When you need a personal injury attorney, you’re likely already stressed, overwhelmed, and just trying to make the best decision for yourself or your family. But there’s one factor many people overlook: Is your lawyer truly local to Oregon?

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we’ve noticed a troubling trend over the past few years. More and more out-of-state firms are advertising as if they’re based in Oregon. They’ll rent a room in a big office building with no real staff, slap an Oregon address on a website that screams "Oregon Law", and hope you don’t notice they’ve never actually practiced here.

And here’s the thing: we do notice. Because we’re the ones who end up cleaning up the mess.

The Problem with Pretend-Local Law Firms

These firms often don’t know Oregon law, they don’t understand our procedures, and they’ve never stepped into an Oregon courtroom. They might advertise aggressively, but behind the scenes, their cases are getting mishandled.

We’ve taken over dozens of these cases after frustrated clients realize something’s not right. And while we’ve been able to help in nearly every situation, it’s not always easy.

By the time the client gets to us, the damage may already be done:

• Critical deadlines (like statutes of limitation) are missed
• Evidence is mishandled or ignored
• Medical records aren’t properly obtained or submitted
• Local judges are alienated due to unfamiliarity with court expectations

Sometimes, we can fix it. But not always. And that’s the scary part.

Why Local Experience Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

Oregon has its own unique laws, court systems, and even cultural expectations when it comes to legal cases. If your attorney doesn’t understand the nuances of how things are handled here, you could be at serious risk.

A true Oregon law firm, like ours, brings decades of local experience to the table. We know:

• How Oregon judges tend to rule
• What local jurors value and how they interpret injury claims
• The specific deadlines, procedural rules, and case law relevant to our state
• The local medical providers and how to work with them on billing or liens
• Our state’s microcultures - what resonates in Bend is different than what works in Medford, Eugene, or Portland, and we know the difference

We’ve built relationships and reputations throughout Oregon communities because we live and work here. We’re not just showing up with a Google ad and a rented office.

How Out-of-State Firms Mask Themselves

It’s not always obvious who’s really local and who isn’t. Some firms:

• List a local address, but it’s just a rented room
• Use "Oregon" in their branding, even though they’re based elsewhere
• Appear in Google searches due to ad placement, not actual proximity
• Refer your case out to someone like us after they realize they’re in over their heads

We’ve even had out-of-state lawyers call us directly to ask us to take over or serve as local counsel, because they weren’t equipped to handle the case once it got serious.

Don’t Let Inexperience Cost You Everything

Unfortunately, we know one day a file will land on our desk that can’t be fixed. Maybe a key deadline was missed. Maybe a client’s rights were lost due to procedural errors. And that keeps us up at night.

That’s why we’re passionate about helping people understand this upfront. When you’re searching for a personal injury attorney, don’t just look at the address. Ask:

• Do they actually practice in Oregon?
• Do they have trial experience in Oregon courts?
• Have they handled cases like mine in my county?
• Will I meet my lawyer in person, or just get passed off to a case manager across the country?

Your Case Deserves a True Oregon Advocate

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we’re proud to serve our neighbors across Oregon. We’re deeply rooted here, not just legally, but personally. We’ve helped thousands of Oregonians after serious accidents, including car crashes, pedestrian injuries, dog bites, workplace injuries, and more.

When your future is on the line, don’t gamble on a firm pretending to be local. Choose a team that actually is. Because when you’re facing a complex personal injury claim, local experience isn’t a bonus, it’s everything.

Call us today at (541) 617-0555 to speak with a trusted Oregon personal injury attorney. The consultation is free, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.