Paralegal - County Counsel

Washington County Counsel's Office represents the County in civil litigation at local, state and federal levels, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides advice and analysis to County departments. We deliver quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees. We also represent the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

This is an excellent opportunity to become a member of an experienced and highly skilled team of lawyers and staff working on the cutting edge of government law in an environment that is dynamic and challenging. As a Paralegal, you will support attorneys in the areas of litigation, eminent domain, land use appeals, tax collections, bankruptcy, ordinance preparation, codification, civil forfeitures, legal research, and public records requests.

The ideal Paralegal candidate will possess skills supportive of litigation and general legal advisory work. We are seeking a collaborative team player who possesses the ability to focus on their own responsibilities as well as take on other tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility, exceptional organization skills and attention to detail. The Paralegal position will support assigned attorneys with a multitude of tasks including formatting documents, research, docketing, filing in federal and state courts and governmental agencies, assisting with case management, fact discovery, and document organization. This position requires the ability to track deadlines, prioritize assignments, and the flexibility to adjust priorities rapidly. Clear written and verbal communication are valuable assets to this position as is a willingness to support the office team.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described in the minimum qualifications.

**A resume and Cover Letter are required for this position; applications without this supplemental information will not be considered. **

This position is classified as Paralegal. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the full information of this classification, please use the following link here

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in legal studies or a related field from an accredited university; OR the successful completion of a comprehensive formal paralegal program; AND Three (3) years of paralegal experience.

PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Paralegal Program approved by the American Bar Association

• Will require the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

Next Steps

1. Apply today! You are required to complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Additionally, this position requires a resume and cover letter.
2. MQ Review: HR will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes - after July 27, 2025.
3. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your responses to the supplemental questions. This process will begin after August 4, 2025.
4. Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME Review as soon as possible.
5. Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment.
6. Post-Offer Check: The successful candidate will undergo a criminal history background check.
7. Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill future full-time and part-time vacancies in the same classification, or job family, that may become available within the next six-month period.

Our Commitment to You
We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community.

Veterans' Preference
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act - Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Additional Resources:

• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Job's Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

Questions (??'s) Regarding This Recruitment: Laura Aranda, Talent Acquisition Business Partner; Email: Laura_Aranda@washingtoncountyor.gov