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Abogados y Personal de Apoyo:

The mission of the Oregon Law Center is to achieve justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services. OLC does not receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation. OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a healthy work environment for a diverse staff. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply. OLC supports the decision of the Oregon Supreme Court to grant diploma privileges to 2020 law school graduates and will not discriminate in hiring against lawyers admitted to the Bar through diploma privileges. Thank you for your interest.

Trabajos Disponibles

Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks an Executive Director to lead and advance the mission of this highly regarded statewide nonprofit civil legal aid organization.

The mission of OLC is to achieve justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services. In doing so it advances the core values of responsibility to the low-income client community; the right of clients to control decisions about the solutions pursued for their problems; the redress of historic inadequacies in the enforcement of legal rights of poor people; responsiveness to need rather than demand; and access to a full range of services and advocacy tools across the state.

With an annual budget of $13.4 million, OLC operates eleven offices around the state, with 107 staff members, including 65 attorneys. The statewide administrative office is in Portland. OLC is governed by an eighteen-person Board of Directors, composed of attorneys and client-eligible community members appointed by key players in the community, including the Oregon State Bar and local bar associations.

OLC receives funding from legislative allocation, interest on attorney trust accounts, grants from foundations, contracts, and attorney fees paid by other parties.  OLC does not receive funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation.

OLC has a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, and statewide farmworker program. OLC works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon and other partners in Oregon’s statewide civil legal aid delivery system. OLC represents clients in urban and rural communities.  OLC’s legislative priorities and legal service delivery priorities are set by the Board of Directors and guided by client community-based priority-setting processes.

OLC provides services in the areas of administrative law, including health care, unemployment insurance, food stamps, the Jobs program, public benefits, Social Security and child support; employment law, including wage claims, discrimination claims, family leave, working conditions and safety; family law, including domestic violence; farmworker law, including wage claims, working conditions, housing and health care; the Indigenous Project  and its Project Against Workplace Sexual Assault; housing law including fair housing, government subsidized housing, landlord tenant law and issues related to homelessness; and civil rights issues, including race discrimination, immigrants’ rights, education issues and fines-and-fees maters.

OLC provides a full range of civil legal services, including: community outreach and education; legal information and referral; brief service from a lawyer in the form of advice or limited action; full representation in a case through the legal process; systemic impact cases that benefit many individuals beyond the individual client; and advocacy for clients’ interests in local and regional policy-making bodies, state administrative agencies, and the state legislature.

The successful candidate will join an organization with top-notch staff, including a strong central management team, an engaged Board, deep support within the Oregon State Bar and Oregon State Judiciary, stable financing, as well as excellent relations with state and local governmental and non-governmental organizations thereby maximizing the effectiveness of OLC. OLC staff are diverse, collegial and talented professionals, resolute in their commitment to OLC’s mission and to an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.  The Board is committed to helping the newly-hired candidate marshal the administrative and executive support required to be successful in this challenging but deeply rewarding position. 

Minimum Requirements:  To be eligible, the candidate must have a JD and a license to practice law in Oregon, or commit to join the Oregon State Bar within a reasonable time.  Candidates must also have exhibited an enduring commitment to justice for low-income clients. 

Preferred Qualifications:  In addition, OLC prefers a candidate with the best possible mix of experience and the demonstrated capacity to add to the candidate’s skills once hired with respect to the following fundamental characteristics, skills, capabilities, and expectations: 

  • Continuously exhibits passionate mission-centric leadership.
  • Committed to reinforcing and deepening OLC’s emphasis on helping clients whose pursuit of justice is impaired by racism, poverty, or discriminatory practices.
  • Committed to reinforcing and deepening OLC’s emphasis on creating the respectful, inclusive, and diverse workplace that is best suited to provide service to all of OLC’s clients.
  • Aptitude for managing a complex budget in an organization fueled by multiple funding sources.
  • Effectively and respectfully engaging OLC’s essential partners and collaborators, including clients and low-income communities, Legal Aid Services of Oregon, the Campaign for Equal Justice, funders such as the Oregon State Legislature and public interest grantors, and the members and leadership of the Oregon Law Center Workers Union.
  • Broad experience in the practice of law, experience with a range of lawyering skills, and knowledge of poverty law across substantive areas.
  • Experience managing and supervising the employees of a large organization delivering legal services to clients.
  • Consistently exhibits professionalism, integrity, hard work, respect, empathy, humor, intellectual agility, creativity, and calmness

To apply:

For full consideration, applicants must submit application materials on or before April 10, 2024. Submit a letter expressing your interest in the position and your qualifications for the job with reference to each of the specifics described above.  Please include any additional information that you feel demonstrates your suitability for the position. Include your resume and the names and contact information for three professional references.

