Karen Oakes raised five children as a single
parent. In 1989, she attended Shasta College where she obtained
five 2-year degrees/certificates. After graduation in 1991, she
moved to Virginia. While in Virginia, she obtained an undergraduate
degree from Averett College. Following graduation from Averett in
1995, she and the family relocated to Idaho, where Ms. Oakes
attended University of Idaho College of Law. She graduated with her
juris doctorate in 1998 and relocated yet again—this time to
Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Since arriving in Klamath Falls, she has worked
for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court (as a law clerk for the
judges), the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office (as a
deputy district attorney), and Oregon Institute of Technology (as
adjunct teaching faculty). Since 2001, she has operated her own law
practice. In 2004, the practice has focused solely on bankruptcy
and consumer protection issues. Ms. Oakes was elected Klamath
County Justice of the Peace in 2004 and took office in January
2005.