Legal Assistant (Criminal Justice Division) - Portland

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; United States; Remote; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A state government agency is seeking a dependable Legal Assistant to support attorneys in Portland. The role includes managing case files, drafting and proofreading legal documents, and coordinating travel. Candidates should have two years of clerical experience and proficiency in word processing software. The position offers full-time employment, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Vacation and sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Pension and retirement programs

Support from management

Qualifications

• Two years of clerical experience, including one year as a legal assistant.
• Proficiency in word processing software.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Open case files and manage information in the case management system.
• Draft and proofread legal documents and correspondence.
• Coordinate travel and assist attorneys with case preparation.

Skills

Clerical skills

Attention to detail

Ability to prioritize

Collaboration

Tools

Word processing software

Job description

Overview

Calling all Legal Support Professionals! The Oregon Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Division is seeking to hire one Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary) to support division agents, investigators, and attorneys! This recruitment is for candidates interested in working in the Portland office. This role comes with a variety of daily duties from trial prep, e-filings with the court, coordinating travel for division staff, and more. We are seeking a dependable individual to serve as our division’s catch all.

In return, we'll ensure you are paid well and equitable to your peers, we'll make work-life balance attainable, and we'll show you the door to professional development and job satisfaction.

Job Duties (in part)

Due to the nature of this position for training, the required work hours are 8 a.m.– 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an hour scheduled for lunch. After training is complete, there may be more schedule flexibility including a hybrid schedule.

• Open case files and enter information in the case management system (including notes, court dates, and documents).
• Prepare discovery and keep track of records, materials, and information.
• Review records for accuracy and completeness.
• Draft legal correspondence and documents (including subpoenas, discovery letters, simple jury instructions, etc.).
• Proofread and edit various legal correspondence and documents (including pleadings and motions, warrants and affidavits, etc.).
• Process the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) as needed. Add and update participants profiles, events, charging status and dates, crimes, types of matter, related matters, etc. in the case management system.
• Review the assigned docket weekly to identify upcoming case events requiring your action.
• Prepare and organize trial notebooks.
• Coordinate witnesses for court appearances and maintain witness schedules.
• Work with attorneys and investigators on special projects in preparation for trial.
• Assist with division trainings as needed.
• Arrange and track travel for division staff in accordance with Department policy and the Oregon Accounting Manual, including out-of-state travel.
• Prepare and process reimbursement packages, scan and upload reimbursement form records related to individual’s trips and maintain a state purchases card.
• Assist with Public Records Request.
• Perform special projects as assigned by section attorneys and/or supervisor.
• Other as assigned.

Required Experience

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you demonstrate, using an intentional equity lens.

• Two years of clerical/secretarial experience which included at least one year as a legal assistant or secretary for an attorney or judge or performance of legal support duties (such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records, or researching legal information). Experience must include proficiency in word processing software.

AND

• Have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Work experience is based on a 40-hour work week. (Example: 20 hours a week for one year would equal six-months of work experience.)

Desired Skills, Experiences, and Attributes

• Experience maintaining confidentiality with sensitive case information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work duties.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Professional experience working collaboratively with a team.

What’s In It For You

• Job satisfaction as part of a team whose mission is to serve Oregon's public and government agencies.
• Permanent, full-time employment.
• Vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays a year, and special days off.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Pension and retirement programs.
• Endless peer and management support, and representation by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• An agency committed to equal opportunity and workforce diversity.
• Opportunity to expand your professional skills.

For more information about our benefits, you can learn here.

Application Process

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

• Click "Apply" and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
• Attach your resume.
• Attach your cover letter identifying your attributes that meet desired and requested skills.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didn’t attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact [e-mail]. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).

For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301
[e-mail]

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]