Legal Secretary

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: https://www.mpdlaw.com/

MPD is currently searching for a Legal Secretary to join our Washington County Office. The Legal Secretary position is a customer service position providing administrative and clerical support to the office.  This position reviews and files legal documents, handles client trust fund intakes, distributes hearing notices, and supports reception duties as well as assisting in overall office operations. The work performed requires a general knowledge of the organization’s operations.  Ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Legal Secretary receives general supervision from the Office Manager.

This position pays $45,150.14 - $69,291.04 per year. Staff are members of a union. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.  In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice of PPO Standard or PPO Enhanced) and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&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 accrue 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 + accrue monthly after the completion of six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Proficient typing at 35 words per minute with 100% accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Position Preferences

• Fluent in Spanish highly preferred
• Education or experience working in the legal or social service field preferred
• Ability to lead by example in the handling of work assignments, as well as in the treatment of staff and others in the criminal justice system.
• Maintains confidentiality of agency records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.  
• Work is generally sedentary in an office setting
• There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files

To Apply: 

• Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work. 

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.