Legal Assistant II in Hillsboro, Oregon at Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties.

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit:www.mpdlaw.com

MPD is currently searching for a Legal Assistant II to join our Washington County Office. The Legal Assistant position is an integral part of the defense team, providing administrative support to attorneys and maintaining regular contact with clients and their families. They are responsible for processing and organizing case material (including evidence, reports, and other records) and serve as a liaison between clients, attorneys, client families, and elements of the criminal justice system. As appropriate, they may assess client needs and support the coordination of necessary services with other members of the holistic defense team. The work performed requires a general knowledge of the organization’s operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Legal Assistant II receives general supervision from the Chief Legal Assistant.

Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and VisionFlexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid 401(K) – MPD will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrues monthly to 80 hours and increase to 120 hours starting at 24 months 10 paid holidays + 2 Personal Equity Days4 Mental Health Days per year Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire + accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment

High school diploma or GED Education or experience working in the legal or social service field. Excellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed)

Position Preferences

Ability to lead by example in the handling of work assignments, as well as in the treatment of staff and others in the criminal justice system. Ability to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years). Maintains confidentiality of agency recordsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamFluent in Spanish highly preferred.

Work Environment:

MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful. Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility. There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.

Work Environment:

Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.