UTCR Committee - Home

Proposed changes to the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) and Supplementary Local Rules (SLR) are reviewed annually by the UTCR Committee. The committee makes recommendations to approve, disapprove or modify these proposals. After considering these recommendations, the Chief Justice or the entire Supreme Court, reaches a final decision on whether to approve or disapprove a proposed change.

UTCR Committee Attorney Opening — Application Deadline is July 1, 2026

The UTCR Committee will have an opening for an attorney member with significant family law trial experience beginning August 1, 2026. This is a volunteer position that is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing your law practice, areas of expertise, qualifications, rulemaking experience, and involvement in similar groups to UTCR@ojd.state.or.us, or to Rachel D. Trickett, UTCR Reporter, Office of the State Court Administrator, Supreme Court Building, 1163 State St., Salem, OR 97301. The application deadline is July 1, 2026.

The UTCR Committee advises the Chief Justice on proposed changes to the UTCR and SLR. The committee meets twice per year, in the fall and spring, in Salem. Members typically serve two three-year terms (for a total of six years), and work alongside judges, attorneys, and court staff from across the state on issues that impact trial practice.

Contact the Committee

The UTCR Reporter performs administrative functions on behalf of the UTCR Committee and is the most appropriate way to communicate with the committee. The UTCR Reporter may be contacted at UTCR@ojd.state.or.us or by mail or phone at:

Contact

UTCR Reporter
Office of the State Court Administrator
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301-2563
Phone: 503-986-5500
Oregon Relay Service 711

Meeting Schedule

The UTCR Committee meets twice per year. The annual fall meeting is the only time the committee accepts proposals for changes to the UTCR. After reviewing each proposal, the committee makes preliminary recommendations that are posted on the UTCR webpage to solicit public comment. The committee reviews these public comments and makes final recommendations at the annual spring meeting.

The committee also reviews all SLR at the fall meeting. Unless disapproved, these SLR become effective on February 1 of each year.

Anyone may submit proposals to the UTCR Committee for consideration. If you wish to do so, please fully explain the problem you wish to solve and prepare specific wording for the committee to consider. You should plan on attending the meeting to explain the proposal and answer any questions the committee may have. Please submit your proposal to the UTCR Reporter by September 1.

Annual Cycle

January 1 (SLR): Certified final hard and electronic version of SLR due in the Office of the State Court Administrator.

Early January (UTCR): Proposed UTCR changes posted on the Oregon Judicial Department website for public comment.

February 1 (SLR): SLR that have not been disapproved become effective. UTCR 1.050(2)(d).

April (UTCR): UTCR Committee meets to review public comment and make recommendations on proposed UTCR changes.

By June 13 (UTCR): Chief Justice Order adopting final UTCR with changes must be posted on the Oregon Judicial Department website.

July 14 (SLR): Last day for judicial districts to give written notice of proposed SLR changes to local bar president. UTCR 1.050(2)(a).

August 1 (UTCR): Proposed changes to UTCR become effective. UTCR 1.020(2).

September 1 (SLR): Proposed SLR must be received by the State Court Administrator. UTCR 1.050(2)(b).

October (SLR & UTCR): UTCR Committee meets to review proposed SLR and UTCR and makes recommendations.

Late November (SLR): Memo to judicial districts regarding SLR recommendations made by the UTCR Committee.

Late November to early December (SLR): Negotiations regarding SLR recommendations made by the UTCR Committee.

December 15 (SLR): Chief Justice must exercise any disapprovals of proposed SLR by this date. UTCR 1.050(2)(c).