Legal Secretary

Public Defender Services of Lane County, Inc. (PDSLC) Eugene, Oregon
Full-time, On-site Overview

Legal Secretaries at PDSLC play a key role in supporting high-quality, client-centered representation for people facing the loss of their liberty. This position is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and essential to the smooth operation of our defense teams. Legal Secretaries help keep case information accurate, court documents moving, client communications timely, and assigned attorneys organized.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and able to manage competing deadlines with professionalism and care. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to build effective working relationships are critical. We are looking for someone who works well both independently and as part of a team.

PDSLC uses a team-based support structure. Intake staff, legal assistants, legal secretaries, law clerks, file clerks, investigators, and reception each have distinct responsibilities. Unlike legal offices where one secretary may handle nearly every support function for a small group of attorneys, Legal Secretaries at PDSLC focus on legal secretarial and case-administration work while coordinating closely with the other members of the support team.

• Prepare, format, proofread, and process pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, court documents, and other case-related materials.
• Navigate OECI and the Odyssey e-filing system to review case history, confirm court dates, track case activity, and prepare or submit filings.
• Manage case files and records, including opening and closing files, scanning and filing documents, importing materials, updating case status information, and tracking deadlines.
• Identify when additional case appointments are needed and prepare appointment packages.
• Review case update notes from attorneys and legal assistants and complete or route appropriate follow-up.

• Process form notices and correspondence to clients regarding case information, court appearances, and other case-related updates.
• Maintain accurate client contact information and other case data in PDSLC systems.
• Process returned client mail and take appropriate follow-up steps.
• Interact with clients who may be experiencing crisis, instability, or trauma using clear, respectful, compassionate, and trauma-informed communication.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information and case details, and use and respect preferred pronouns for clients, coworkers, and others interacting with the office.

• Establish reliable communication systems with assigned attorneys to coordinate daily tasks, priorities, deadlines, hearings, reminders, and scheduling needs.
• Maintain a steady flow of paperwork and route materials accurately to attorneys, legal assistants, intake staff, file clerks, investigators, reception, or other team members as appropriate.
• Communicate professionally with court clerks, the District Attorney’s Office, treatment providers, and other agencies as needed.
• Provide backup coverage for other Legal Secretaries during absences and work cooperatively across teams.

• Perform general office tasks including answering phones, scanning, copying, processing mail, data entry, and operating standard office equipment.
• Notarize documents in compliance with Oregon Notary Public rules and requirements when assigned.
• Complete other projects or tasks as requested or assigned.

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• At least two years of secretarial experience in a legal office, or equivalent relevant education.
• Ability to type at least 80…