Early Resolution Docket (ERD) Legal Secretary

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Permanent

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, excellence, innovation, accountability, and equity. We seek talented professionals who are passionate about public service and advancing access to justice for all Oregonians.

• This announcement is for one (1) full-time, Early Resolution Docket Legal Secretary and will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.  

• This is a hybrid position and will require the employee to be in office 3 - 4 days/week.  

Location: Salem, Oregon 

Salary Range: $4,186 - $6,187

About the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC)

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.

OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.      

OPDC is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for individuals who are constitutionally entitled to counsel. OPDC works to strengthen Oregon's public defense system through direct representation, statewide coordination, oversight, policy development, and collaboration with justice system partners.

What You’ll Do

As the Early Resolution Docket (ERD) Legal Secretary, you will provide essential administrative and legal support to attorneys, paralegals, and investigators in delivering high-quality legal representation. Your responsibilities will include preparing and processing legal documents, managing calendars and court deadlines, maintaining case files and records, conducting legal research, docketing cases, managing case-related discovery, data and timekeeping, and coordinating office operations. You will also serve as a key point of contact with clients, courts, justice partners, and other public safety agencies to ensure the efficient administration of legal services and support client representation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Administrative Duties

• Legal Documents and Correspondence

• Hearing Preparation and Monitoring

• Other Duties as Assigned

A complete position description, including duties, responsibilities, and working conditions, is available upon request.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of clerical/secretarial experience which includes at least one (1) year as a legal assistant.   

OR   
Secretary for an attorney or judge or performance of legal support duties (such as preparing legal documents, maintaining legal records, or researching legal information).  

Experience must include proficiency in Word Processing software. 

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Sound Judgement and Decision-Making: Applies critical thinking and ethical reasoning to make timely, well-informed decisions; especially in high-stakes or rapidly evolving legal environments.

• Communication Skills (Oral & Written): Clearly and effectively conveys complex legal information in writing and speech; tailors communication to diverse audiences, including clients, courts, and colleagues.

• Compliance and Ethical Practice: Demonstrates thorough understanding of legal and procedural requirements. Adheres to laws, ruled, and ethical standards governing public defense work.

• Organization and Time Management: Manages tasks and deadlines with efficiency and accuracy. Prioritizes effectively in dynamic caseload environments without sacrificing quality or compliance.

• Interpersonal Skills: Builds constructive relationships with clients, peers, and system partners. Navigates conflict and advocacy with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.

What’s in it for You?

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Basic life insurance

• Optional supplemental benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Generous Paid Leave

• 10 paid holidays annually

• 3 personal business days each year

• Vacation leave that increases every 5 years of service

• Monthly sick leave accrual

Professional Development

• Training and continuing education opportunities

• Career growth and advancement pathways

• Leadership development opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid and flexible work opportunities, when operationally appropriate

• Employee wellness resources

Recruitment Process Timeline

These dates are approximate and may change.

• Recruitment Closes: Sunday, July 19, 2026 @ 11:59P

• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing

• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing

• Interviews: Beginning the week of July 20, 2026

How to Apply

• Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.

Required Application Materials

Resume & Cover Letter

• Your application materials should clearly demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed in this announcement.

• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. 

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

• Finalists will be subject to reference checks. 

• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, (Name): (email) | (phone number)

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