Early Resolution Docket (ERD) Legal Secretary

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

8d•$4,186 - $6,187•Hybrid

About The Position

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, excellence, innovation, accountability, and equity. We seek talented professionals who are passionate about public service and advancing access to justice for all Oregonians. This announcement is for one (1) full-time, Early Resolution Docket Legal Secretary and will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This is a hybrid position and will require the employee to be in office 3 - 4 days/week. Location: Salem, Oregon Salary Range: $4,186 - $6,187 About the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system. OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development. OPDC is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for individuals who are constitutionally entitled to counsel. OPDC works to strengthen Oregon's public defense system through direct representation, statewide coordination, oversight, policy development, and collaboration with justice system partners. What You’ll Do As the Early Resolution Docket (ERD) Legal Secretary, you will provide essential administrative and legal support to attorneys, paralegals, and investigators in delivering high-quality legal representation. Your responsibilities will include preparing and processing legal documents, managing calendars and court deadlines, maintaining case files and records, conducting legal research, docketing cases, managing case-related discovery, data and timekeeping, and coordinating office operations. You will also serve as a key point of contact with clients, courts, justice partners, and other public safety agencies to ensure the efficient administration of legal services and support client representation. Key responsibilities include: Administrative Duties Legal Documents and Correspondence Hearing Preparation and Monitoring Other Duties as Assigned A complete position description, including duties, responsibilities, and working conditions, is available upon request.

Requirements

Two (2) years of clerical/secretarial experience which includes at least one (1) 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.
Sound Judgement and Decision-Making: Applies critical thinking and ethical reasoning to make timely, well-informed decisions; especially in high-stakes or rapidly evolving legal environments.
Communication Skills (Oral & Written): Clearly and effectively conveys complex legal information in writing and speech; tailors communication to diverse audiences, including clients, courts, and colleagues.
Compliance and Ethical Practice: Demonstrates thorough understanding of legal and procedural requirements. Adheres to laws, ruled, and ethical standards governing public defense work.
Organization and Time Management: Manages tasks and deadlines with efficiency and accuracy. Prioritizes effectively in dynamic caseload environments without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Interpersonal Skills: Builds constructive relationships with clients, peers, and system partners. Navigates conflict and advocacy with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.

Responsibilities

Administrative Duties
Legal Documents and Correspondence
Hearing Preparation and Monitoring
Other Duties as Assigned
preparing and processing legal documents
managing calendars and court deadlines
maintaining case files and records
conducting legal research
docketing cases
managing case-related discovery
data and timekeeping
coordinating office operations
serve as a key point of contact with clients, courts, justice partners, and other public safety agencies