Job Details

Position Summary

Our Portland office has an exciting opportunity for an Associate with 5+ years of experience to join the Firm. The position will focus on representing public sector employers-counties, special districts-including hospitals and higher education institutions-on all employment and labor matters, with an emphasis on issues arising under Oregon's Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act. Core work will include managing relationships with public employers by leading and supporting collective bargaining negotiations; advising on day-to-day labor relations and contract administration; handling mediation, factfinding, and interest arbitration; and litigating prohibited practice complaints and other proceedings before the Oregon Employment Relations Board.

Ogletree's Portland office has one of the most dynamic public sector labor and employment practices in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding to meet client demand. We offer a collaborative environment, superb paralegal and administrative support, and meaningful opportunities for professional development and client-facing responsibility.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor. Qualified candidates must be and remain licensed to practice law and in good standing in Oregon. However, extremely strong candidates interested in relocating to the Pacific Northwest and licensed to practice law in other states would also be considered. During employment, you must meet requirements for continuing licensure for law practice.
• Candidates must possess at least 5 years of public sector and employment law.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and public speaking skills are required.
• Outstanding academic credentials preferred (Top 25% of class).

Benefits

In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the expected salary range for this Colorado position is between $185,000 and $220,000. In accordance with New York State's Wage Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this New York State position is between $230,000 and $275,000. In accordance with California's amended labor code, as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $205,000 and $275,000. In accordance with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, the expected salary range for this Washington position is between $185,000 and $220,000. In accordance with the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act, the expected salary range for this DC position is between $205,000 and $250,000. In accordance with Maryland's Equal Pay for Equal Work-Wage Range Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this Baltimore position is between $205,000 and $250,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This position qualifies for the benefits below. The application deadline for this position is July 31, 2025.

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our attorneys including:

comprehensive training and development programs including an annual firm-wide Attorney Retreat, CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement, several competitive annual bonus programs, 401(k) plan, affordable health, and life insurance including dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, employee assistance program, back-up childcare program, and a paid parental leave on-ramping program.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Adel Asim at ...@ogletree.com with "Portland - Public Sector Labor Associate" in the subject line. Please note that applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Firm Overview

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a "Law Firm of the Year" for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its "Law Firm of the Year" in the Litigation - Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across North America and Europe. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession and across all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.