Tax Magistrate for the Oregon Tax Court

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Tax Court, in Salem, Oregon, is hiring a Tax Magistrate. In this role, you will: Manage cases toward resolution in accordance with the court’s docket management guidelines. This includes reviewing pleadings; holding case management conferences to develop a plan to resolve cases; enforcing plans; resolving procedural disputes; writing intermediate orders; and conducting mediations, oral arguments, and trials. Create and publish decisions for any case not dismissed voluntarily, stipulated, or mediated. This includes researching complex questions of tax law, civil procedure, and constitutional law; finding facts; explaining law that is relevant; applying the law to the facts for conclusion; and delivering each decision in accordance with the court’s disposition guidelines. Assign drafting, scheduling, and similar tasks to paralegals; assign legal research and writing projects to law clerks and law student externs; review work product; and provide appropriate feedback and guidance. Collaborate on court rules, policies, and other administrative work of the court. This includes consulting with the Presiding Magistrate, Staff Counsel, and other court and judicial department personnel about ongoing court projects and initiatives, annual rule revision, court forms, court operations handbooks, and implementation of new technology. This also includes participating in both internal court meetings and external stakeholder meetings. Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

Requirements

• The qualified candidate must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• At least two (2) years’ experience practicing law or holding judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative hearings.
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to eight (8) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• The qualified candidate must be an active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing; or Become a member within six months of hire. Candidates seeking comity must obtain a temporary practice license through the Oregon State Bar by first day of employment.
• Considerable knowledge of law, state and federal income tax law, and civil procedure.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules of evidence.
• Considerable knowledge of the scope and character of Oregon statutory law and provisions of the Oregon Constitution.
• Understanding of the mission statements of the Oregon Judicial Department and the Oregon Tax Court.
• Working knowledge of dispute resolution techniques, especially mediation.
• Skill in legal research, writing, and editing techniques and judicial opinion drafting including correct use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to evaluate complex evidence to determine ultimate issues of fact.
• Ability to make decisions in a logical and unbiased manner.
• Ability to demonstrate respect and impartiality through words, actions, and demeanor in a courtroom setting and in online proceedings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to react to events decisively, effectively, and without prior thought or planning using good judgement and discretion.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully and responsibly with peers, supervisor, and support staff to identify and address legal and procedural issues involving litigants and their representatives.
• Ability to exercise time management skills and balance multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Additional education over the required JD may be a Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or training in real estate appraisal from the Appraisal Institute.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases toward resolution in accordance with the court’s docket management guidelines.
• Create and publish decisions for any case not dismissed voluntarily, stipulated, or mediated.
• Assign drafting, scheduling, and similar tasks to paralegals; assign legal research and writing projects to law clerks and law student externs; review work product; and provide appropriate feedback and guidance.
• Collaborate on court rules, policies, and other administrative work of the court.

Benefits

• We pay 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• The annual salary for this position is $137,637 - $213,503.]
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• OJD will pay you a 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience.

What This Job Offers

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