Free Legal Program
In June of 2018, the LOC Board of Directors created a one-year pilot program in Eastern Oregon, specifically LOC Regions 11 and 12, wherein participating cities could receive up to 10 free hours of legal advice from LOC attorneys. Cities could use the program to have LOC attorneys:
- Draft contracts, RFPs, and ordinances;
- Provide legal advice; and
- Perform a variety of other legal tasks.
LOC attorneys were prohibited from: providing legal advice related to employment law matters covered by CIS; engaging in litigation, mitigation or arbitration; and, getting involved in disputes amongst or between LOC members.
On June 14, 2019, the LOC Board of Directors extended the Pilot Legal Program in Eastern Oregon for two additional fiscal years. Instead of the program expiring on June 30, 2019, its termination date has been extended to June 20, 2021. Any city that participates in the program will be provided 10 free hours of legal advice per fiscal year, for the next two fiscal years.
By extending the program for an additional two years, the LOC will have data covering a three-year time period to analyze. After three years, LOC believes it will have a solid baseline to:
- Understand the true need and use of this type of service, allowing LOC to determine the long-term viability of this program;
- Determine ways in which the program (if it is successful) can be logically expanded to other regions of the state; and
- Identify the ability of participating cities to contribute additional financial resources to help sustain the program in the long-term.
How to Participate in the Free Legal Program
Any city in Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Baker, Harney or Malheur County with a population of 7,500 or less is invited to participate in the program over the next two fiscal years. To participate in the program, a city council must adopt a resolution authorizing participation in the program and also must execute a Personal Services Agreement with LOC.
Download sample resolution and personal services agreement
Contact: Jayme Pierce, General Counsel - jpierce@orcities.org or 503-588-6550