Groundbreaking Partnership to Improve Public Records Access
Lewis & Clark Law School and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) are creating the Public Records and Government Transparency Project, one of the first of its kind in the country.
Public records access—a legal right for anyone in Oregon—is critical, but beset with higher-than-ever barriers, like large fees and long wait times. Lewis & Clark Law School and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) are responding to this crucial moment by creating the Public Records and Government Transparency Project, one of the first of its kind in the country, to train teams of L&C law students in the complexities of Oregon’s public records system and law. These student teams will be able to assist journalists and media outlets who need legal support.
Beginning in Fall 2025, the program admits five to six students each semester and is co-taught by OPB’s legal counsel Jon Bial and Nora Broker. Lewis & Clark is fielding requests from journalists who need assistance accessing records. Students will have weekly seminars and casework supervision from pro bono attorneys and assist with every stage of a public records request, from legal research and government engagement to drafting petitions and working with the Oregon Attorney General’s Office or local district attorneys.
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