Senior Staff Counsel - Salem, United States - State of Oregon

Description

Job Description:

Interviews: will be scheduled within three weeks after the application deadline.

Who We Are

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is part of the (OSCA) within the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD). OGC provides complex and comprehensive legal and policy advice to the Chief Justice, the State Court Administrator, and all levels of the judicial branch of government on a statewide basis. OGC's areas of responsibility include the coordination of risk and litigation services, contracts and other transactional services, and legislative review. OGC also coordinates public records requests and ADA compliance for OSCA and houses the Oregon Certified Shorthand Reporters Program. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We welcome all candidates who are inspired by .

Benefits to You

• We pay 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• OJD will pay you a 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate's education and experience.

Position Highlights

The Office of General Counsel is hiring a Senior Assistant General Counsel (Senior Staff Counsel) to join our civil law team.

In this role, you will support the State Court Administrator, Chief Justice, OSCA division directors, trial court administrators, and OJD employees statewide by providing legal advice, legislative support, and policy development and analysis. Using independent, professional judgment and creativity, you will conduct legal research and respond, orally and in writing, to legal questions. You will also draft communications to internal and external stakeholders related to civil law and issues involving the courts.

During the legislative session, you will be part of a team dedicated to analyzing bills related to civil law and procedure. You will evaluate proposed legislation that could impact our courts, and you will support OJD's legislative efforts by drafting legislation, testimony, and fiscal impact statements. You will also attend hearings and work groups, engage with legislators, and advise the judicial branch on the implementation of new legislation.

Additionally, you will represent OJD, OSCA, and OGC on committees and task forces related to civil law and procedure. As the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Recorder, you will provide legal and administrative support to the UTCR Committee. You will also manage the UTCR process, including communicating with UTCR Committee members, the public, and other interested parties.

Part of your time will be spent providing other legal research, policy analysis, and legislative support at the direction of the State Court Administrator, Chief Justice, and General Counsel.

Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

Instructions for Cover Letter and Work History/Resume

Your cover letter and work history/resume should demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, the Special Qualifications, and the Requested Skills and Attributes, which are listed below.

Cover Letter

• Attach your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) in the Resume / Cover Letter section of the application. Your cover letter and filename should include your name.
• In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to all Requested Skills and Attributes listed below.
• Address the cover letter "To the Hiring Manager."
• Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position. We read every letter.
• Prepare your cover letter before starting your Workday application.

Work History/Resume

• Attach your updated resume in the Resume / Cover Letter section of the application. Your resume and filename should include your name.
  
  OR
• Complete the Job History/Work Experience portion of your Workday profile if you are not using an updated resume.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application. All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.

Minimum Qualifications

(These must be evident in your resume or work history.)

The qualified candidate must have a juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
AND
Five (5) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed for the position.

AND

Current membership in good standing in the Oregon State Bar.

Special Qualifications

(These must be verifiable.)

None.

Requested Skills and Attributes

(These must be addressed in your cover letter.)

• Experience interpreting statutory, regulatory, civil, and constitutional law, as well as case law.
• Experience providing legal advice in civil law matters.
• Experience performing complex legal research and analysis.
• Experience communicating, orally and in writing, complex concepts, alternative solutions, and potential outcomes.
• Experience analyzing proposed legislation.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and how to make effective legislative presentations.
• Skill and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience with the court system and civil litigation, particularly in Oregon.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time position, and the work schedule currently is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This position is FLSA-exempt and ineligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.
• Occasional after-hours or overtime work may be required, especially during legislative sessions.
• Remote work is available for this position. All remote work assignments begin, end, or change only with administrative authority approval. The person in this position will occasionally attend meetings in person, both in Salem and elsewhere, as required.
• Frequent contact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Occasional contact with people who may be facing challenging life circumstances, highly stressful situations, or trauma.
• Regular use of the following equipment: telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, copy machine, fax machine, and scanner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Criminal Background Check
You will be subject to a criminal background check if you are a finalist. Adverse results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification if the circumstances are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Reference Checks

By submitting your application to OJD, you consent to reference checks about your qualifications, your workplace performance, and your work product.

United States Employment Eligibility
OJD does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's confirming authorization to work in the United States. OJD will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more about this program, and how to qualify, please .

Questions and Support

• If you require an alternate format to complete the application process, call , or TTY: Oregon Relay Service 711 for the hearing impaired. Be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.
• Workday related information and resources are available .

The Oregon Judicial Department embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action. We are committed to building a diverse team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.