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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Senior Assistant Legal Counsel level: seeking an established attorney with significant experience in litigation, plus meeting qualifications below.
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Assistant Legal Counsel level: seeking an attorney (possibly entry-level) with interest in litigation, plus meeting qualifications below.
Marion County will consider candidates meeting the Assistant Legal Counsel or Senior Assistant Legal Counsel 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:
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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:
$9,516.00- $12.753.87 Monthly; $114,192.00 - $153,046.40 Annually
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel:
$11,022.27 - $14,761.07 Monthly; $132,267.20 - $177,132.80 Annually
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.
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Assists Marion County Legal Counsel in providing legal advice and representation to the Board of Commissioners, elected County officials and County departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Marion County Legal Counsel, who reviews work for effectiveness and conformance to policy.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this class; however, provides lead direction to attorneys, paralegals and other staff assigned to assist with caseload.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
In the Assistant Legal Counsel series, the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel is the advanced, lead level. This class carries a caseload that is complex in nature and of high profile and risk to the County.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL-
Graduation from an accredited school of law; AND
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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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL:
- In addition to the education and training requirements listed above, the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel must have at least four additional years of experience practicing law, with emphasis in civil law, preferably with experience in municipal government, civil law, or litigation.
PREFERENCES-
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
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.
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
Thorough knowledge of state and federal civil practice and procedures; municipal law; local government and administrative civil practices; public labor and employment law; public meeting and records laws; public contracting laws; confidentiality laws; and legal terminology. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, opinions and decisions in concise written form; understand a wide range of legal knowledge; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; effectively appear before a trial court or administrative body; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public courts, co-workers, and other agencies. Skill in courtroom presentation; drafting legal documents; interpreting statutes as related to municipal governments; conducting legal research; time management; organization; and operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.
