Assistant Legal Counsel

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 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, over 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

Act as legal counsel to Marion County departments, and provides support in the area of litigation and counsel to county departments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the close supervision of the Marion County Counsel, who determines goals, assigns work, and reviews 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.

Assistant Legal Counsel Acts As Legal Counsel To Marion County Departments And Undertakes Civil Litigation And Counsel To County Departments. One Hundred Percent Of This Position's Time Is Devoted To Being a Lawyer And Legal Counselor. The Job Functions May Include The Following

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Good knowledge of legal terminology; State and Federal civil practice and procedures; local government and administrative practices; courtroom procedures. 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.

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