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The Oregon Public Defense Commission is seeking a detail oriented and highly organized Legal Secretary for our office in Medford, Oregon! If your career goals align with public service and equitable access to justice, we encourage you to apply and become part of a dedicated team committed to upholding the rights of all Oregonians.

Position: Legal Secretary

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. 

Location: Medford, Oregon  

Salary Range: $4,084 - $6,036

What’s in it for you 

You will continue to be a part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!   

• OPDC supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).   

• The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. The top candidate will be screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information.   

Minimum Qualifications 

• Two (2) years of clerical/secretarial experience which includes at least one year as a legal assistant.

OR

• Secretary for an attorney or judge or performance of legal support duties (such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records, or researching legal information). Experience must include proficiency in Word Processing software.

What you will do 

This position will aid attorneys, paralegals, and investigators in the preparation of legal documents, calendaring, records maintenance, researching legal information, docketing, case management and timekeeping, office management and coordination with clients, courts and other public safety persons or entities relevant to the legal representation of the client.  

Application Guidance & Requirements   

• REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date resume. Please ensure your Workday profile aligns with your submission. 

• REQUIRED: Attach a cover letter that details how you meet the desired attributes for this position. You cover letter should be no more than 2-pages.  (A cover letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.)

**APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT**   

Duties  

Administrative Duties

The person in this role will provide administrative support through daily communication with clients, court officials, and other parties to coordinate case development, scheduling, and closure activities. They will also be managing calendars, travel arrangements, correspondence, timekeeping, statistical reporting, and case tracking using a case management system.

Legal Documents & Correspondence

This position will draft, proofread, and finalize a variety of legal documents an correspondence, ensuring proper format, court jurisdiction, and accurate citations. They will prepare and process legal filings such as certificates of service, summons, subpoenas, and simple orders in compliance with court rules and OECI e-filing procedures. Additionally, they will coordinate document flow before, during, and after court proceedings, reviewing all materials for accuracy and completeness to support legal professionals.

Trial Hearing Preparation & Monitoring

The Legal Secretary will coordinate and monitor all aspects of trial and hearing preparation, including scheduling court filings, notices, and appearances. They will maintain a calendaring or docket system, prepare case files and hearing materials, and ensure compliance with legal deadlines and procedure requirements. This role will be responsible for supporting legal professionals by managing witness coordination, gathering missing information, and reviewing orders to determine next steps and necessary follow-ups.

The Top (5) Desired Attributes for this Role 

• Attention to Detail with the ability to carefully review and prepare legal documents, track deadlines, proofread, and ensure accuracy in filings and court submissions.  

• Organizational Skills, in managing calendars, coordinating travel and hearings, tracking court dates, and maintaining case management systems.

• Excellent Communication Skills (written & verbal) with staff, clients, court officials, and opposing parties, as well as drafting legal correspondence and documents.

• Legal and Procedural Knowledge with the understanding of court rules, legal formats, jurisdiction, and process (e.g., OECI e-filing, subpoenas, summons).

• Initiative and Problem-Solving Ability in anticipating the needs of legal professionals, following upon missing information, verifying procedural compliance, and proactively resolving scheduling or case processing issues.

Who we are. 

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.  

OPDC’s mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for persons eligible for a public defender.  Its office includes the Executive, Appellate, Trial, Trial Development & Resources, and Administrative Services Divisions.  

OPDC negotiates contracts with trial level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include, Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.    

Recruitment Timeline  

*These dates are approximate and may change. *    

Recruitment Closes: Monday, July 28, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going   

Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: On-going   

First-Round Interviews: Week of August 4th, 2025

Veterans Preference  

Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting. For more information, please go to the State website: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx   

OPDC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.  Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.