Assistant Legal Counsel (Underfill Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee)

Assistant Legal Counsel Position

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Applications will be reviewed periodically until a decision is made to close the recruitment. The first review will be May 8, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible as the recruitment may close at any time without further notice.

Marion County's Office of Legal Counsel values a strong culture that encourages excellence, service, teamwork, initiative, and creativity. County legal work and litigation covers a wide variety of legal topics, including public safety, torts, employment, civil rights, property taxes, land use, quality of life, and pushing back on state/federal regulatory overreach. Marion County Legal Counsel is looking for an excellent attorney, preferably with litigation experience or interest.

Marion County will consider candidates meeting the Assistant Legal Counsel or Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee classification requirements. The level at which the successful candidate is hired will be determined by the hiring manager. Marion County serves over 350,000 residents and includes 20 incorporated cities, 37 unincorporated communities, and nearly 1,200 square miles as Oregon's leading agricultural producer. Marion County has 17 departments, over 1,600 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-26 total budget around $743 million. Legal Counsel attorneys serve as the exclusive civil lawyers and counselors for Marion County in a wide range of areas - including board of commissioners, sheriff, district attorney, clerk, assessor, treasurer, justice court, health & human services, public works, contracts, litigation, land use, parks, economic development, housing authority, utilities, waste services, community services, human resources, finance, etc.

The Office of Legal Counsel supports Marion County's work to further its strategic plan goals:

• Public Safety: Pursue a safe and secure community by protecting people, property, and the economy of Marion County.
• Transportation, Infrastructure, and Emergency Management: Provide leadership that addresses the continual growth and increasing diversity of Marion County's population and focuses resources on best meeting the needs of residents and supporting business.
• Health & Community Services: Promote the overall health of people in Marion County by improving the delivery of quality health services and supporting community-based prevention efforts.
• Economic and Community Development: Support employers, businesses, and property owners that promotes economic development and high standards of livability in Marion County.
• Civil and Government Services: Provide efficient, effective, and responsive government through stewardship and accountability.

Salary: Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee: $5,726.93 - $7,680.40; Monthly; $68,723.20 - $92,164.80 Annually Assistant Legal Counsel: $9,328.80 - $12,502.53 Monthly; $111,945.60 - $150,030.40 Annually

Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee: General statement of duties include assisting and supporting office attorneys in provision of legal counsel to Marion County departments and litigation.

Assistant Legal Counsel: Acts as legal counsel to Marion County departments and undertakes civil litigation and counsel to county departments.

Typical duties include preparing and conducting trial court litigation, providing legal advice to department managers, undertaking research and drafting legal documents, preparing and presenting ordinance enforcement cases, and providing legal advice and representation to the Board of Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, supervisors and employees of county government on all issues relating to county operations.

Experience and training requirements for Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee include graduation from an accredited school of law by the time of appointment; and participation in an internship, clerkship, or other legal work in municipal/government issues, civil litigation, general civil law, or similar work with a government entity, law firm, trial or appellate judge, or similar; or any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

Additional requirements for Assistant Legal Counsel include being a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar prior to the time of appointment OR eligible for admission to the Oregon State Bar through reciprocity/comity or out-of-state bar examination score.

Preferences include awarding preference to applicants with litigation experience and interest in handling an initial workload that is focused primarily on litigation and similar matters.

Special requirements include passing a criminal history background check, possessing a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history, and being a full-time exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities for Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee include knowledge of legal terminology; state and federal civil law; civil procedures; trial and courtroom practices; local government operations; and administrative law. Skill in legal research and analysis; drafting legal documents; and using computers to input, retrieve, and manage legal information. Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal precedents to reach logical conclusions; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities for Assistant Legal Counsel include good knowledge of legal terminology; State and Federal civil practice and procedures; local government and administrative practices; courtroom procedures. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, and opinions in concise written form; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; appear effectively before a trial court or administrative body; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, courts, co-workers, and other agencies. Skill in drafting legal documents; operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.