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Legal Assistant

Permanent | Full Time | Salem, OR 

The Oregon Public Defense Commission is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Legal Assistant to support our attorneys in the Criminal Appellate Section and contribute to the important work we do statewide. In this role, you will manage case files, track critical deadlines, navigate court systems, and provide essential office-wide support. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and grow within a supportive team, we encourage you to apply today!

Position: Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary) Criminal Appellate Section

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• This is a hybrid position after trial service is complete.  Training is 100 percent in-person, which typically lasts three to six months.  After successfully completing trial service, the position allows for 50 percent of remote work with the other 50 percent in-person work.

Location: Salem, OR

Salary Range: $4,186 - $6,187

About the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC)

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.  

OPDC’s mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for people eligible for a public defender.  Its office includes the Executive, Appellate, Trial, Trial Development & Resources, and Administrative Services Divisions.  

OPDC negotiates contracts with trial level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.    

What you will do 

The Legal Assistant in the Criminal Appellate Section supports multiple attorneys who provide appellate representation to clients primarily in criminal cases and parole cases by performing complex administrative clerical work including preparation of legal documents, calendaring, records maintenance, and communications with parties and court staff.

Duties  

Attorney Support

The person in this role will provide comprehensive legal assistant support to assigned attorneys by maintaining organized case files, processing incoming documents, and reviewing trial court records and electronic case management systems. They will also monitor caseloads, calendar deadlines, and database reports to ensure timely and accurate case tracking. This role will also produce files and documents as requested by attorneys or management.

Office Support

This position will provide cross-coverage and support for other legal assistants, including serving as “officer of the day,” covering for assistants on extended leave, and managing case transfers and intake processes. The Legal Assistant will coordinate key operational functions such as the rotating officer-of-the-day schedule and the oral argument docket. Additionally, they will assist with central reception duties as needed.

Ongoing

The Legal Assistant will support coworkers, supervisors, and clients by participating collaboratively in office activities and helping identify and resolve issues constructively. They will foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.

For the full position description, please send your request to:  opds.hr.info@opds.state.or.us   

Minimum Qualifications 

Two years of clerical/secretarial experience which included at least one (1) year as a legal assistant or secretary for an attorney or judge or performance of legal support duties (such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records or researching legal information.

Experience must include proficiency in word processing software.

College coursework or training in Office Technology that included courses in legal terminology and legal office procedures may substitute for up to one year of the general clerical/secretarial experience (1 year = 40 quarter hours/30 semester hours).

Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and attributes to provide effective legal and administrative support, coordinate case-related activities, maintain accurate records and documentation, ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures, and contribute to the efficient operations of the Criminal Appellate Section of OPDC:

• Legal concepts: Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, and procedures necessary to complete court filing requirements.
• Strong attention to detail: Ability to identify and correct grammatical errors, typographical errors, and formatting inconsistencies before filing motions, briefs, and notices with the court.
• Communication: Effective communication skills, including ability to draft clear, concise, professional correspondence tailored appropriately to clients, court staff, attorneys, and other pertinent parties. 
• Exceptional organization and file-management skills: Demonstrated ability to meticulously maintain and organize client files, including accurately documenting each task completed on a case as it is finished. 
• Deadline and calendar management: Demonstrated ability to track and calendar significant stages of each case for 4-6 attorneys.
• Teamwork: Reliability and flexibility in providing coverage and support for coworkers, including covering duties that require in-person attendance in the office.
• Technical proficiency: Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and navigate electronic court filing systems and case management databases.
• Time management: Ability to prioritize work assignments to ensure task completion within established timeframes and by expected deadlines.  
• Mission driven: Must approach vulnerable populations with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Workplace culture: Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with management, staff, and internal and external stakeholders, while committing to a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace. 

What’s in it for you 

You will continue to be a part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!   

Comprehensive Benefits Package   

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance   
• Basic life insurance   
• Optional supplemental benefits   
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)   

Generous Paid Leave   

• 10 paid holidays annually   
• 3 personal business days each year   
• Vacation leave that increases every 5 years of service   
• Monthly sick leave accrual   

Professional Development   

• Training and continuing education opportunities   
• Career growth and advancement pathways   
• Leadership development opportunities   

Public Service Loan Forgiveness   

• Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program   

Work-Life Balance   

• Hybrid and flexible work opportunities, when operationally appropriate   
• Employee wellness resources   

 Recruitment Process Timeline   

These dates are approximate and may change: 

• Recruitment Closes: Sunday, November 22, 2026 @ 11:59P PST
• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing   
• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing   
• Interviews: Week of November 30, 2026

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.   

Required Application Materials 

Resume, Cover Letter & References

• Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile aligns with your submission.  
• As part of the application process, we are requesting that you submit a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the desired attributes for the Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary) position, listed in this job announcement.
• Provide a list of three professional references, including their relationship with you and their contact information. One of your references should be your current supervisor.

Important Applicant Information

• Save a copy of this announcement for your reference. It will no longer be available after the posting closes.
• Clearly demonstrate your qualifications. Your application materials, including the work experience and education sections, should demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes outlined in this announcement.
• Submit all required documentation. Failure to attach required documents may result in disqualification.
• Educational and personal information: The State of Oregon does not request or require applicants to provide their age, date of birth, or educational attendance or graduation dates during the application process.
• Monitor Workday and your email. After submitting your application, check for additional tasks, required documentation, and updates. All required tasks must be completed before the posting closes.
• Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and current or former Oregon National Guard servicemembers who meet the position's qualifications may receive candidate preference. Please review Veterans Resources for eligibility and documentation requirements. Required documentation must be submitted before the posting closes to receive consideration.
• Questions or accommodation requests: For questions about this announcement or to request an alternate application format, contact Kelli Anne Rodrigues at Kelli.A.Rodrigues@opdc.state.or.us.

OPDC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.