Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee (Juris Doctor) - Temporary

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

This Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee (Juris Doctor) position is intended for a candidate who graduated from law school and expects to become an Oregon bar member by the end of 2025 (such as waiting for summer bar exam results). Upon being timely admitted to the bar, the trainee may then be considered for a regular Assistant Legal Counsel position that is scheduled to be recruited in late 2025.  (Link to job classification for Assistant Legal Counsel.)

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.

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

1. Public Safety: Pursue a safe and secure community by protecting people, property, and the economy of Marion County.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Economic and Community Development: Support employers, businesses, and property owners that promotes economic development and high standards of livability in Marion County.
5. Civil and Government Services: Provide efficient, effective, and responsive government through stewardship and accountability.

• Assist in preparing trial court litigation for limited to moderate-risk cases (e.g., tort claims, lien foreclosures, and challenges to county or state actions).
• Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda, motions, and responses to legal documents such as subpoenas.
• Assist in providing legal advice to county departments; respond to inquiries from government bodies and the public regarding public records, county regulations, complaints, and cooperative efforts.
• Depending on certification, appear in court for gun restoration petitions, motions to quash subpoenas, code enforcement, and administrative hearings.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Higher-level classifications may include the duties of any lower-level classification within the same series and performing work in a higher or lower classification for a limited period is a requirement of all classifications.
• Perform work at various county sites; therefore, driving is a requirement of the position.

• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• 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 assignment is not represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is not eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

Skill in legal research and analysis; drafting legal documents; and using computers to input, retrieve, and manage legal 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.