Assistant Legal Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $111,945.60 - $173,659.20 Annually
Location : Salem, OR
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: 603-2026-2
Department: Legal Counsel
Opening Date: 04/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 13
Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.
This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Applications will be reviewed periodically until a decision is made to close the recruitment. The first review will be May 8, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible as the recruitment may close at any time without further notice.
Marion County's Office of Legal Counsel values a strong culture that encourages excellence, service, teamwork, initiative, and creativity. . County legal work and litigation covers a wide variety of legal topics, including public safety, torts, employment, civil rights, property taxes, land use, quality of life, and pushing back on state/federal regulatory overreach.
Marion County Legal Counsel is looking for an excellent attorney, preferably with litigation experience or interest. This recruitment may be filled in one of the following ways:

1. Senior Assistant Legal Counsel level: seeking an established attorney with significant experience in litigation, plus meeting qualifications below.
2. Assistant Legal Counsel level: seeking an attorney (possibly entry-level) with interest in litigation, plus meeting qualifications below.

Marion County will consider candidates meeting the Assistant Legal Counsel or Senior Assistant Legal Counsel classification requirements. The level at which the successful candidate is hired will be determined by the hiring manager.
Marion County serves over 350,000 residents and includes 20 incorporated cities, 37 unincorporated communities, and nearly 1,200 square miles as Oregon's leading agricultural producer. Marion County has 17 departments, over 1,600 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-26 total budget around $743 million. Legal Counsel attorneys serve as the exclusive civil lawyers and counselors for Marion County in a wide range of areas - including board of commissioners, sheriff, district attorney, clerk, assessor, treasurer, justice court, health & human services, public works, contracts, litigation, land use, parks, economic development, housing authority, utilities, waste services, community services, human resources, finance, etc.
The Office of Legal Counsel supports Marion County's work to further its strategic plan goals:

• Public Safety: Pursue a safe and secure community by protecting people, property, and the economy of Marion County.
• Transportation, Infrastructure, and Emergency Management: Provide leadership that addresses the continual growth and increasing diversity of Marion County's population and focuses resources on best meeting the needs of residents and supporting business.
• Health & Community Services: Promote the overall health of people in Marion County by improving the delivery of quality health services and supporting community-based prevention efforts.
• Economic and Community Development: Support employers, businesses, and property owners that promotes economic development and high standards of livability in Marion County.
• Civil and Government Services: Provide efficient, effective, and responsive government through stewardship and accountability.

Salary:
Assistant Legal Counsel:
$9,328.80 - $12,502.53 Monthly; $111,945.60 - $150,030.40 Annually
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel:
$10,805.60 - $14,471.60 Monthly; $129,667.20 - $173,659.20 Annually
Assistant Legal Counsel
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Act as legal counsel to Marion County departments and provide support in the area of litigation and counsel to county departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED Work under the close supervision of the Marion County Counsel, who determines goals, assigns work, and reviews work for effectiveness and conformance to policy through reports, observation, and conferences.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification.
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Assists Marion County Legal Counsel in providing legal advice and representation to the Board of Commissioners, elected County officials and County departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the Marion County Legal Counsel, who reviews work for effectiveness and conformance to policy.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this class; however, provides lead direction to attorneys, paralegals and other staff assigned to assist with caseload.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
In the Assistant Legal Counsel series, the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel is the advanced, lead level. This class carries a caseload that is complex in nature and of high profile and risk to the County.
Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following
Assistant Legal Counsel acts as legal counsel to Marion County departments and undertakes civil litigation and counsel to county departments. One hundred percent of this position's time is devoted to being a lawyer and legal counselor. The job functions may include the following:

• Prepare and conduct trial court litigation, e.g., tort claims, lien foreclosure, defending county actions, challenging state/federal actions. Represent Marion County before various administrative tribunals, in mediations, and arbitrations.
• Provides legal advice to department managers, the Board of Commissioners, and county employees. This includes telephone conferences, electronic mail, office visits, meetings, on-site visits, written opinions, seminars and training sessions.
• Undertakes research and drafts legal documents such as memoranda, legal opinions, complaints, answers, options, interrogatories, orders, pretrial orders, settlement releases, jury instructions, contracts, deeds, Board of Commissioners orders and resolutions, and others.
• Prepare and present ordinance enforcement cases, respond to and/or object to public records requests and subpoenas.
• Court appearances, witness preparation, legal research, viewing the scene of the incident, and dealing with opposing counsel and parties by telephone, electronic mail, letter and conference.
• Provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, supervisors and employees of county government on all issues relating to county operations.
• Provides advice to County departments; responds to inquiries of other government bodies and private citizens regarding County regulations, complaints and cooperative efforts.
• Cross train in various areas of law to provide legal advice and representation to entities served by this office as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Senior Assistant Legal Counsel job functions may include all of the above Assistant Legal Counsel duties and others but at a higher complexity and risk level, which requires additional skill, initiative, and experience.
Requirements for the Position
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL

1. Graduation from an accredited school of law; AND
2. Must be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar prior to the time of appointment OR eligible for admission to the Oregon State Bar through reciprocity/comity or out-of-state bar examination score.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL:

• In addition to the education and training requirements listed above, the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel must have at least four additional years of experience practicing law, with emphasis in civil law, preferably with experience in municipal government, civil law, or litigation.

PREFERENCES

• Preference will be awarded to applicants with litigation experience and interest in handling an initial workload that is focused primarily on litigation and similar matters.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check, including finger printing; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at:
• This assignment is not represented by a union.
• This is a full-time exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Assistant Legal CounselGood knowledge of legal terminology; State and Federal civil practice and procedures; local government and administrative practices; courtroom procedures. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, and opinions in concise written form; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; appear effectively before a trial court or administrative body; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, courts, co-workers, and other agencies.Skill in drafting legal documents; operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.Senior Assistant Legal CounselThorough knowledge of state and federal civil practice and procedures; municipal law; local government and administrative civil practices; public labor and employment law; public meeting and records laws; public contracting laws; confidentiality laws; and legal terminology. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions; set forth facts, legal argument, opinions and decisions in concise written form; understand a wide range of legal knowledge; effectively communicate in both oral and written form; effectively appear before a trial court or administrative body; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public courts, co-workers, and other agencies. Skill in courtroom presentation; drafting legal documents; interpreting statutes as related to municipal governments; conducting legal research; time management; organization; and operating a computer to input, retrieve, and access information.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at
Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.
Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through Human Resources, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying. Please e-mail if you wish to request an accommodation.
Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.
For a summary of benefits, For a complete and detailed overview of the benefits package for management and supervisory employees, , and select Unrepresented Benefits from the left menu or Unrepresented Employees from the page links.
Benefits are defined based on position and are appro...