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Staff Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

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 ...

NACBA

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$66.20 - $105.20/hr

This attorney will be responsible for quarterly grant reporting alongside the Regional Director ... An additional $4,300 to $5,700 annually is available to bilingual staff, depending on proficiency.

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$77 - $113/hr

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 ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$100K - $171K/yr

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Eugene, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Oregon City, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Oregon City, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Liberty Mutual

Associate Staff Attorney

Eugene, OR · On-site +1

As an Associate Attorney at Liberty Mutual, you'll join a diverse team that values a healthy work ... Liberty Mutual Insurance offers an engaging opportunity for a Staff Counsel I position to represent ...

Metropolitan Public Defender

Attorney I-IV

Portland, OR · On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

Attorney Position MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971 ... Staff is a member of Union AFSCME Public Defenders Local 3668 after the completion of 6 months ...

Metropolitan Public Defender

Attorney I-IV

Portland, OR · On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

Attorney Position MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971 ... Staff is a member of Union AFSCME Public Defenders Local 3668 after the completion of 6 months ...

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Staff Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$53.4K

$96.7K

$160.2K

How much do staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff attorney in Oregon is $96,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $112,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney works for a law firm or another organization. Staff attorneys are associates with law degrees who have passed the Bar Exam in their states. They research, analyze, and write about complex legal issues. Duties and responsibilities of all staff attorney jobs include legal research and support to the partners in a law firm. Staff attorneys may also draft portions of legal opinions based on their research as well as verify cited sources, and review documents at the request of a partner. Staff attorney is a good position for attorneys who wish to continue in the legal profession.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a licensed lawyer employed by an organization, law firm, nonprofit, or government agency to provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, and represent clients or the organization in legal matters. Unlike partners or associates who may have client development or managerial responsibilities, staff attorneys typically focus on substantive legal work and supporting ongoing cases. Their duties often include reviewing and preparing legal documents, assisting with litigation, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Staff attorneys play a vital role in supporting legal teams and ensuring that legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff attorney?

To thrive as a Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and writing abilities. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in supporting clients and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality legal counsel, ensuring compliance, and effectively managing caseloads in a legal environment.

What are some common challenges staff attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Staff Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases, each with distinct deadlines and documentation requirements. Balancing priorities while maintaining attention to detail can be challenging, especially when urgent matters arise unexpectedly. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential for meeting court deadlines and collaborating with colleagues, such as paralegals and senior attorneys. Regular communication with team members and leveraging case management software can help alleviate these challenges and ensure smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Staff Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectStaff AttorneyAssociate Attorney
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, nonprofitsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal organizations, nonprofits, governmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, responsibilitiesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

Both Staff Attorneys and Associate Attorneys typically hold a JD and are bar-certified. Staff Attorneys often work in legal departments or nonprofits, focusing on specific legal tasks without client management, while Associate Attorneys usually work in law firms or corporate settings, handling client cases and gaining experience. The roles are similar but differ mainly in work environment and responsibilities, with Staff Attorneys often having more specialized or in-house roles.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a staff attorney?

Yes, a staff attorney typically must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they practice, as it is a requirement to provide legal services and represent clients. Licensing ensures they are qualified to interpret and apply the law professionally. Some positions may also require ongoing legal education or certification renewal.

How much do staff attorneys make in the US?

Staff attorneys in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and sector. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What does it mean to be a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a legal professional who provides legal advice, drafts documents, and represents clients or organizations in legal matters. They often work within law firms, government agencies, or non-profits, and may specialize in areas such as litigation, compliance, or policy. Strong legal research, writing skills, and a law degree are typically required for this role.
More about Staff Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Attorney jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Staff Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

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For Staff Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Staff Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,685 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR • On-site

Center for Food Safety
Environmental Consulting Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Center for Food Safetyexternal

$87K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days 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)

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