Oportunidades de Empleo

POSITION: Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a qualified managing attorney to lead one of the largest legal aid offices in Oregon—a team of nine staff attorneys, five paralegals, and one supervising attorney. Office priorities are set according to client need; current priorities are housing, family, public benefits, seniors, civil and immigrant rights.  The office serves clients living in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties, with locations in three communities (Hillsboro, McMinnville, and St. Helens).

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.  In addition to local offices, OLC maintains specialty teams including a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, a statewide eviction defense program, and a statewide farmworker program.  OLC seeks to create positive changes in clients’ lives and to eliminate the underlying causes of poverty.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. OLC encourages applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Even if you are unsure whether you meet every qualification described, we welcome your application.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The managing attorney is responsible for growing and maintaining a high-quality legal aid services office in alignment with the organization’s mission and values.  A successful candidate will be client-centered, empathetic, trauma informed, and motivated by achieving meaningful outcomes for those we serve.  The managing attorney will promote mutual respect, acceptance, and teamwork among a diverse staff, and will pilot staff in pursuit of positive outcomes and professional growth.  This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage leadership skills to make a real difference for the low-income communities of Oregon.  Managing Attorney responsibilities specifically include:

Staff Supervision & Development:

• Performance Expectations — Communicating clear performance expectations and consistently providing tools, training, mentoring, and coaching to meet them.
• Advocate Success — Ensuring each advocate is successful in providing clients with high quality legal services, ensuring compliance with ethical obligations and legal best practices.
• Leveraging Expertise — Leveraging staff experts to facilitate decisions and solutions.
• Corrective Action — Overseeing corrective action, including disciplinary proceedings, to address staff performance concerns.
• Recognition — Recognizing and uplifting staff achievements.
• Burnout Prevention — Recognizing the potential for burnout in staff and proactively identifying prevention and recovery strategies.
• Support Staff Growth — Receiving feedback from staff to identify or create training opportunities for professional growth.

Team Culture & Conflict Resolution

• Conflict Navigation — Creating an environment for conflict resolution—knowing when to provide or receive corrective feedback, and when to interrupt and/or intervene to assist staff in addressing conflict.
• Resource Awareness — Demonstrating expertise and familiarity with statewide resources to assist advocates in navigating pathways for legal and administrative support.  

Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement

• Priority Setting — Leading a biennial office priority‑setting process, gathering information on client community needs, and determining how to use limited resources to meet those needs.
• Outreach Leadership — Leading the office in development and implementation of an outreach plan—to interact and engage community partners throughout the office’s service area.
• Case Management Systems — Implementing case acceptance criteria, intake mechanisms, and case assignment protocols through team collaboration.

Legal Work & Caseload Management

• Caseload Oversight — Maintain a client casesload in proportion with management responsibilities—providing litigation support to advocates and serving as lead, or co-counsel.  

Office Operations & Administration

• Office Management — Working with the Manager of Operations for general office operations and administrative tasks.
• Hiring Responsibilities — Leading office hiring efforts and making final hiring recommendations.
• Grant & Program Management — Experience with grant/funding management, program reporting, timekeeping, file maintenance, case closing, and compliance review.

REQUIREMENTS:

Leadership & Supervision

• Team Leadership — Prior experience successfully managing or supervising others in a professional environment preferred.
• Attorney Development — Experience inspiring and developing attorneys and legal support teams in building a culture of high-quality, client-centered services through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative practice.
• Staff Mentorship — Experience mentoring and supporting the professional development of attorneys and legal support staff with varying levels of experience.
• Conflict Navigation— Strong interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build trust, give and receive feedback, and promptly interrupt and address conflict between staff.

Commitment to Mission & Equity

• Client-Centered Practice — Commitment to OLC’s mission and values, with demonstrated experience serving low-income, vulnerable, or underserved communities.
• Racial Equity Leadership — Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and experience implementing equity principles and practices into advocacy and team leadership.

Legal Expertise & Advocacy

• Litigation Experience — Minimum five years’ legal experience with significant litigation and trial skills required.
• Written & Oral Advocacy — Excellent legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Court & Partner Relationships — Experience cultivating collaborative relationships with courts, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Legal Services Background — Previous experience working in a legal services office preferred.

Program Administration & Compliance

• Organizational Skills — Strong organizational skills and ability to proactively manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Technical Skills

• Software Proficiency — Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management systems.
• Language Skills — Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Licensure & Logistics

• Bar Membership — Oregon State Bar membership in good standing or reciprocal eligibility for admission.
• Travel Requirements — Driver’s license and ability to travel for work.
• Work Hours — Availability for occasional work outside traditional business hours.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $84,000 to $127,000 depending on experience level.  Additional compensation for Spanish language skills.  Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and paid moving expenses, among others.  

Application: Resume review to begin on August 21,2026. Position open until filled.  To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Heather Kemper, Deputy Director at hekemper@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 in 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 assist OLC in achieving these commitments?

If you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact Heather Kemper, Deputy Director, at hekemper@oregonlawcenter.org.

Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time state Legislative and Policy Advocate.  This position provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced advocate to work as part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of low-income Oregonians. Legislative and administrative advocacy at OLC focuses on issues related to poverty, including family law, employment, farmworker justice, civil rights, human services and public benefits, consumer law, landlord-tenant, affordable housing and homelessness, healthcare, and domestic and sexual violence survivor advocacy.

About the Oregon Law Center

OLC is a statewide non-profit 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.  OLC operates eleven regional client service offices, 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.

About this Position

The Legislative and Policy Advocate will be responsible for moving forward a portion of OLC’s legislative and policy priorities. OLC’s agenda is non-partisan and established through a priority setting process approved by OLC’s Board. This process incorporates input from our clients and client communities, the eleven OLC offices, OLC’s litigation support unit, community partners, and the legal community. Advocacy issues and responsibilities are shared, with each member of the legislative team playing a role with subject-matter specialization and focus. 

