Legal Assistant, CAS (Legal Secretary)
About The Position
The Oregon Public Defense Commission is hiring a permanent, full-time Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary) for its Criminal Appellate Section in Salem, Oregon. The role supports multiple attorneys providing appellate representation, primarily in criminal and parole cases. Work includes complex administrative and clerical support such as preparing legal documents, calendaring, maintaining records, and communicating with parties and court staff. The position is hybrid after successful completion of trial service. Training is fully in person and typically lasts three to six months; afterward, the role permits 50% remote work and 50% in-person work. The recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies. OPDC’s mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for people eligible for a public defender. Its Appellate Division represents clients in state appellate courts in criminal, juvenile dependency, termination of parental rights, and parole cases. The Legal Assistant contributes to efficient case operations and to a collaborative, respectful, inclusive, and discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.
Requirements
- Two years of clerical or secretarial experience, including at least one year as a legal assistant or secretary for an attorney or judge, or performing legal support duties such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records, or researching legal information.
- Experience must include proficiency in word processing software.
- College coursework or Office Technology training that includes legal terminology and legal office procedures may substitute for up to one year of general clerical or secretarial experience; 40 quarter hours or 30 semester hours equals one year.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to provide effective communication and draft clear, concise, professional correspondence tailored to clients, court staff, attorneys, and other parties.
- Strong attention to detail, including identifying and correcting grammatical, typographical, and formatting errors in legal filings.
- Organization and file-management skills, including accurately documenting completed case tasks.
- Ability to track and calendar significant stages of cases for four to six attorneys.
- Reliability and flexibility to provide coworker coverage, including duties requiring in-person attendance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and navigate electronic court filing systems and case management databases.
- Ability to prioritize assignments and complete tasks within established timeframes and deadlines.
- Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude when working with vulnerable populations.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with management, staff, and internal and external stakeholders, and to support a respectful, inclusive, harassment-free workplace.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, and procedures needed to complete court filing requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain and organize client files meticulously.
- Experience coordinating case-related activities and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Support assigned attorneys by maintaining organized case files and processing incoming documents.
- Review trial court records and electronic case management systems.
- Monitor caseloads, calendar deadlines, and review database reports to support timely and accurate case tracking.
- Produce files and documents as requested by attorneys or management.
- Provide cross-coverage and support for other legal assistants, including serving as officer of the day and covering for assistants on extended leave.
- Manage case transfers and intake processes.
- Coordinate the rotating officer-of-the-day schedule and oral argument docket.
- Assist with central reception duties as needed.
- Participate collaboratively in office activities and help identify and resolve issues constructively.
- Support coworkers, supervisors, and clients while fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Basic life insurance
- Optional supplemental benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Paid leave, including 10 paid holidays annually, three personal business days each year, vacation leave that increases every five years of service, and monthly sick leave accrual
- Training and continuing education opportunities
- Career growth and advancement pathways
- Leadership development opportunities
- Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
- Hybrid and flexible work opportunities when operationally appropriate
- Employee wellness resources
- Competitive salary and benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
