In 2017, OPA implemented the voluntary Oregon Certified Paralegal (“OCP”) program, administered by the OPA Regulation Committee. The OCP program establishes a standard of competency and accountability for paralegals in Oregon, provides an opportunity for Oregon paralegals to validate their qualifications, and offers a credential to paralegals who meet certain education and experience requirements.
For the purposes of this program, an OCP is a person who:

• has been employed or retained for at least the past 12 months by an Oregon lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other Oregon entity;

• performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible;

• has experience in applying substantive knowledge of Oregon law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers engaged in legal research; preparing, interpreting, and drafting legal documents; meeting with and/or interviewing clients and witnesses; reviewing, analyzing, and communicating relevant facts and legal concepts; and performing other aspects of law office, government agency, or in-house counsel operations;

• has successfully completed the application process and meets the criteria contained within the OCP Policy; and

• may or may not hold the exact title of “Paralegal” at their current place of employment.

For more information on the program, click on the Policies & Procedures below or contact the Regulation Committee at ocp.regulation@oregonparalegals.org.

Application

Policies and Procedures (effective May 14, 2025, mailed applications should be mailed to the Oregon Paralegal Association at PO Box 8786, Portland, OR 97207 - please disregard the mailing address listed on page 5 of the linked OCP "Policies and Procedures")

Current Oregon Certified Paralegals