Associate Attorney Civil Rights Jobs in Portland, OR

Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a qualified managing attorney to lead one of the largest legal aid offices in Oregon—a team of nine staff attorneys, five paralegals, and one supervising attorney. Office priorities are set according to client need; current priorities are housing, family, public benefits, seniors, civil and immigrant rights. The office serves clients living in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties, with locations in three communities (Hillsboro, McMinnville, and St. Helens).

ABOUT US: 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 operates eleven offices around the state. In addition to local offices, OLC maintains specialty teams including a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, a statewide eviction defense program, and a statewide farmworker program. OLC seeks to create positive changes in clients’ lives and to eliminate the underlying causes of poverty.

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. OLC encourages applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Even if you are unsure whether you meet every qualification described, we welcome your application.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The managing attorney is responsible for growing and maintaining a high-quality legal aid services office in alignment with the organization’s mission and values. A successful candidate will be client-centered, empathetic, trauma informed, and motivated by achieving meaningful outcomes for those we serve. The managing attorney will promote mutual respect, acceptance, and teamwork among a diverse staff, and will pilot staff in pursuit of positive outcomes and professional growth. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage leadership skills to make a real difference for the low-income communities of Oregon.

• Team Leadership — Prior experience successfully managing or supervising others in a professional environment preferred.
• Attorney Development — Experience inspiring and developing attorneys and legal support teams in building a culture of high-quality, client-centered services through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative practice.
• Staff Mentorship — Experience mentoring and supporting the professional development of attorneys and legal support staff with varying levels of experience.
• Conflict Navigation— Strong interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build trust, give and receive feedback, and promptly interrupt and address conflict between staff.

• Client-Centered Practice — Commitment to OLC’s mission and values, with demonstrated experience serving low-income, vulnerable, or underserved communities.
• Racial Equity Leadership — Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and experience implementing equity principles and practices into advocacy and team leadership.

• Litigation Experience — Minimum five years’ legal experience with significant litigation and trial skills required.
• Written & Oral Advocacy — Excellent legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Court & Partner Relationships — Experience cultivating collaborative relationships with courts, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Legal Services Background — Previous experience working in a legal services office preferred.

• Organizational Skills — Strong organizational skills and ability to proactively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Technical Skills
• Software Proficiency — Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management systems.
• Language Skills — Spanish language proficiency preferred.

• Bar Membership — Oregon State Bar membership in good standing or reciprocal eligibility for admission.
• Travel Requirements — Driver’s license and ability to travel for work.
• Work Hours — Availability for occasional work outside traditional business hours.