The position is a full-time, exempt position that reports to and is supervised by the Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Advocacy.  The position will join the director and two legislative advocates, to make a team of four.  The position requires working in Salem on a daily basis during legislative sessions and at other times as necessary. OLC operates a hybrid work model, blending in-office and remote work.

Responsibilities 

• Provide high quality legislative and administrative advocacy for OLC’s client communities.
• Help policy makers understand the needs of low-income people in Oregon and the impact various proposals could have on low-income people.
• Craft strategic legislative, administrative, and budget priorities designed to be effective in both the short and long term.
• Conduct policy research to assist with the development of policy priorities.
• Work effectively with legislative counsel, legislators, OLC lawyers, community partners and other stakeholders to draft priority legislation and amendments.
• Use independent judgment, in a fast-paced environment, to further the policy goals of OLC.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with the Governor’s office, legislators, and legislative staff, as well as community partners, agencies, coalitions, and the civil legal community.
• Direct policy work of OLC employees, to ensure coordinated implementation of OLC’s legislative policy agenda.
• Prepare high-quality expert testimony and information for legislative committees and staff, analyze measures, negotiate solutions, and track priority bills.
• Help legal services advocates and community partners understand the legislative process, and legislative changes that impact client communities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to OLC’s mission: justice for low-income communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracism and racial justice.
• Exceptional prior relevant work experience.
• A high degree of initiative and demonstrated ability to work in coalition.
• Good judgment and ability to think strategically re: short-term and long-term policy agendas.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude.
• Creative thinker and problem-solver.
• Ability to work longer hours during the legislative session.

Preferences

• Oregon-based legislative advocacy experience or legal services experience.
• Experience with legislative, rulemaking, and agency budget negotiations.
• Experience working on anti-poverty policy issues including immigration, farmworker, employment, civil rights, justice reform, gender-based violence, homelessness, or others.
• Legal training, OSB membership, or demonstrated ability to manage relationships with and technical input from lawyers and other legal community stakeholders.
• Five to ten years of experience.
• Additional language skills are a plus.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. OLC encourages applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Even if you are unsure whether you meet every qualification described, we welcome your application.

Salary/Benefits: Salary/Benefits:  The salary is determined via an established scale, and placement on the scale is determined by years of relevant experience. The salary scale for this position ranges from $84,000 to $127,000 for zero to twenty years of experience. Placement on the salary scale is based on prior legislative and policy work experience, legal aid or poverty law experience or other work determined to be both equivalent and relevant.  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, and paid moving expenses, among others.

Application: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting May 8^th, 2026 with first round of interviews to be scheduled in late May.  The position will remain open until filled. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Heather Kemper at hekemper@oregonlawcenter.org.  In order to ensure a confirmation of receipt of application, please include “Legislative Advocate Position” in the subject line.

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 assist OLC in achieving these commitments?

If you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact Heather Kemper, Deputy Director, at hekemper@oregonlawcenter.org.

Position: Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks an experienced attorney to manage the State Support Unit (SSU) and lead the program’s litigation efforts, focusing on increasing full representation for the low-income communities that the legal aid programs in Oregon serve. A significant part of the assignment is to ensure that less experienced advocates have an appropriate professional mentor and trainer to advise or co-counsel in their litigation. The Director of Litigation is responsible for generating enthusiasm and excitement for the program’s advocacy, helping advocates see themselves as leaders, and helping people gain confidence and excel in their work. The position can be based in any OLC office in the state.

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.  OLC operates eleven regional offices, a state support unit, a legislative advocacy unit, a statewide farmworker program, and a statewide eviction defense program.  OLC works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) and the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services as part of Oregon’s coordinated civil legal services delivery system. 

The Director of Litigation will lead and manage a team of six attorneys and a paralegal– the State Support Unit (SSU)—that coordinates statewide advocacy by subject matter specialization. The members of SSU provide leadership on complex litigation, administrative, family, housing, and employment law. The SSU provides services to all OLC and LASO offices and programs throughout Oregon.  The legal aid offices have a strong focus on systemic advocacy and serve diverse low-income communities with a high percentage of Spanish-speaking clients.

Responsibilities: The Director of Litigation will lead and guide statewide impact litigation efforts in State and Federal Courts.  The Director will hire, train, and supervise the members of the SSU to ensure that the unit provides quality training, co-counseling, and mentorship to advocates throughout the state.   

Requirements:

• Admission to the Oregon Bar or reciprocal eligibility for admission
• Demonstrated litigation experience of at least ten years in both state and federal courts
• Extensive experience handling complex litigation at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts, including jury trials
• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism and/or have experience implementing anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches and practices.
• Experience inspiring and developing advocates and building a culture of high-quality, client-centered litigation through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative practice
• Experience serving low-income, vulnerable, or underserved communities
• Experience effectively supervising a team of legal professionals including hiring, supervision, performance management, and fostering a supportive and accountable work culture.
• A high degree of initiative and ability to prioritize, manage resources and balance a personal caseload with supervisory and statewide leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills including the ability to build trust, give and receive feedback, and mentor attorneys with diverse experience levels while maintaining a growth mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to center low-income clients and work for client identified solutions within the legal process.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. OLC encourages applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Even if you are unsure whether you meet every qualification described, we welcome your application.

Salary/Benefits: $95,300 to $127,000 depending on experience level.  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, and paid moving expenses, among others.  

Application: Resume review to begin on June 12, 2026. Position open until filled.  To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Erika Hente, Executive Director at ehente@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 assist OLC in achieving these commitments?

If you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact Heather Kemper, Deputy Director, at hekemper@oregonlawcenter.org.