About Law Offices of Susan Chana Lask — Civil Rights Salem Oregon
Civil rights Salem clients with complex federal cases, appellate needs, or high-stakes civil litigation turn to the Law Offices of Susan Chana Lask at 1163 State Street. Attorney Susan Chana Lask has 34 years of litigation experience, including a federal First Amendment case argued before the United States Supreme Court. The firm handles civil rights, appeals, legal malpractice, commercial litigation, and animal rights cases with a national reach extending into Marion County and the Willamette Valley. Clients searching for federal civil rights representation in Oregon benefit from her appellate-level preparation and writing.
Susan Chana Lask practices with a focus on substantive legal research and precise brief writing, skills that matter most in appeals and federal constitutional cases. Her motto — “no soul suffers” — reflects a client-first approach that clients describe as uncommon in high-stakes litigation. She has taken on complex federal commercial disputes, legal malpractice claims against prior counsel, and foreclosure emergency appeals for clients abandoned by other firms.
What Clients Say
Clients describe Susan as honest, ethically rigorous, and uniquely dedicated. Several reviewers retained her after other firms ruined their cases, including a foreclosure matter and a legal malpractice claim that succeeded only after she took over. Clients highlight her willingness to respond over holiday weekends, explain legal research in accessible language, and push forward when circumstances seemed hopeless. A retired judge’s referral appears in multiple reviews, underlining her reputation within the legal community.
Civil Rights Salem — Practice Areas & Services
- Federal civil rights and constitutional litigation
- Appeals in state and federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court
- Legal malpractice claims against prior counsel
- Complex commercial and federal litigation
- Emergency foreclosure appeals
- Animal rights federal cases
- High-profile divorce and criminal defense matters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Section 1983 civil rights claim?
Under 42 U.S.C. 1983, individuals can sue state and local government officials who violate their constitutional rights. Common claims include excessive force, wrongful arrest, and First Amendment retaliation. These cases are filed in federal district court and carry strict filing deadlines, often two years in Oregon.
How long do appeals typically take?
State appeals in Oregon typically take 12 to 24 months from filing to decision. Ninth Circuit federal appeals often run 15 to 30 months. Appellate outcomes depend heavily on the record developed at trial and the quality of the written brief, which is why appellate specialists matter.
When should I hire an attorney for a legal malpractice claim?
Oregon’s statute of limitations for legal malpractice is generally two years from discovery of the malpractice. Evidence preservation and case file review must happen quickly. Attorneys experienced in suing other lawyers can assess case viability and litigate around defenses specific to malpractice claims.
Quick Facts: Civil Rights in Salem, Oregon
- Section 1983 Cases: Federal civil rights claims filed under 42 U.S.C. 1983 proceed in U.S. District Court — 42 U.S.C. § 1983
- Oregon District Court: Federal civil rights cases heard at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse in Portland — U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
- Marion County Circuit Court: State civil matters filed at 100 High Street NE, Salem — Oregon Judicial Department
Related Guide: Civil Rights Attorneys — ReachAttorneys


