Description

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 operates eleven offices around the state.  It has a litigation support unit, legislative advocacy unit, and statewide farmworker program.   

OLC strives to create a supportive work culture enriched by values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for all staff. Our commitment to advancing DEI work is deeply connected to our ability to achieve client-oriented advocacy and access to justice for our low-income communities. The diversity of our staff is a strength and an asset to our organization that helps reflect and effectively advocate for our low-income client communities of diverse backgrounds.   

POSITION:  Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time bilingual Paralegal (in English/Spanish) to support the provision of civil legal services to low-income clients. The position does not require formal paralegal certification or training. The position is based in Hillsboro and primarily serves clients in Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook and Yamhill County. The office has two satellite locations in St. Helens and McMinnville. 

OLC’s Hillsboro Regional Office comprises thirteen attorneys and six paralegals. We set priorities according to client need. Current priorities include housing, family, public benefits, employment, seniors, and immigrant rights. We seek to make a real difference in clients’ lives and to help eliminate the barriers that cause poverty or reduce our clients’ ability to escape poverty.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• General office support:  receptionist duties, including answer phones, receive mail, monitor, and order supplies, manage calendar
• Staff the front desk and greet visitors in a professional and positive manner
• Organize, manage, and maintain office systems and the physical office 
• Conduct client intake interviews and maintain detailed and accurate case notes
• Assist attorneys with litigation and other forms of advocacy, including but not limited to: investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research, document review and other aspects of trial preparation
•  Attending legal clinics and conducting outreach and community presentations, including some travel throughout Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. 
• Conduct outreach and community presentations and produce educational materials
• Interpret for Spanish-speaking clients and translate documents 
• Provide general information and referrals
• Occasional travel throughout the Willamette Valley and northwest Oregon
• Help with other office projects as needed. 

OLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from 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.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish. 
• Experience working with underserved populations.  
• Demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities.
• Experience working in collaboration as a member of a team.
• Ability to identify and prioritize workload and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe, Zoom, and cloud-based phone services.