Community Law Division Legal Assistant II
Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc See More Job Openings by This Employer
MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties.
Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit: www.mpdlaw.com
Community Law (CL) is the civil law division of MPD. CL was formed in 2016 in response to the growing concerns related to the collateral consequences of being justice-involved and the disproportionate number of people of color suffering under these consequences. CL has both a civil law and an immigration law team. CL’s specialty is diminishing the downstream effects of criminal justice system involvement. We represent people from the community who have previously encountered the criminal justice system, as well as other vulnerable and underserved populations in Portland and Multnomah County, to remove barriers to housing and economic stability. We also advocate for systemic changes to help Oregonians previously involved in the criminal justice system. Our model is designed upon partnering with local government agencies and community-based organizations to serve our clients, working together to help clients remove barriers to economic opportunities, navigate legal systems, and achieve justice.
MPD is currently searching for a Legal Assistant II to join our Community Law Team. The Community Law Legal Assistant II serves as liaison between client, attorney, and partner organizations and actively participates in client advocacy. They will communicate with staff at community-based organizations to seek external services for clients, as well as conduct eligibility screenings, intakes, and obtain basic case information for MPD legal services. The Legal Assistant II is responsible for maintaining accurate records, and actively participates in team meetings for case review and discussion of office-related issues. The ideal candidate is committed to justice for low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals and households and understands the economic and systemic issues these populations face.
This position pays $46,380.00 - $68,525.00 per year commensurate with experience and additional compensation for bilingual ability. Staff are members of a union. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. All Community Law positions are contingent upon continued funding. In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:
- Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid
- 401(K) – MPD will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
- PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrues monthly to 80 hours and increase to 120 hours starting at 24 months
- 10 paid holidays + 2 Personal Equity Days
- 4 Mental Health Days per year
- Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire + accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment
Position Qualifications
- Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to learn additional software as needed
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Position Preferences
- Prior legal assistant or paralegal experience
- Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues
- Experience working with low-income populations
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Fluent in Spanish highly preferred.
Work Environment:
- MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
- This is a hybrid position. Legal assistants are expected to work in-person at least twice per week in our downtown Portland office or if required for court filings, meeting clients, and/or other administrative tasks
- Applicants must reside in Oregon or be willing to relocate for the position
To Apply:
- Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work at MPD
- Internal applicants should apply via the Career Center on ADP
- Applications accepted through August 11, 2025 or until position is filled
Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.
MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.
- $32.94 - $22.29/hour
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