Chief Legal Assistant bei MPD (Multnomah Defenders or Multnomah Public Defender)

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties. 

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit: www.mpdlaw.com

MPD is currently searching for a Chief Legal Assistant to join our Multnomah County Office. The Chief Legal Assistant (LA) is a management position responsible for the supervision of a team of 8-10 legal assistants.  The Chief Legal Assistant participates in management meetings, including formulation and implementation of both office- and organization-wide goals and objectives.  They hold regular section meetings with staff to address administrative, case, and office-related issues, and ensure regular meetings are conducted by individual teams handling case decisions.   The Chief LA assists in the assignment of Legal Assistants and, when staff changes occur, facilitates smooth transitions to assure appropriate distribution of cases, especially during case transfers.  The Chief Legal Assistant leads by example and encourages a positive culture of cooperation and identity with the section, the office, and organization.  In addition, the Chief LA functions as the legal assistant for a team of four Chief Attorneys. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence.  This position receives general supervision from the County Director. 

This position pays $68,449.00 - $91,600.00 per year. Staff is an at-will employee. This is an in-office, full-time, exempt position.  In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice PPO Base or PPO Enhanced) and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&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 accrue 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 + accrue monthly after the completion of six months of employment   

Position Qualifications

• Paralegal Certification or equivalent education or relevant work experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a proven attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to pass background check to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed) and to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).

Position Preferences

• Experience working in indigent criminal defense a plus. 
• 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.
• Maintains confidentiality of agency records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.  
• Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility. 
• Some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.

To Apply:

• Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work
• Internal applicants should apply via the Career Center in ADP
• Applications accepted through November 10, 2015

Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.