Initial Posting Date:
11/10/2025Application Deadline:
11/20/2025Agency:
Department of JusticeSalary Range:
$5066 - $7774Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Paralegal - Trial Division (Salem or Portland)Job Description:
The Trial Division defends the State of Oregon and all its agencies departments boards commissions and district attorneys offices before the state and federal trial courts in Oregon. This position will work with the Civil Litigation Section which handles most of the jury trials for the State including employment civil rights contract and tort exchange well ensure you are paid well well make work-life balance attainable and well show you the door to professional development and job satisfaction.
Job Duties
Paralegals primarily are responsible to perform specifically delegated legal work which for the most part would otherwise have to be performed by an attorney. Youll be entrusted to (in part):
Assist in trial and trial preparation including organizing exhibits preparing factual portions of pretrial order consulting with attorneys regarding witnesses ability to effectively testify at trial preparing trial notebooks and witness notebooks tracking trial exhibits taking notes during trial coordinating trial witnesses and suggesting questions or additional documents to be used in examination of witnesses.
Conduct factual investigation of the sections cases including arranging preparing for and assisting with subpoenas and document collections from clients and third parties and conducting interviews of witnesses.
Independently manage proposed pleadings and correspondence relating to cases.
Draft discovery requests and responses for your attorneys review including requests for production interrogatories and requests for admissions and responses and objections to each of those forms.
Read organize and analyze document production from our client agencies third parties and opposing parties.
Assist in the process of preparing for depositions including identifying potential exhibits organizing and preparing the exhibit sets and assisting in depositions.
Work with expert witnesses or consultants on cases and assist them by supplying information and documents necessary for their testimony and reports.
Required Experience
Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply and allow us to evaluate the knowledge skills and abilities that you demonstrate using an intentional equity lens.
Two-year Associate degree in Paralegal or Legal Assistant Studies;
OR
Eighteen months of Paralegal experience;
OR
Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates experience in legal work independent judgment legal terminology principles concepts systems and processes. Experience must include discovery and trial methods and procedures legal ethics and skill in preparing legal documents interviewing witnesses and explaining legal issues.
Work experienceis based on a 40-hour work week. (Example: 20 hours a week for one year would equal six months of work experience.)
Desired Skills Experiences and Attributes
Experience working independently as a paralegal with a trial caseload.
Experience reviewing analyzing and organizing large volumes of discovery documents on paper and in databases such as Relativity EDT Summation or Everlaw.
Experience in trial.
Experience in working independently to prepare a busy team of lawyers for trial.
Experience in working with clients in either written or oral communication.
Preference may be given to those with professional experience as a paralegal versus those qualifying by education alone.
Whats In It For You
Job satisfaction as part of a team whose mission is to serve Oregons public and government agencies.
Permanent full-time employment in Salem or Portland Oregon.
Vacation sick leave paid holidays and special days off.
Endless peer and management support and representation by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Opportunity to expand your professional skills.
For more information about our benefits you can learn here.
Application Process
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer does not discriminate based on race color national origin ethnicity veteran gender sexual orientation religion age or disability and is committed to workplace diversity.
Click Apply and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
Attach your resume.
Attach your cover letter identifying your attributes that meet desired and requested skills.
ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and requested cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didnt attach to your application if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have questions or need assistance with the application process please contact . Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.
CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking Apply update your employee profile to reflect your Education Skills and Job History (including your current job).
For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance click HERE.
Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR 97301
Phone:
Fax:
The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative agency of Oregon’s Executive Branch. Our mission is to support state government to serve the people of Oregon. By providing reliable service, accurate information and creative solutions, we strive to set the ...