This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Applications will be reviewed periodically until a decision is made to close the recruitment. The first review will be May 8, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible as the recruitment may close at any time without further notice.
Marion County’s Office of Legal Counsel values a strong culture that encourages excellence, service, teamwork, initiative, and creativity. County legal work and litigation covers a wide variety of legal topics, including public safety, torts, employment, civil rights, property taxes, land use, quality of life, and pushing back on state/federal regulatory overreach.
Marion County Legal Counsel is looking for an excellent attorney, preferably with litigation experience or interest. This recruitment may be filled in one of the following ways:
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Assistant Legal Counsel level: seeking an attorney (possibly entry-level) with interest in litigation, plus meeting qualifications below.
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Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee level: seeking someone with interest in litigation who has received, or will soon receive, a Juris Doctor degree and has taken or will take the bar exam by summer 2026. There will be flexibility for unpaid time off during summer bar exam study. A Trainee position is intended to last several months until the Trainee would be admitted to the bar in fall 2026, at which point the person would qualify for and apply for an Assistant Legal Counsel position. Eligibility and any future appointment will depend on admission to the Oregon State Bar and satisfactory performance as a Trainee.
Marion County will consider candidates meeting the Assistant Legal Counsel or Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee classification requirements. The level at which the successful candidate is hired will be determined by the hiring manager.
Marion County serves over 350,000 residents and includes 20 incorporated cities, 37 unincorporated communities, and nearly 1,200 square miles as Oregon’s leading agricultural producer. Marion County has 17 departments, over 1,600 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-26 total budget around $743 million. Legal Counsel attorneys serve as the exclusive civil lawyers and counselors for Marion County in a wide range of areas - including board of commissioners, sheriff, district attorney, clerk, assessor, treasurer, justice court, health & human services, public works, contracts, litigation, land use, parks, economic development, housing authority, utilities, waste services, community services, human resources, finance, etc.
The Office of Legal Counsel supports Marion County’s work to further its strategic plan goals:-
Public Safety: Pursue a safe and secure community by protecting people, property, and the economy of Marion County.
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Transportation, Infrastructure, and Emergency Management: Provide leadership that addresses the continual growth and increasing diversity of Marion County’s population and focuses resources on best meeting the needs of residents and supporting business.
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Health & Community Services: Promote the overall health of people in Marion County by improving the delivery of quality health services and supporting community-based prevention efforts.
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Economic and Community Development: Support employers, businesses, and property owners that promotes economic development and high standards of livability in Marion County.
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Civil and Government Services: Provide efficient, effective, and responsive government through stewardship and accountability.
Salary:
Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee:
$5,843.07 - $7,834.67; Monthly; $70,116.80 - $94,016.00 Annually
Assistant Legal Counsel:
$9,516.00- $12.753.87 Monthly; $114,192.00 - $153,046.40 Annually
Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Assist and support office attorneys in provision of legal counsel to Marion County departments and litigation.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of County Counsel, who assigns work, reviews performance, and advises on unusual or difficult problems.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision of others is not a responsibility of positions in this classification.
Assistant Legal Counsel
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Act as legal counsel to Marion County departments and provide support in the area of litigation and counsel to county departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work under the close supervision of the Marion County Counsel, who determines goals, assigns work, and reviews work for effectiveness and conformance to policy through reports, observation, and conferences.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL TRAINEE
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Graduation from an accredited school of law by the time of appointment; AND
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Participation in an internship, clerkship, or other legal work in municipal/government issues, civil litigation, general civil law, or similar work with a government entity, law firm, trial or appellate judge, or similar; OR
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Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL:-
Must be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar prior to the time of appointment OR eligible for admission to the Oregon State Bar through reciprocity/comity or out-of-state bar examination score.
PREFERENCES
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Preference will be awarded to applicants with litigation experience and interest in handling an initial workload that is focused primarily on litigation and similar matters.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS-
The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check, including finger printing; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
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Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
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This assignment is not represented by a union.
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This is a full-time exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime.
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Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Assistant Legal Counsel Trainee
Knowledge of legal terminology; state and federal civil law; civil procedures; trial and courtroom practices; local government operations; and administrative law. Skill in legal research and analysis; drafting legal documents; and using computers to input, retrieve, and manage legal information. Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal precedents to reach logical conclusions; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Assistant Legal Counsel
Good knowledge of legal terminology; State and Federal civil practice and procedures; local government and administrative practices; courtroom procedures. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, and opinions in concise written form; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; appear effectively before a trial court or administrative body; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, courts, co-workers, and other agencies.
Skill in drafting legal documents; operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.
