Legal Assistant II

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc; United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (PPO or HDHP)

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Basic Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

AD&D - 100% employer paid

401(K) - 6% employer contribution

PTO - 24 hours upon hire

120 hours after 24 months

10 holidays + 2 Personal Equity Days

Mental Health Days - 4 per year

Sick Leave - 48 hours upon hire

Job summary

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc. seeks a Legal Assistant II for the Multnomah County Office. The role provides essential administrative support to attorneys, maintains client contact, and manages case materials.

The position operates in-office, is full-time, and non-exempt, with union membership and a comprehensive benefits package. Ideal candidates will have strong communication, organization, and the ability to balance multiple priorities within a criminal defense setting, while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to attorneys and maintain contact with clients and families.
• Process and organize case material, including evidence, reports and records.
• Serve as liaison between clients, attorneys, client families and elements of the criminal justice system.
• Support coordination of services with the holistic defense team and meet deadlines.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Travel willingness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

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 Legal Assistant II to join our Multnomah County Office. The Legal Assistant position is an integral part of the defense team, providing administrative support to attorneys and maintaining regular contact with clients and their families. They are responsible for processing and organizing case material (including evidence, reports, and other records) and serve as liaison between maintaining accurate records and serve as a liaison between clients, attorneys, client families, and elements of the criminal justice system. As appropriate, they may assess client needs and support the coordination of necessary services with other members of the holistic defense team. Ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Legal Assistant II receives general supervision from the Chief Legal Assistant.

This position pays $21.92/hr - $33.64/hr. Staff are members of a union. This is a full-time, in-office, non-exempt position.

In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&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 accrues monthly to 80 hours, increasing 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 + accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Education or experience working in the legal or social service field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to travel to and work within criminal justice system facilities

Position Preferences

• 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.
• Ability to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of agency records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent in Spanish highly preferred.

Work Environment

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
• Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, or jail facility.
• There are frequent requirements for 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.

Work Environment

• Posting will close on or before August 21, 2026

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.