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Alternative Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

... alternatives. We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically ...

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

... alternatives. We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically ...

As our Transaction Attorney, you'll help drive Concora Credit's Mission to enable customers to Do ... Advise internal stakeholders on risk tolerance and alternative approaches. * Collaborate cross ...

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$77 - $113/hr

... alternatives. We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically ...

Pricing Analyst

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in ... alternative fee arrangements (AFAs). * Assist in the evaluation and setting of standard and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Alternative Attorney information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.8K

$114.7K

$182.9K

How much do alternative attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for alternative attorney in Portland, OR is $114,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $137,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an alternative attorney?

An alternative attorney is a legal professional who offers non-traditional legal services or works outside standard law firm environments. This can include providing freelance legal work, serving as contract counsel, working in alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), or using innovative legal technologies. Alternative attorneys often focus on flexible arrangements, cost-effective solutions, or specialized legal tasks. Their roles have grown in popularity as clients seek more efficient and tailored legal services.

How does an alternative attorney typically collaborate with traditional legal teams or other professionals within a law firm?

Alternative Attorneys, often working in flexible, project-based, or remote roles, frequently collaborate with traditional legal teams by supporting overflow work, handling document review, or providing specialized expertise on specific matters. Communication is key in these arrangements, as Alternative Attorneys must integrate seamlessly with existing teams, often using digital platforms and adhering to firm protocols. This structure allows for exposure to diverse cases and team dynamics, helping Alternative Attorneys build a broad professional network and gain varied legal experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an alternative attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Alternative Attorney, you need a strong background in legal analysis, problem-solving, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases, e-discovery platforms, and case management software is commonly required. Strong negotiation, adaptability, and interpersonal communication skills help distinguish professionals in alternative legal roles such as compliance, mediation, or consulting. These abilities ensure effective legal support and innovative solutions in non-traditional legal environments.

What is the difference between Alternative Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAlternative AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals providing legal servicesSupporting legal professionals, legal research

Alternative Attorneys are licensed legal professionals authorized to provide legal advice and represent clients, whereas Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, documentation, and case preparation without offering legal advice. Both roles are essential in the legal industry, but Alternative Attorneys have a broader scope of practice and legal authority.

What job categories do people searching Alternative Attorney jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Alternative Attorney jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Alternative Attorney jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Alternative Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Alternative Attorney job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 62% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,704 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR • On-site

Center for Food Safety
Environmental Consulting Services • 11 - 50 employees

$87K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

Location: The position is preferred to be based in either Portland, Oregon, or the San Francisco Bay Area, California, in a hybrid home-office model, but fully remote is also considered for the right candidate.
TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE VISIT THE CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY JOB BOARD
Who we are

Center for Food Safety (CFS)'s mission is to empower people, support farmers, and protect the Earth from the harmful impacts of industrial agriculture. We defend and promote your right to safe food and a clean environment through groundbreaking legal, scientific, and grassroots action.
For over 25 years, we have created a new food future, fostering a more powerful food movement against the harmful industrial agricultural system while promoting organic, ecological, and regenerative alternatives. We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically engineered wheat, rice, potatoes, and more to the market and secured meaningful labeling to ensure that we all know what's in our food. We succeeded in embedding animal welfare requirements in the organic standards and protecting the oceans from industrial aquaculture. And much more: Our groundbreaking legal cases that protect pollinators, farmworkers, and farming communities, and the earth from the devastating impacts of industrial farming, are a landmark body of case law on food and much more: Our groundbreaking legal cases that protect pollinators, farmworkers, and farming communities, and the earth from the devastating impacts of industrial farming, are a landmark body of case law on food and agricultural issues, transforming our food system.
About the role
Center for Food Safety (CFS), one of the nation's top food and environmental nonprofits, seeks a new Staff Attorney to join our team. The Staff Attorney should have at least four years of litigation experience, including clerkships and/or fellowships. CFS Staff Attorneys develop and prosecute precedent-setting cases in furtherance of CFS's organizational mission and theory of change. The Attorney will participate in and, as appropriate, lead all phases of public interest high-impact litigation and administrative advocacy. CFS Staff Attorneys work with clients, allies, frontline communities, coalitions, and collaborative networks to apply and implement CFS campaigns. Staff Attorneys engage in public speaking and outreach. The Attorney will work on all CFS program areas, including but not limited to:
  • Consumer Advocacy
  • Farmworker and Farmer Protection
  • Food and Climate Change
  • Food Labeling/Right to Know
  • Genetically Engineered Organisms and Monocultures
  • Industrial Animal Agriculture
  • Industrial Aquaculture
  • Pesticides & Other Toxins
  • Pollinator & Wildlife Protection
  • Public Health
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Organic & Beyond

What you'll do
  • Support litigation and advocacy developed by CFS's Legal Team and Legal Director.
  • Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel as appropriate in CFS cases.
  • Fulfill the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery and record review, briefing, oral argument, appeals, amicus briefs, settlement, and fee recovery.
  • Lead the factual development for and litigation of precedent-setting public interest cases, furthering CFS's theory of change.
  • Represent CFS and clients in state and federal rulemaking and agency engagement.
  • Support and engage in federal and state legislative activities connected to CFS litigation and organizational mission.
  • Work closely with other CFS attorneys, policy and communications staff, scientists, coalition partners, and clients to build cases and support CFS policies and programs.
  • Engage in public speaking, media, and outreach.
  • Maintain and develop organizational partnerships with new clients, allies, and coalition partners to implement CFS's strategic litigation and organizational mission.
  • Oversee fellows and law clerks and engage in recruitment efforts as appropriate.

Desired qualifications and skills
  • Law school graduate with at least 4 years of litigation experience, including clerkships or fellowships (administrative/environmental/animal law or related area preferred);
  • Ability to independently manage a litigation docket.
  • Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
  • Oral argument experience.
  • Self-motivation and willingness to do administrative tasks.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with others in a ,small, team-oriented environment.
  • Strong work ethic, initiative, and creativity.
  • Sensitivity to the concerns of and the ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Admission to the California or Oregon bar or a willingness to be licensed in either state within one year (or bar admission in an existing remote location).
  • A passion for enforcing and strengthening environmental laws.
  • A passion for and/or a background in food and agriculture issues.

Compensation and benefits
Hybrid - San Francisco, CA: $87,000-$133,000 USD/ year (salary)
Hybrid - Washington, D.C.: $82,000-$123,000 USD/ year (salary)
Hybrid - Portland, OR: $77,000-$113,000 USD/ year (salary)
CFS offers a competitive compensation package, a flexible hybrid work environment, and a four-day workweek. In addition to salary, we offer a discretionary annual bonus and employer matching contributions to a retirement plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance, disability insurance, a pre-tax medical savings plan, and generous vacation and leave policies. As a 501(c)(3) organization, CFS qualifies as an employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
The pay range for this role is:
87,000 - 133,000 USD per year (West Coast Office - Hybrid)
77,000 - 113,000 USD per year (Pacific Northwest Office - Hybrid)
82,000 - 123,000 USD per year (Washington, DC)