Oregon Judicial Department. It is funded entirely by membership and program fees, and does not receive any financial support in the form of taxpayer dollars from the state’s general fund. Membership is mandatory for lawyers who wish to practice law in Oregon.
In 1851, the first five lawyers were admitted into practice in Oregon. To this day, admission into the Oregon Bar is stringent. Every potential lawyer must complete a series of rigorous tests to prove that they are competent to practice law in the state of Oregon. This admissions process includes a passing score on the state bar exam, completing a minimum requirement of legal education, and proving that an applicant has the professional aptitude to practice law. The process ensures that professionals that are admitted into the bar are reputable and competent in order to best serve the citizens of Oregon.