Overview
This is a full-time, limited-duration Senior Staff Counsel (Staff Attorney) position within the Judicial Department, currently funded through June 30, 2027. Continuation beyond this date depends on available funding. The position may also be filled as a developmental underfill at the Staff Counsel level.
Salary Range
- Senior Staff Counsel: $11,470 - $17,792 per month (equivalent to $137,637 - $213,503 annually)
- Staff Counsel (developmental underfill): $57.16 - $88.68 per hour (equivalent to $118,892 - $184,451 annually)
Location
The position is based with the Oregon Court of Appeals, which serves the entire state. Work can be performed in Salem, remotely within Oregon, or a hybrid of both. In-person presence in Salem may be required for orientation, training, and other court functions.
Position Summary
The Senior Staff Counsel will provide legal advice to Court of Appeals judges and colleagues, including law clerks, on substantive and procedural legal matters to facilitate court decision-making. The role involves extensive legal research, writing, and reviewing appellate work products such as opinions for publication, memorandum dispositions, and research memoranda. Additional duties include preparing summaries of appellate opinions for media release, drafting court correspondence, and performing quality control by reviewing and editing the work of others.
The position requires frequent use of computers for reading, writing, and video conferencing. Occasional after-hours work may be necessary. Assigned tasks may change based on workload and organizational needs.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and analyze case law, statutes, regulations, and constitutional law.
- Draft a variety of appellate court documents including opinions, memoranda, and letters.
- Review, edit, and critique legal work prepared by law clerks and other staff.
- Advise judges and legal staff on complex legal issues.
- Collaborate with other staff counsel on court matters.
- Support policy analysis and legislative tasks as directed by the Chief Judge and Legal Counsel.
Minimum Qualifications
Senior Staff Counsel
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- At least five (5) years of relevant legal experience.
- Current membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.
Staff Counsel (Developmental Underfill)
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- At least one (1) year of relevant legal experience.
- Current membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.
Requested Skills and Attributes (to be addressed in cover letter)
- Experience providing legal advice on a variety of case laws.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
- Experience performing complex legal research and analysis.
- Skill in interpreting statutory, regulatory, constitutional law, and case law.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for explaining complex concepts and potential outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines for legal writing.
- Experience proofreading and editing others' work.
- Experience working for an appellate court, including clerkships, is desirable but not required.
Working Conditions
- Full-time position with a typical schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Ineligible for overtime compensation.
- Frequent long periods of reading and writing on a computer.
- Frequent use of standard office equipment and video conferencing platforms.
Application Process
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) is required and must demonstrate how the candidate meets the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
- A complete work history or updated resume must be submitted.
- Applications will be evaluated for consistency, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and demonstrated experience.
- Interviews are generally scheduled within two weeks after the application deadline.
Additional Information
- Criminal background check required for finalists.
- Reference checks will be conducted.
- U.S. employment eligibility verification required; no visa sponsorship provided.
- Veterans and Oregon National Guard members who meet qualifications will receive preference.
- The employer complies with pay equity laws and offers comprehensive benefits including medical insurance premiums coverage, paid holidays, personal business days, sick and vacation leave, and a bilingual skills allowance.
- This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Benefits
- Medical insurance premiums paid 95% to 99% for full-time employees.
- 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days.
- Separate sick and vacation leave.
- Optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
- 5% bilingual skills allowance if applicable.
Important Dates
- Initial Posting Date: 07/28/2026
- Application Deadline: 08/10/2026
Contact and Support
For assistance with the application process or alternate formats, contact the Human Resources department via phone or TTY. Workday resources are available for application support.
This job announcement may be used to fill future vacancies in this classification.