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Oregon Lawyers Halt Cases Amid Federal Shutdown Crisis

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Oregon, more than 95 private lawyers representing indigent defendants have not been paid since July due to a federal government shutdown, threatening the integrity of legal representation as lawyers decline new cases without guaranteed payment.
Drake University Law School earned an A- ranking for criminal law, citing strong clinical programs.
The law school's MLK Jr. Day Expungement Clinic assisted 37 clients and secured 25 expungements.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 federal government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This disruption echoed earlier shutdowns, notably the 1995-1996 standoff, and highlighted ongoing funding instability's impact on legal services, as seen today in Oregon, where private lawyers face declining cases due to unpaid work.

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Story summary

In Oregon, more than 95 private lawyers representing indigent defendants have not been paid since July due to a federal government shutdown, threatening the integrity of legal representation as lawyers decline new cases without guaranteed payment.
Drake University Law School earned an A- ranking for criminal law, citing strong clinical programs.
The law school's MLK Jr. Day Expungement Clinic assisted 37 clients and secured 25 expungements.

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