Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Sworn in earlier this year, Conner Price, a former Western student, has become one of Oregon’s first licensed paralegals.

Before 2023, licensed paralegals did not exist in Oregon. The licensure was created to establish more resources in-house and family law, which, according to the Oregon State Bar, were “the two areas of greatest unmet need by Oregonians.” Previously, clients had to seek far more expensive lawyers for this kind of aid, but now licensed paralegals may offer less costly assistance for similar work.

The work of a licensed paralegal may follow a wide scope of tasks: represent or assist clients in many legal instances, file documents with the court, review documents with clients and prepare clients for court appearances or other conferences — more tasks are listed by the Oregon State Bar.

Price, however, has not yet passed the Bar exam. To be a licensed paralegal, different exams are required.

“I was going to go to law school directly out of college,” said Price. “But after two and a half years of pandemic learning, I was like, I need a break.”

Price graduated from Western in 2022. Since then, he’s moved to work at a law firm located in Astoria, which, according to him, is “a beautiful little town (with lots of) rich history.”

The law firm, Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, embraced the new Oregon Licensed Paralegal program which Price completed — making him the only licensed paralegal at his location.

The program was tedious, requiring proof of 1500 hours of work, a portfolio thoroughly documenting different categories of work and multiple rigorous tests.

His time at Western prepared him well for hard work — pre-pandemic, Price had a full schedule, usually unavailable until past 8 p.m. every weekday. At times, he was taking up to 22 credits, working 20 hours at Valsetz Dining Hall, participating year-round in choir and performing with Western’s cheer team.

Price graduated with two majors — one in Political Science and the other in Communications — with a minor in History. 

“(Western) is a great little school. What I appreciated most was the small class sizes, being able to get one-on-one time with the professors,” said Price. Today, his favorite professor — his former choir professor, James Reddan — has retired, but Price still, occasionally, plays the piano as a musical outlet.

Regarding his career, Price stated that he hopes to eventually attend law school.

“I don’t know if I’m underselling it — it is a pretty big accomplishment. But it’s not, you know, passing the bar and becoming a full-fledged attorney … I never imagined that I would be licensed to practice law without first going to law school.”

Price looks forward to serving his community — especially with the knowledge that legal aid is expensive but necessary for many. “That’s where people like me come in, where I can charge significantly less and still get them the help they need within the scope of my license,” said Price.

For all interested in licensure, seek out the Oregon State Bar for information.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu