Oregon Records Transparency Project - Information for the Public
Lewis & Clark law students, together with experienced open records attorneys, assist journalists and media outlets with public records requests from state and local governments in Oregon. Our volunteer attorneys include the State’s leading experts in open records laws: Steve Wilker of Tonkon Torp, Cliff Davidson of Snell Wilmer, and Hannah Hoffman of Angeli & Calfo.
This practicum is offered in partnership with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), whose attorneys also lead the classroom portion to teach the foundations of Oregon Open Records law. OPB is only involved in the classroom portion. OPB will not see your request. OPB attorneys do teach the class and your student may wish to ask technical questions of them. But such situation will only occur if you consent.
Who Can Participate?
The practicum primarily serves local media outlets seeking records from Oregon state agencies or local governments. You don’t need to be based in Oregon, but your request must involve Oregon government entities. Priority is given to outlets that traditionally do not have the means to hire outside counsel.
What We Do
The Government Transparency and Open Records Practicum has been created to assist media outlets who have been denied access to public records at the administrative petition stage. This is after you have submitted a request for public records and have been denied but are seeking review though the Oregon Attorney General or the county District Attorney.
When We Operate
Students take on cases on a semester basis:
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Fall: September – November
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Spring: January – April
Requests submitted outside these windows may experience delays.
How to Request Assistance
Submit your request using this form. Forms are reviewed on Fridays, and our team will contact you about whether your petition can be taken up the following week.
Why It Matters
Government transparency matters—now more than ever.