OLC is assisted in its search for an Executive Director by Patricia Pap, Consultant, Management Information Exchange, 508-737-4010, ppap@mielegalaid.org. Your submission must be made electronically to ppap@mielegalaid.org in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Candidates with questions about the position, listed qualifications, or the search process are encouraged to contact her.

At the discretion of the Board’s Search Committee, some candidates who submit letters of interest may not be interviewed.  The Board’s Search Committee plans to conduct a first round of interviews, by zoom, on April 23 and 26.  A second round of interviews will be conducted, in person in Portland, on May 3.  The full Board will thereafter make the final decision.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive organization and a healthy work environment for all staff.  We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply for this job.  Many of our employees come from backgrounds that have not always been represented in the legal field or have not been socially or economically privileged.   Provided that you meet the Minimum Requirements, we hope you will consider applying even if you don’t believe you currently meet every one of the Preferred Qualifications.

Salary depends on experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale. The expected range is $125,000 to $150,000. The benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, paid moving expenses and bar study leave, among others, as well as the pleasure of joining a team committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services.

For more information about OLC, visit www.oregonlawcenter.org.

POSITION:  The Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks an experienced litigator and leader with a passion for delivering the highest quality civil legal services to the low-income communities of Oregon and a talent for mentorship and collaboration.  As a member of our statewide executive team, the Director of Advocacy supervises OLC’s practice of law across the state, in coordination with our Director of Litigation and State Support Unit.  The Director of Advocacy’s special focus is on the effective and ethical practice of law, through careful attention to office systems, professional development and evaluations, and training.  The Director of Advocacy also helps implement OLC’s focus on DEI in our client service and workplace culture.  The position will involve extensive collaboration with other members of OLC’s leadership team.  The position may be based in Portland or may work remotely from another city in which OLC has an office.

ABOUT US:  OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services.  OLC does not receive funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position supervises managing attorneys in all regional offices of OLC as well as our Eviction Defense Project and Farmworker Program through periodic in-person office visits, regular video participation in staff meetings, and participation in priority-setting retreats, implementing all aspects of OLC’s policy for the operation of a legal aid office.  The position ensures that OLC offices conduct a community-based client needs assessment and priority setting with an equity lens, and that they implement OLC’s expectations for case acceptance and intake, client financial eligibility, case meetings and review, conflicts, calendaring, caseloads, impact work, community education and outreach, professional development, case handling, litigation and trust account handling, and error reporting.  The position is responsible to actively support and uphold OLC’s organizational DEI focus to better serve clients and create an inclusive work culture.  The position also helps to coordinate statewide legal training and skills development.  Other areas of focus include supporting hiring and professional development, maintaining expertise in ethical issues, helping to guide OLC’s technology strategy, and assisting with policy development.  Travel throughout the state will be necessary.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive organization and a healthy work environment for all staff.  We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply for a job with us.  Many of our employees come from backgrounds that have not always been represented in the legal field or have not been socially or economically privileged.  This helps them be more effective advocates for our clients and contributes to our strength as an organization.  Even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described, we hope you will consider applying, and we welcome your application.

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Law degree and active Oregon Bar membership or ability to become licensed in Oregon.
  • At least eight years of experience in the practice of law, experience with a range of lawyering skills, and knowledge of poverty law across substantive areas.
  • At least four years of relevant experience with management and supervision.
  • Demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities.
  • An ongoing commitment to learning, self-reflection, and improvement to enhance understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to stay updated on best practices.
  • Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
  • A high degree of initiative and ability to prioritize among competing tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and a flexible and curious attitude.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe, Zoom, and cloud-based phone services.

PREFERENCES:

  • Experience representing low-income clients, especially non-English-speaking communities.
  • Experience with complex, impact litigation.
  • Experience training and mentoring lawyers.

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The salary scale ranges from $74,500 to $111,250, and placement on the scale is determined by years of relevant experience as an attorney.  Additional compensation for bilingual ability.  Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid moving expenses and bar study leave, among others.

HOW TO APPLY:  Apply by March 20, 2024.  To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to Monica Goracke, Executive Director, mgoracke@oregonlawcenter.org.

As part of your cover letter, please address the following:

OLC is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon.  Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups.  It is essential to our work to serve clients that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.

How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to:  (1) serve our diverse client communities effectively, (2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own, (3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients and some colleagues face, and (4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice?  Feel free to provide examples, and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences, as you respond to this question.

POSITION:  Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time staff attorney to provide civil legal services to low-income clients.  This position is located in our Grants Pass office and serves clients throughout Josephine County.  Nestled in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains along the beautiful Rogue River, Grants Pass is Oregon’s whitewater rafting capital.  Famous for its temperate climate, Grants Pass also offers opportunities to explore ecologically unique wilderness areas, as well as small-town charm with a thriving arts scene, wineries, and a historic district. 

