ORS 180.220: Powers and duties.

(1) The Department of Justice shall have:

      (a) General control and supervision of all civil actions and legal proceedings in which the State of Oregon may be a party or may be interested.

      (b) Full charge and control of all the legal business of all departments, commissions and bureaus of the state, or of any office thereof, which requires the services of an attorney or counsel in order to protect the interests of the state.

      (2) No state officer, board, commission, or the head of a department or institution of the state shall employ or be represented by any other counsel or attorney at law.

      (3) This section is subject to ORS 825.508.