Oregon Law Center-Deputy Director

National Legal Aid & Defender Association | Posted Mar 1 | Full-time | Portland | Negotiable | Unknown

Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks an experienced attorney to manage the State Support Unit (SSU) and lead the program’s litigation efforts, focusing on increasing full representation for the low-income communities that the legal aid programs in Oregon serve. A significant part of the assignment is to ensure that less experienced advocates have an appropriate professional mentor and trainer to advise or co-counsel in their litigation.

The Director of Litigation is responsible for generating enthusiasm and excitement for the program’s advocacy, helping advocates see themselves as leaders, and helping people gain confidence and excel in their work. The position can be based in any OLC office in the state.

OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services. OLC does not receive funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation. OLC operates eleven regional offices, a state support unit, a legislative advocacy unit, a statewide farm worker program, and a statewide eviction defense program.

OLC works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) and the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services as part of Oregon’s coordinated civil legal services delivery system.

The Director of Litigation will lead and manage a team of six attorneys and a paralegal— the State Support Unit (SSU)—that coordinates statewide advocacy by subject matter specialization. The members of SSU provide leadership on complex litigation, administrative, family, housing, and employment law. The SSU provides services to all OLC and LASO offices and programs throughout Oregon. The legal aid offices have a strong focus on systemic advocacy and serve diverse low-income communities with a high percentage of Spanish-speaking clients.

The Director of Litigation will lead and guide statewide impact litigation efforts in State and Federal Courts. The Director will hire, train, and supervise the members of the SSU to ensure that the unit provides quality training, co-counseling, and mentorship to advocates throughout the state.