Paralegal

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning on February 18, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed. 

Washington County Counsel's Office represents the County in civil litigation at local, state and federal levels, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides advice and analysis to County departments. We deliver quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees. We also represent the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services. 
  
This is an excellent opportunity to become a member of an experienced and highly skilled team of lawyers and staff working on the cutting edge of government law in an environment that is dynamic and challenging. As a Paralegal, you will support attorneys in the areas of litigation, eminent domain, land use appeals, tax collections, bankruptcy, ordinance preparation, codification, civil forfeitures, legal research, and public records requests. 
  
The ideal Paralegal candidate will possess skills supportive of litigation and general legal advisory work. We are seeking a collaborative team player who possesses the ability to focus on their own responsibilities as well as take on other tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility, exceptional organization skills and attention to detail. The Paralegal position will support assigned attorneys with a multitude of tasks including formatting documents, research, docketing, filing in federal and state courts and governmental agencies, assisting with case management, fact discovery, and document organization. This position requires the ability to track deadlines, prioritize assignments, and the flexibility to adjust priorities rapidly. Clear written and verbal communication are valuable assets to this position as is a willingness to support the office team. 

After successful completion of the probationary period, this position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule at the discretion of the supervisor. 

This position is classified as Paralegal. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the full information of this classification, please use the following link here. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or a related field from an accredited university; OR  the successful completion of a comprehensive formal paralegal program; 

• AND three (3) years of paralegal experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of a Paralegal Program approved by the American Bar Association. 

 
Additional Requirements:

• Will require the successful completion of a criminal background check. 

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application. 

Selection Process:  

• Apply today! In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law. 

• MQ Review: Applications will be screened for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualification(s) screening may be applied depending on the number of applications received. 

• Subject Matter Expert Review: A panel of subject matter experts may review qualifying applications, including responses to the supplemental questions. This review typically takes two weeks to complete.  

•  Panel Interview(s): The top ranked candidates from the prior evaluation step will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Number of interview rounds will vary depending on the position and recruitment needs. 

• Reference Checks: We will conduct reference checks for the final candidate(s), generally 3-4 professional references. 

• Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the final candidate(s) and the hiring manager will extend a conditional offer of appointment. 

• Post-Offer Check: The final candidate will successfully clear a third-party background check as a pre-employment condition. If offered for a bilingual position, additional oral and written bilingual proficiency tests are required. 

• Start Date: A start date will be determined after all pre-employment condition(s) have been met.