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: $89,500 to $111,250 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 March 20, 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

•       Demonstrated litigation experience of at least ten years in both state and federal courts.
•       Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities. 
•       Extensive experience handling complex litigation at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts, including jury trials.
•       Experience as a manager and leader in a law firm or legal aid office.
•       A high degree of initiative and ability to manage a caseload while also supervising staff.
•       Ability to work successfully as part of a team. 
•       Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills.
•       Strong interpersonal communication skills, and a positive attitude.
•       Experience in supporting and mentoring attorneys in litigation.
•       Admission to the Oregon Bar or reciprocal eligibility for admission
•       Demonstrated ability to take direction and guidance from low-income clients and their self-identified priorities and work for 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.