Law Clerk - Legal Counsel - Temporary (Summer 2027)

New employees start at Step 1 of the pay scale. $20.76/hour.

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 excellent law clerks, with the plan of hiring one full-time law clerk during summer 2027.

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, more than 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.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Perform legal research, analysis, and writing; assist in case/trial preparation; related work as required. Assist legal team in providing legal counsel to Marion County departments and support county litigation. Work is primarily in civil law and not criminal law. This position is with County Counsel, not the District Attorney.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work under the close supervision of the Marion County Counsel and multiple Assistant Counsel, who determine goals, assign work, and review 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.

1. Research and analyze legal issues and draft written memoranda.
2. Assist with preparing and conducting litigation.
3. Assist with reviewing, drafting, and responding to legal documents, including subpoenas. 
4. Assist with providing advice to county departments, responding to inquiries of other government bodies and private citizens regarding public records, county regulations, complaints, and cooperative efforts. 
5. Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

1. Bachelor's degree; AND
2. One (1) year of law school completed as of summer 2027.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a part-time temporary position, which is eligible for overtime.
• This position is not represented by a union.
• Typical work schedule will be during work week of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

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.