*Legal Secretary - Family Legal Support Section (Portland)

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Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Justice, Civil Enforcement Division is seeking to fill a Legal Secretary position, in the Portland Legal Office for the Family Legal Support Section. This section represents state agencies in litigation to recover money owed to the state. The Division’s relationship to the agency is to generate the maximum civil law enforcement impact over the broad spectrum of its responsibilities. The key to meeting the challenge are flexibility and selectivity. Attorneys in the Family Legal Support Section are assigned to provide advice and litigation services to the Division of Child Support (DCS) of the Department of Justice. The mission of the Division of Child Support is to enhance the well-being of children and promote positive parental involvement by providing child support program services to families. Attorneys in the Section assist DCS in establishing, modifying and enforcing child support and establishing paternity in cases where children are receiving public assistance.

Legal Secretaries in the section provide a variety of clerically related services in direct support of agency programs requiring a thorough knowledge of programs and activities. This position provides support for the assistant attorneys general in preparing cases for trial. If you are a legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we’d like the opportunity to consider you. If selected, we’ll ensure you are paid well and equitable to your peers, make work-life balance attainable, and show you the door to professional development and job satisfaction. This position offers a hybrid schedule, which requires a minimum of 4 days in office and 1 day remote work. Note: Training may require additional days in the office.

Job Duties (in part)

• Draft, finalize, and proofread for accurate case related correspondence and pleadings for attorneys.

• Prepare exhibits and other court documents, subpoenas, witness fees, and ensure timely handling/filing (both electronic and hard copy) with appropriate venues.

• Enter information into a case management system as required, schedule follow ups and monitor case activity including tracking critical legal deadlines.

• Create and maintain case files and determine daily actions.

• File and organize documents.

• Primary person to schedule meetings, appointments, hearings, depositions, and interview dates and times for attorneys, hearings personnel, opposing parties and witnesses, and various meetings for section personnel.

• Maintain a reminder system on important court deadlines.

• Contact other government agencies for information and communicate with state and federal officials.

• Use internet databases to gather information, and to search for addresses and court information.

• Update and review charts for accurate case information.

• Responsible for maintaining case files including tracking documents, obtaining information or materials as required or requested by attorney(s) or courts.

• May assume responsibility for completing duties of other clerical staff and training of other section clerical staff.

• Perform special projects as assigned by section attorneys.

• Independently review appropriate state, county or federal rules of practice and procedure.

Required Experience 

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you demonstrate, using an intentional equity lens.

• Two years of clerical/secretarial experience which includes at least one year as a legal assistant or secretary for an attorney or judge or performance of legal support duties (such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records, or researching legal information). Experience must include proficiency in word processing software.

AND

• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Work experience is based on a 40-hour work week. (Example: 20 hours a week for one year would equal six-months of work experience.)

Desired Skills, Experiences, and Attributes

• Demonstrate professional verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience with working independently, prioritizing own work and meeting time sensitive deadlines, at times with little notice and frequent interruptions.

• Legal experience in a litigation environment with a proficient knowledge of legal terminology.

• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying laws and policies.

• Knowledge and understanding of the state court rules and procedures.

• Ability to maintain punctual and regular attendance.

• Able to lift and transport boxes or case files.

• Experience providing accuracy and attention to detail in work performance.

• Skilled in problem-solving and gathering information techniques.

• Must be skilled and able to exercise confidentiality with sensitive case information.

• Experience must include proficiency with word processing software and internet databases usage.

• Must have experience working in an open office environment with noise from ringing telephones, printers, copiers, telephone conversations and other office equipment.

What’s In It For You

• Exposure to a variety of operational areas within the Civil Enforcement Division (for those interested in future advancement opportunity).

• Future advancement opportunities within this or another state agency.

• An agency committed to equal opportunity and workforce diversity.

• Opportunity to expand your skills as a legal paraprofessional.

• Permanent, full-time employment in Portland, Oregon.

• Vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays a year, and special days off.

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Pension and retirement programs.

• Endless peer and management support, and representation by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• Opportunity to expand your professional skills.

For more information about our benefits, you can learn here. 
 

Application Process

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

• Click "Apply" and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.

• Attach your resume.

• Attach a cover letter identifying your attributes that meet the desired and requested skills.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop your resume into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that the requested document didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job). ​​​

For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR, 97301

DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov

Phone: (503) 947-4328
Fax: (503) 373-0367