General Counsel (Portland, OR)

The Oregon Education Association is looking for a General Counsel to join our team!  The General Counsel manages the member legal services and corporate legal affairs programs for the Association and advises Association leaders, members, and staff on collective bargaining and individual employment issues; as well as provides advice and counsel on internal staff and labor relations.  In conjunction with the Director of Public Affairs & Professional Excellence (PAPE), the General Counsel also assists with the Public Affairs department on legislative and ballot measure issues as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

General

1. Support and advance the OEA mission, vision, and values.
2. Contribute to, support, and actively engage in the organization’s commitment to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Participate in activities, trainings, and/or workgroups to support OEA’s commitment in this important mission.

Legal Services for Members/Locals

1. Supervises and coordinates the OEA/NEA Legal Defense Program.  Manages the Association Professional Liability coverage and NEA-related programs with the Legal Defense Program Committee.
2. Provides legal advice and counsel, and training, to OEA Board of Directors, leaders and professional staff on labor, employment, licensure and education law issues.
3. Occasionally represents individual members in employment-related and licensure matters.
4. Manages all legal services provided by outside counsel.
5. Recruits and monitors training of outside counsel to maintain a highly skilled and deep bench of outside counsel
6. Reviews legal bills and case files and related data processing.
7. Provides staff and member training on legal issues of concern to OEA members.

Direction of Staff

The General Counsel supervises and evaluates a Confidential assistant and the Director of Human Relations & Facilities Management.

Internal Staff Relations

1. Provides legal advice and counsel to Executive Director, Managers and Board on staff labor relations.
2. At the discretion of the Executive Director, serves on the OEA Board Bargaining team during staff contract negotiations with Professional and Associate Staff.
3. Administers staff contracts and personnel policies.
4. Manages and processes internal staff union grievances, Unfair Labor Practice complaints, and arbitrations. 

OEA Corporate Legal Affairs

1. Oversee and work with outside counsel on OEA corporate legal matters.
2. Oversee corporate legal documents preparation, commercial agreements and contracts, and property matters.

Public Affairs/Government Relations

Assists in reviewing and drafting legislation and may testify before legislators or agencies as needed.

Other

1. Serve as staff to the OEA Relief Fund Committee; Bylaws and Policies Committee; Legal Defense Program Committee and Judicial Panel Committee.
2. Serve on the OEA Public Attack Response Team
3. Serve on various OEA task forces and committees
4. Serve as liaison between NEA and OEA, sharing information between the Associations.
5. Provide various forms of assistance to the organization at the OEA Representative Assembly, such as staffing the New Business Items table and presenting at hearings.
6. Attend OEA Board meetings.
7. Carry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• License to practice law in Oregon or the ability to obtain a license to practice law in Oregon before onset of employment.
• Seven (7) years’ experience practicing law with extensive knowledge of public and private sector labor law under state and national labor law statutes
• Demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:
  1. With state and federal discrimination and civil rights statutes
  2. With collective bargaining negotiations, contract grievances, and arbitrations
  3. With state licensing statutes and administrative rules governing the licensure and discipline of school teachers.
  4. With statutes that govern the evaluation and dismissal of school teachers.
• Valid drivers license and ability to drive for work-related purposes on a regular basis.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, to attend meetings, present trainings and workshops, and attend conferences.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, analytical skills, and writing skills.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with basic software programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.

OTHER INFORMATION

SUPERVISORY

• The employee works under the direction of the Executive Director and is expected to operate with relative independence.  
• This position is a supervisory role.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is based at the OEA Headquarters office.
• Travel is expected for work-related purposes. A successful candidate will have access to reliable transportation. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Oregon Education Association is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, the Oregon Education Association will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources at jobs@oregoned.org.