Job Details

Litigation Paralegal - Child Advocacy and Protection Division

This work matters!

The Oregon Department of Justice, Child Advocacy and Protection Division (CAPD) in the Portland Legal office is seeking to hire a seasoned Paralegal. Paralegals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are adaptable to change will excel as part of our team whose mission is to protect abused, neglected, and abandoned children. This position offers an opportunity to request a hybrid work schedule upon the successful completion of onboarding and training. Approval of a hybrid schedule, with up to three (3) remote days, is dependent on the agency's business and operational needs, as well as those of the agency's customers and work team.

If selected to join us, you will lead a team in supporting the work of Division Assistant Attorneys General who provide daily litigation support and legal services for the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare. Apply today and your contributions will make a difference in the lives of one of Oregon's most valuable resources, our children.

What You Will Do (In Part)

You'll be entrusted to:

• Lead a Legal Support Team by having a global perspective of assigned cases.
• Draft a variety of pleadings and other legal documents using judgment and legal analysis.
• Coordinate with our client and partner agencies to obtain case records, case status, and necessary additional materials.
• Prepare for and conduct pre-trial witness interviews.
• Review materials to determine sufficiency of documentation in support of litigation legal strategy and allegations on cases.
• Prepare and organize relevant legal materials for use in and support of litigation hearings.
• Conduct and summarize legal research.

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-year Associate degree in Paralegal or Legal Assistant Studies.
• OR
• Eighteen months of Paralegal experience.
• OR
• Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates experience in legal work, independent judgment, legal terminology principles, concepts, systems, and processes. Experience must include discovery and trial methods and procedures, legal ethics, and skill in preparing legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and explaining legal issues.

Desired Skills, Experiences, and Attributes

• Ability to organize and prioritize work duties.
• Experience working in a litigation environment.
• Significant experience independently drafting briefs and other legal documents.
• Extensive experience in trial preparation.
• Experience using legal research, billing, document management or case management program.
• A background in Juvenile Law.
• Ability to work with graphic and potentially upsetting material.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality with sensitive case information.

Candidates with 2 years of Paralegal experience within the last 5 years may be given preference, however we encourage all who meet the MQs to apply.

What's In It For You

• Exposure to a variety of operational areas within the Child Advocacy and Protection Division (for those interested in future advancement opportunity).
• 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).
• Opportunity to expand your professional skills.

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

Application Process

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

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and required cover letter. Drag and drop both your 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 doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. 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.