Description
Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks an experienced attorney to manage the State Support Unit (SSU) and lead the program’s litigation efforts, focusing on increasing full representation for the low-income communities that the legal aid programs in Oregon serve. A significant part of the assignment is to ensure that less experienced advocates have an appropriate professional mentor and trainer to advise or co-counsel in their litigation. The Director of Litigation is responsible for generating enthusiasm and excitement for the program’s advocacy, helping advocates see themselves as leaders, and helping people gain confidence and excel in their work. The position can be based in any OLC office in the state.
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 does not receive funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation. OLC operates eleven regional offices, a state support unit, a legislative advocacy unit, a statewide farmworker program, and a statewide eviction defense program. OLC works closely with Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) and the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services as part of Oregon’s coordinated civil legal services delivery system.
The Director of Litigation will lead and manage a team of six attorneys and a paralegal-- the State Support Unit (SSU)---that coordinates statewide advocacy by subject matter specialization. The members of SSU provide leadership on complex litigation, administrative, family, housing, and employment law. The SSU provides services to all OLC and LASO offices and programs throughout Oregon. The legal aid offices have a strong focus on systemic advocacy and serve diverse low-income communities with a high percentage of Spanish-speaking clients.
Responsibilities: The Director of Litigation will lead and guide statewide impact litigation efforts in State and Federal Courts. The Director will hire, train, and supervise the members of the SSU to ensure that the unit provides quality training, co-counseling, and mentorship to advocates throughout the state.
Salary/Benefits: $95,300 to $127,000 depending on experience level. Additional compensation for bilingual ability. Competitive benefits package includes individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution, generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and paid moving expenses, among others.
Application: Resume review to begin on June 12, 2026. Position open until filled. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Erika Hente, Executive Director at ehente@oregonlawcenter.org.
As part of your cover letter, please address the following:
OLC is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups. It is essential to our work to serve clients that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to assist OLC in achieving these commitments?
If you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact Heather Kemper, Deputy Director, at hekemper@oregonlawcenter.org.
Requirements
- Admission to the Oregon Bar or reciprocal eligibility for admission
- Demonstrated litigation experience of at least ten years in both state and federal courts
- Extensive experience handling complex litigation at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts, including jury trials
- Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism and/or have experience implementing anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches and practices.
- Experience inspiring and developing advocates and building a culture of high-quality, client-centered litigation through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative practice
- Experience serving low-income, vulnerable, or underserved communities
- Experience effectively supervising a team of legal professionals including hiring, supervision, performance management, and fostering a supportive and accountable work culture.
- A high degree of initiative and ability to prioritize, manage resources and balance a personal caseload with supervisory and statewide leadership responsibilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills including the ability to build trust, give and receive feedback, and mentor attorneys with diverse experience levels while maintaining a growth mindset.
- Demonstrated ability to center low-income clients and work for client identified solutions within the legal process.
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.
