City Attorney

The Legal Department represents and provides legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, and other boards, commissions, and departments of the City. The department prepares ordinances and resolutions for adoption by the City Council and provides opinions regarding general municipal law issues, represents the City in litigation, and prosecutes misdemeanors and code violations in Ashland Municipal Court.

The department also handles legal matters related to the implementation and application of land use regulations and provides services related to land sales, acquisitions, and leases.

Notice: The City Attorney represents the City of Ashland, its Mayor, City Council, City Departments, and City employees in the course of official business for the City of Ashland. The City Attorney and legal staff cannot provide legal advice to private citizens.

Possible Sources of Legal Assistance for Individuals

  • Lawyer Referral through Oregon State Bar: 800-452-7636
  • Tel-Law Information: 800-452-4776
    (Tel-Law is one of the Oregon State Bar's most notable public service programs. It provides tapes on many different subject areas and provides help to over 50,000 Oregonians who use this service each year. Dial the number listed to listen to the tape of your choice.)
  • Consumer Complaints - Attorney General's Office: 877-877-9392 (toll-free)
  • District Attorney, Administration Office: 541-774-8181
  • Jackson County Circuit Court: 541-776-7171
  • Legal Services: 541-779-7291
  • Non-Profit Legal Services for Seniors: 541-779-7000
  • Community Dispute Resolution Center: 541-770-2468
  • State of Oregon website - Oregon State Agencies, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules
  • Secretary of State - Executive, Archived Records, Audits, Corporations, and Election Divisions of the Secretary of State
  • Oregon Judicial Department - Court Information, Legal Resources, Court Programs, and Rules


City Attorney Johan Pietila

City Attorney Johan Pietila