Entering the Political Public Sphere

After graduating from law school, Norma began her career in law at a local private practice up until her decision to run for public office in 1970. In her first run at politics, Paulus campaigned  for a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives and was up against Democrat Mike Dye, both alumni of the Willamette University College of Law. Norma won the general election and served as the state representative for Marion County through the 1975 legislative session after winning two re-election bids. One of the most notable pieces of legislation that Norma sponsored during her time as a representative was Oregon's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.