What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary) position at Oregon Public Defense Commission?
Initial Posting Date
11/14/2025
Application Deadline
11/30/2025
Agency
Oregon Public Defense Commission
Salary Range
$4,084 - $6,036
Position Type
Employee
Position Title
Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary)
Job Description
Join our team as a Legal Assistant in the Criminal Appellate Section and play a vital role in supporting attorneys who provide appellate representation to clients in criminal and parole cases! If you are a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and are passionate about justice and public service, we encourage you to apply!
Position: Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary)
Salary Range: $4,084 - $6,036
What’s in it for you
You will be a part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of clerical/secretarial experience, preferably with an attorney or judge or other 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. **
What you will do
A Legal Assistant in the Criminal Appellate Section supports several attorneys who provide appellate representation to clients primarily in criminal cases and parole cases by performing complex administrative clerical work including preparation of legal documents, calendaring, and records maintenance, and coordination of communication between parties and the courts.
Application Guidance & Requirements:
Duties
Attorney Support
The Legal Assistant provides comprehensive support to assigned attorneys by managing case files, ensuring timely processing, organization, and tracking of all client documents and court records. They monitor case and calendar due dates, review database reports, and access trial and appellate court documents through electronic systems. The role also includes producing files and documents as requested by attorneys or management to support case preparation and workflow efficiency.
Office Support
This position provides backup support and coverage for other legal assistants by serving as the “officer of the day” and temporarily assisting attorneys during staff absences. They manage case transfers, new case and parole intakes, and coordinate schedules for rotating attorney and legal assistant coverage. Additionally, the role includes organizing the oral argument docket and helping at the central reception desk as needed.
Ongoing
In this role, the legal assistant actively supports coworkers and supervisors by collaborating, problem solving, and participating in office activities to strengthen teamwork and relationships. They contribute to a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes discrimination and harassment-free environment.
The Top Eight (8) Desired Attributes for this Role
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.
OPDC’s mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for people eligible for a public defender. Its office includes the Executive, Appellate, Trial, Trial Development & Resources, and Administrative Services Divisions.
OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.
Recruitment Timeline
Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going
Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: On-going
First-Round Interviews: Week of December 8, 2025
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting. For more information, please go to the State website: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx
OPDC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.
11/14/2025
Application Deadline
11/30/2025
Agency
Oregon Public Defense Commission
Salary Range
$4,084 - $6,036
Position Type
Employee
Position Title
Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary)
Job Description
Join our team as a Legal Assistant in the Criminal Appellate Section and play a vital role in supporting attorneys who provide appellate representation to clients in criminal and parole cases! If you are a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and are passionate about justice and public service, we encourage you to apply!
Position: Legal Assistant (Legal Secretary)
- This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy (possibly two vacancies) and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
- This is a hybrid position
Salary Range: $4,084 - $6,036
What’s in it for you
You will be a part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!
- OPDC supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).
- The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. The top candidate will be screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of clerical/secretarial experience, preferably with an attorney or judge or other 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. **
What you will do
A Legal Assistant in the Criminal Appellate Section supports several attorneys who provide appellate representation to clients primarily in criminal cases and parole cases by performing complex administrative clerical work including preparation of legal documents, calendaring, and records maintenance, and coordination of communication between parties and the courts.
Application Guidance & Requirements:
- REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date resume. Please ensure your Workday profile aligns with your submission.
- REQUIRED: Attach a cover letter that details how you meet the desired attributes for this position. You cover letter should be no more than 2 pages. (A cover letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.)
- APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT**
Duties
Attorney Support
The Legal Assistant provides comprehensive support to assigned attorneys by managing case files, ensuring timely processing, organization, and tracking of all client documents and court records. They monitor case and calendar due dates, review database reports, and access trial and appellate court documents through electronic systems. The role also includes producing files and documents as requested by attorneys or management to support case preparation and workflow efficiency.
Office Support
This position provides backup support and coverage for other legal assistants by serving as the “officer of the day” and temporarily assisting attorneys during staff absences. They manage case transfers, new case and parole intakes, and coordinate schedules for rotating attorney and legal assistant coverage. Additionally, the role includes organizing the oral argument docket and helping at the central reception desk as needed.
Ongoing
In this role, the legal assistant actively supports coworkers and supervisors by collaborating, problem solving, and participating in office activities to strengthen teamwork and relationships. They contribute to a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes discrimination and harassment-free environment.
The Top Eight (8) Desired Attributes for this Role
- Exceptional organization and file management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy: especially with deadlines and tracking.
- Ability to learn and navigate electronic court systems and databases.
- Reliability and flexibility in providing coverage and support across the office.
- Effective communication and teamwork, including the willingness to assist others.
- Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills for working with attorneys, clients, and coworkers.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace.
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.
OPDC’s mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for people eligible for a public defender. Its office includes the Executive, Appellate, Trial, Trial Development & Resources, and Administrative Services Divisions.
OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.
Recruitment Timeline
- These dates are approximate and may change. *
Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going
Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: On-going
First-Round Interviews: Week of December 8, 2025
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting. For more information, please go to the State website: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx
OPDC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.
Salary : $4,084 - $6,036
