Legal Assistant II

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc • Hillsboro, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

MPD is currently searching for a Legal Assistant II to join our Washington County Office. The Legal Assistant position is an integral part of the defense team, providing administrative support to attorneys and maintaining regular contact with clients and their families. They are responsible for processing and organizing case material (including evidence, reports, and other records) and serve as a liaison between clients, attorneys, client families, and elements of the criminal justice system. As appropriate, they may assess client needs and support the coordination of necessary services with other members of the holistic defense team. The work performed requires a general knowledge of the organization’s operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Legal Assistant II receives general supervision from the Chief Legal Assistant.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Education or experience working in the legal or social service field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed)

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Ability to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years)
• Maintains confidentiality of agency records
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Fluent in Spanish highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Processing and organizing case material (including evidence, reports, and other records)
• Serving as a liaison between clients, attorneys, client families, and elements of the criminal justice system
• Assessing client needs and supporting the coordination of necessary services with other members of the holistic defense team

Benefits

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED