What kinds of services are available at county law libraries?

• Law libraries are places you can research the law. Law library staff members can help you by directing you to legal research resources and showing you how to use indexes, digests, and other research tools. However, staff members cannot do your legal research for you or provide legal advice.

Isn't all the information I need online?

• No, it's not all online.  Even if all the cases, statutes, and other laws were online, which they are not, you'd still need help finding the information you're looking for.  Law library staff can help you navigate what is available online to ensure you're finding the correct information.

Can you recommend an attorney/lawyer?

• No, but we can direct you to guides on how to find a lawyer. You can also contact the Oregon State Bar lawyer referral service at 800-452-7636.

What is Unauthorized Practice of Law?

• Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) means in Oregon it is against state law for anyone other than attorneys to engage in any conduct that might constitute the practice of law (ORS 9.160 to ORS 9.166).  Librarians, paralegals, and others who work in the legal field but are not attorneys may not interpret statutes, cases and regulations, perform legal research, or advise anyone regarding their legal rights. Librarians may, however, assist patrons in locating materials or links that would aid in individual research. For more information on UPL, see the Oregon State Bar’s UPL page and UPL posts on the Oregon Legal Research blog.