OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services. OLC operates eleven offices around the state. It has a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, and statewide farmworker program.
OLC strives to create a supportive work culture enriched by values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for all staff. Our commitment to advancing DEI work is deeply connected to our ability to achieve client-oriented advocacy and access to justice for our low-income communities. The diversity of our staff is a strength and an asset to our organization that helps reflect and effectively advocate for our low-income client communities of diverse backgrounds.
The OLC Lane County Office consists of ten attorneys (including the advertised position), four legal assistants, and one senior law administrator. We set priorities according to client needs. Current priorities are housing law, domestic violence, senior law, immigration law, and public benefits. We seek to make real improvements in clients’ lives and to help eliminate the underlying causes of poverty.
POSITION: Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time managing attorney to lead one of the largest legal aid offices in Oregon. The position is based in Eugene, serving clients in Lane County. Eugene is one of the largest three cities in Oregon and has all the amenities of a bustling metropolis combined with convenient and easy access to the Cascade mountains and forest and the Pacific Ocean. Eugene is located along the Willamette River and has a dynamic mix of arts and culture, entertainment and sports, the University of Oregon, craft brewing and eclectic dining, and cycling and track and field opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITIES: This managing attorney is responsible for creating and maintaining an excellent legal aid office as defined by our criteria for manager evaluation and program values statement. The managing attorney will handle and supervise impact litigation and individual cases, with a significant emphasis on class action lawsuits and other impact cases in state and federal courts. The managing attorney will engage in education and outreach to clients and community groups and will build positive and effective relationships with community partners. The managing attorney will promote mutual respect, acceptance, and teamwork among a diverse staff, and will challenge and inspire others to achieve positive results and grow professionally. This position offers an exciting opportunity to use leadership skills to make a real difference for the low-income communities of Oregon.
OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Even if you are unsure whether you meet every qualification described, we welcome your application.
SALARY/BENEFITS: The salary scale ranges from $74,500 to $111,250 and placement on the scale is determined by years of relevant experience. Additional compensation for bilingual ability. Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, and paid moving expenses, among others.
• Admission to Oregon Bar or willingness to take next exam.
• At least 3 years of experience in the practice of law and experience with a range of lawyering skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities.
• A high degree of initiative and willingness to work collaboratively.
• An ongoing commitment to learning, self-reflection, and improvement to understanding of diversity, equity and
inclusion and to stay updated on best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively about how to address low-income clients’ legal issues.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor individuals and diverse teams and help foster effective team interactions and
collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and a flexible and curious attitude.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe, and web-based video
conferencing and learning platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
PREFERENCES:
• Experience representing low-income clients, especially non-English-speaking communities.
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish.
• Leadership and supervision training and/or experience.
• Experience with complex, impact litigation.
• Personal experience with poverty, disability, or any other minority status or affiliation.
To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Jennifer Hisey, Director of Advocacy, [email protected]
As part of your cover letter, please address the following:
OLC is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups. It is essential to our work to serve clients that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.
How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to:
(1) serve our diverse client communities effectively,
(2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own,
(3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients and some colleagues face, and
(4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice?
Feel free to provide examples and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences, as you respond to this question.
References: When listing your references, please provide a description of your relationship to the reference (i.e. supervisor, colleague) and provide a diverse list of references that reflect multiple types of perspectives on your qualifications for the position.
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