Legal Assistant II (Community Law)

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971 as a non-profit law firm. 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. For more information on MPD and our work visit our website.

Community Law (CL) is the civil law division of MPD. CL was formed in 2016 in response to the growing concerns related to the collateral consequences of being justice involved and the disproportionate number of people of color suffering under these consequences. CL has both a civil law and an immigration law team. CL’s specialty is diminishing the downstream effects of criminal justice system involvement. We represent people from the community who have previously encountered the criminal justice system, as well as other vulnerable and underserved populations in Portland and Multnomah County, to remove barriers to housing and economic stability. We also advocate for systemic changes to help Oregonians previously involved in the criminal justice system. Our model is designed upon partnering with local government agencies and community-based organizations to serve our clients, working together to help clients remove barriers to economic opportunities, navigate legal systems, and achieve justice.

MPD is currently searching for a Legal Assistant II to join our Community Law Team. The Community Law Legal Assistant II serves as liaison between client, attorney, and partner organizations and actively participates in client advocacy. They will communicate with staff at community-based organizations to seek external services for clients, as well as conduct eligibility screenings, intakes, and obtain basic case information for MPD legal services. The Legal Assistant II is responsible for maintaining accurate records, and actively participates in team meetings for case review and discussion of office-related issues. The ideal candidate is committed to justice for low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals and households and understands the economic and systemic issues these populations face.

This position pays $45,030.13 - $66,529.88 per year commensurate with experience and additional compensation for bilingual ability. Staff are members of a union. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&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, accrues monthly to 80 hours and increasing to 120 hours starting at 24 months
• 10 paid holidays 2 Personal Equity Days
• 4 Mental Health Days per year Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to learn additional software as needed

Position Preferences

• Fluent in Spanish highly preferred
• Prior legal assistant or paralegal experience
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues
• Experience working with low-income populations
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
• This is a hybrid position. Legal assistants are expected to work in-person at least once per week in our downtown Portland office or if required for court filings, meeting clients, and/or other administrative tasks.
  • Applicants must reside in Oregon or be willing to relocate for the position

To apply:

• Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work via the Career Center on our website.

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.

Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference.