Legal Policy Advisor (Civil Law Legal Policy Advisor)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • $9,908 - $15,371 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) is hiring a Civil Law Legal Policy Advisor for its Court Programs Division, part of the Office of the State Court Administrator. The division develops, implements, and evaluates statewide court programs, supports access to justice, and works on policies and procedures that implement laws affecting court operations. The position is full-time and limited-duration, currently funded through June 30, 2027, with continuation subject to available funding; the department anticipates funding beyond that date.

The advisor serves as a court programs legal expert in civil law, including general civil cases, contracts, torts, small claims, and forcible entry and detainer matters. The role is the primary analyst for policy and support in civil law cases and provides technical assistance to circuit courts, including staff training and civil-law updates and resources. The advisor staffs and supports OJD committees and collaborates with committee chairs to advance committee and departmental goals.

The position works closely with the Court Programs Division Director and Civil Programs Manager, and advises and consults with the State Court Administrator, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, judges, Trial Court Administrators, OJD staff, government agencies, the Oregon State Bar, the public, and other stakeholders. As part of OJD’s legislative team, the advisor supports and analyzes legislation, assesses effects on courts, reviews laws, rules, policies, and business processes, drafts and reviews fiscal impact statements, may serve on legislative work groups and task forces, and helps implement new legislation. Assigned tasks may change to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

The position may be based primarily in Salem or Portland, Oregon, and is eligible for hybrid work with administrative approval. Attendance in Salem may be required for onboarding, training, and other mandatory events. The regular schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required, particularly during legislative sessions. Overnight travel is required occasionally for meetings, events, conferences, and visits to local courts. The work involves managing multiple projects with competing requirements and deadlines; frequent contact with people from diverse backgrounds; frequent long periods sitting or standing; and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to 10 pounds. Regular use of office technology and software is required. The position is FLSA-exempt and not eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked over 40 per workweek.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Four years of legal and legal research experience, in addition to experience supporting the duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.
• Current membership in good standing in the Oregon State Bar.
• Experience practicing civil law, preferably in Oregon.
• Knowledge of case law, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Experience accomplishing work through collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience analyzing existing or proposed policies, procedures, or legislation and developing recommendations.
• Skill in identifying problems in business processes or other consequences of changes to legal systems, and experience implementing responsive solutions.
• Experience and skill preparing thorough and comprehensive written reports.
• Ability to use and be familiar and comfortable with current technology tools and office software for work, research, and communications.
• Must maintain professional conduct and ethics and preserve confidentiality of information received through OJD employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary analyst for civil-law policy and support, covering matters such as general civil cases, contracts, torts, small claims, and forcible entry and detainer cases.
• Staff and support OJD committees and work with committee chairs to advance committee and OJD goals.
• Advise and consult with OJD leadership, judges, court administrators and staff, government agencies, the Oregon State Bar, the public, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to circuit courts on civil-law matters.
• Develop and deliver staff training and provide civil-law updates and resources.
• Provide legislative support and analysis as part of OJD’s legislative team.
• Review proposed legislation for impacts on courts and analyze current laws, rules, policies, and business processes.
• Draft and review fiscal impact statements.
• Potentially serve on legislative work groups and task forces.
• Help implement new legislation.
• Manage projects with competing requirements, priorities, and deadlines.

Benefits

• OJD pays 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and 3 personal business days.
• Separate paid sick and vacation leave; leave is prorated for part-time employees.
• Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• A 5% allowance for bilingual skills, including ASL, if the employee passes a skills test and is assigned to use those skills on the job.
• OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree