Salem’s Legal Department provides comprehensive legal services to the City of Salem, Urban Renewal Agency, and Salem Housing Authority and maintains official records documenting the work of the City government.

Divisions and Functions

The Legal Department provides a wide variety of services that benefit this organization directly and serve the residents of Salem.

Legal Services

The Legal Department provides general counsel and civil litigation services to City departments and prosecutes misdemeanors under the City’s code and State of Oregon traffic laws. Attorneys for the City:

• Prepare and review legal documents such as contracts, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to the organization.
• Prosecute quality of life crimes affecting residents, neighborhoods and businesses such as DUII, trespass, traffic, reckless driving, and other crimes.
• Initiate litigation on the City’s behalf and defend claims against the City in state and federal courts.

You can request discovery documents related to your Salem municipal court case.

Legal Assistance for Residents

We cannot provide legal advice to the public. If you have legal questions or need legal advice, below are organizations you may contact the following.

Oregon State Bar - Lawyer Referral Service
503-684-3763
1-800-452-7636

Marion/Polk Legal Aid
1655 State St.
Salem, OR 97301
503-581-5265
1-800-359-1845

Official Records

The City Recorder oversees records management for the City and maintains records of official acts of the City of Salem, Urban Renewal Agency, and the Salem Housing Authority. Records include agendas and minutes of public meetings, ordinances, resolutions, orders, deeds, easements, and agreements. View City Council meeting agendas and minutes. The City Recorder is also the City’s Elections Officer, the City’s Records Manager and Archivist, and maintains and distributes the Salem Revised Code. View more information about requesting a public record. View more information about running for elected office.