ABOUT US:  OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services.  OLC operates eleven offices around the state.  It has a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, and statewide farmworker program. OLC works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon and other partners in Oregon’s coordinated civil legal services delivery system.

OLC’s Grants Pass Office comprises three attorneys (including the advertised position) and one paralegal. We set priorities according to client need; current priorities are housing, family law, and civil rights. We are currently engaging in the process of setting updated priorities for 2024 to 2026. We seek to make a real difference in clients’ lives and to help eliminate the barriers that cause poverty or reduce our clients’ ability to escape poverty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The staff attorney will handle impact litigation and individual cases in state and federal court, with an emphasis on impact work.  In addition to case work, the attorney will conduct community outreach to clients, client service organizations, government agencies and other community stakeholders. There are also opportunities to assist with legislative and policy advocacy that directly affect our clients.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive organization and a healthy work environment for all staff.  We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply for a job with us.  Many of our employees come from backgrounds that have not always been represented in the legal field or have not been socially or economically privileged.  This helps them be more effective advocates for our clients and contributes to our strength as an organization.  Even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described, we hope you will consider applying, and we welcome your application.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities.
  • A high degree of initiative and ability to independently manage a caseload.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, sense of humor, flexible and curious attitude.
  • Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
  • Interest in thinking creatively about how to address our clients’ legal issues.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe, Zoom, and cloud-based phone services.

PREFERENCES:

  • Admission to Oregon Bar, reciprocal eligibility for admission, or availability to sit for next exam.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.
  • Experience representing low-income clients, especially non-English-speaking communities.

  • Experience with complex, impact litigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The salary scale ranges from $65,500 to $102,500, and placement on the scale is determined by years of relevant experience as an attorney.  Additional compensation for bilingual ability.  Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, paid moving expenses and bar study leave, among others.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resume review will begin in March 2024.  Position open until filled. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Inessa Wurscher, Managing Attorney, Grants Pass Office, iwurscher@oregonlawcenter.org

As part of your cover letter, please address the following:

OLC is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon.  Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups.  It is essential to our work to serve clients that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.

How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to:  (1) serve our diverse client communities effectively, (2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own, (3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients and some colleagues face, and (4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice?  Feel free to provide examples, and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences, as you respond to this question.

POSITION:  Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time bilingual staff attorney (in English/Spanish) to provide civil legal services to low-income clients.  The position is based in Portland and primarily serves clients in Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Sherman, and Crook counties. 

ABOUT US:  OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services.  OLC operates eleven offices around the state.  It has a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, and statewide farmworker program.

OLC’s Portland Regional Office comprises four attorneys and two paralegals and shares office space with statewide staff, including the State Support Unit and Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

The office also works in partnership with OLC’s Salem Regional Office. We set priorities according to client need; current priorities are housing, employment, administrative, health, education, consumer, tax, and civil rights.  We seek to make a real difference in clients’ lives and to help eliminate the barriers that cause poverty or reduce our clients’ ability to escape poverty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The staff attorney will handle impact litigation and individual cases, with a significant emphasis on impact work in state and federal courts.  The attorney will conduct community education and outreach to clients and community-based groups, which includes irregular hours, frequent daytime travel and occasional overnight travel.  There are also opportunities to promote the interests of low-income individuals in the development and implementation of laws, regulations, policies and practices that directly affect our clients.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive organization and a healthy work environment for all staff.  We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply for a job with us.  Many of our employees come from backgrounds that have not always been represented in the legal field or have not been socially or economically privileged.  This helps them be more effective advocates for our clients and contributes to our strength as an organization.  Even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described, we hope you will consider applying, and we welcome your application.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.
  • Demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities.
  • A high degree of initiative and ability to independently manage a caseload.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, sense of humor, flexible and curious attitude.
  • Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
  • Interest in thinking creatively about how to address our clients’ legal issues.
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe, Zoom, and cloud-based phone services.

PREFERENCES:

  • Admission to Oregon Bar, reciprocal eligibility for admission, or availability to sit for next exam
  • Experience representing low-income clients, especially non-English-speaking communities.
  • Experience with complex, impact litigation.
  • Between two and ten years of legal experience.

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The salary scale ranges from $65,500 to $102,500, and placement on the scale is determined by years of relevant experience as an attorney.  Additional compensation for bilingual ability.  Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid moving expenses and bar study leave, among others.

HOW TO APPLY:  Apply by February 16, 2024.  To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, a description of your Spanish proficiency, and list of three references to Marisa Samuelson, Managing Attorney, Portland and Salem Regional Offices, msamuelson@oregonlawcenter.org

As part of your cover letter, please address the following:

OLC is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon.  Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups.  It is essential to our work to serve clients that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.

How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to:  (1) serve our diverse client communities effectively, (2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own, (3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients and some colleagues face, and (4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice?  Feel free to provide examples, and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences, as you respond to this question.

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