Law Clerk - Legal Counsel - Temporary (Summer 2026)

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

New employees start at Step 1 of the pay scale. $20.35/hour.

Marion County’s Office of Legal Counsel values a strong culture that encourages excellence, service, teamwork, initiative, and creativity. County legal work and litigation covers a wide variety of legal topics, including public safety, torts, employment, civil rights, property taxes, land use, quality of life, and pushing back on state/federal regulatory overreach.

Marion County serves over 350,000 residents and includes 20 incorporated cities, 37 unincorporated communities, and nearly 1,200 square miles as Oregon’s leading agricultural producer. Marion County has 17 departments, more than 1,600 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-26 total budget around $743 million. Legal Counsel attorneys serve as the exclusive civil lawyers and counselors for Marion County in a wide range of areas—including Board of Commissioners, Sheriff, District Attorney, Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, justice court, health & human services, public works, contracts, litigation, land use, parks, economic development, housing authority, utilities, waste services, community services, human resources, finance, etc.

The Office of Legal Counsel supports Marion County’s work to further its strategic plan goals:

• Public Safety: Pursue a safe and secure community by protecting people, property, and the economy of Marion County.
• Transportation, Infrastructure, and Emergency Management: Provide leadership that addresses the continual growth and increasing diversity of Marion County’s population and focuses resources on best meeting the needs of residents and supporting business.
• Health & Community Services: Promote the overall health of people in Marion County by improving the delivery of quality health services and supporting community-based prevention efforts.
• Economic and Community Development: Support employers, businesses, and property owners that promotes economic development and high standards of livability in Marion County.
• Civil and Government Services: Provide efficient, effective, and responsive government through stewardship and accountability.

1. Research and analyze legal issues and draft written memoranda.
2. Assist with preparing and conducting litigation.
3. Assist with reviewing, drafting, and responding to legal documents, including subpoenas. 
4. Assist with providing advice to county departments, responding to inquiries of other government bodies and private citizens regarding public records, county regulations, complaints, and cooperative efforts. 
5. Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

1. Bachelor's degree; AND
2. One (1) year of law school completed as of summer 2026.

• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a full-time temporary position, which is eligible for overtime.
• This position is not represented by a union.
• Typical work schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, and opinions in concise written form; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; appear effectively before a trial court or administrative body; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, courts, co-workers, and other agencies.

Skill in drafting legal documents; operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.  Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP
Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans’ Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015.  Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through Human Resources, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying.  Please e-mail Human Resources if you wish to request an accommodation.