Clackamas
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel – Labor & Employment
Clackamas, Oregon City, Oregon, United States, 97045
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel – Labor & Employment
CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES
Clackamas County Employees Work To Serve The Public And Enrich Our Community. In That Spirit, We Pledge To Hold Ourselves To These Standards At All Times In Our Interactions With Customers And One Another
Service
Professionalism
Integrity
Respect
Individual accountability
Trust
CLOSE DATE This position will remain open until filled. The next application review will be on Monday, October 6, 2025. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.
Pay And Benefits Annual Pay Range: $148,648.66 - $200,675.74 Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position. This position is an “at will” position and serves under the County Counsel on an employment Contract.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost‑of‑living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees. We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective on the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.
16 hours of vacation accrual per month Eligible newly hired employees will have the one‑time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 – Vacation Leave ! This means you have access to vacation time at the time of hire.
8 hours of sick accrual per month
10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP): Employer‑paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
A Choice of Dental Plans
Longevity pay
Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement fund savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre‑ or post‑tax basis to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)
Job Details and Qualifications Clackamas County is seeking a Senior Assistant Legal Counsel to provide expert legal guidance on critical labor and employment matters, represent the county in complex cases, and help ensure compliance across all levels of county operations. As the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel, you will play a central role in safeguarding the county’s compliance with complex labor and employment laws. You will provide strategic legal advice to county leadership, departments, and elected officials on issues ranging from labor negotiations to employment policies and workplace practices. In this position, you will represent the county in arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and state and federal litigation, while also advising on legislative proposals that affect county operations. In addition, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert and mentor, guiding attorneys and paralegals on employment‑related matters and collaborating on high‑profile legal projects that impact the entire organization.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills
A minimum of five (5) years of related experience, with a focus on employment law that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing prior to appointment. If you are currently licensed in another state, for information about the reciprocity process, please visit the Oregon State Bar Admissions website.
Demonstrate skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to establish findings of fact and decisions in concise written form
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills
Experience advising management on compliance with all labor law requirements in managing represented employees such as employee discipline, grievances, and labor negotiations; representing management in arbitrations and before administrative agencies; and advising management on compliance with all employment law requirements, such as anti‑discrimination laws, FMLA/OFLA, ADA, whistleblowing laws, and wage and hour laws
Experience in public sector labor and employment law
Experience in employment litigation
Experience in a collaborative team environment as a supervisor of other attorneys or legal staff
Experience with the organization of County government; county ordinances, rules, and policies; department policies and procedures; and liability and risk management principles
Pre-Employment Requirements
Must pass a criminal history check, which may include a national or state fingerprint records check
Driving is required for county business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver’s license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy
For veterans qualified for Veterans' Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open‑ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS
Represent the County in complex federal and state civil litigation and administrative proceedings before the Employment Relations Board.
Provide strategic legal counsel to County leadership and departments, including Human Resources, on employment and labor law matters.
Represent the County before arbitrators in contract interpretation or disciplinary grievances that advance to final and binding arbitration.
Provide guidance to other attorneys and paralegals in employment and labor‑related legal matters.
Evaluate and guide County‑wide policies and practices to ensure legal compliance with evolving state and federal employment law requirements.
Analyze proposed state and federal legislation affecting County operations, draft proposed amendments in coordination with County Public and Government Affairs.
Conduct legal research, study, and interpret the application of laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities and precedents; prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and briefs to guide County decision‑making.
Advise the County on specific issues related to labor negotiations and the obligations of public bodies under the PECBA.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with attorneys from other jurisdictions and agencies on matters of mutual concern in labor and employment law.
Represent and advise the County at public meetings and executive sessions, including presenting complex legal issues in clear, actionable terms.
WORK SCHEDULE This position is included in the county’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on‑site/telework, subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on‑site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on‑site at Clackamas County.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
APPLICATION PROCESS Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Service
Professionalism
Integrity
Respect
Individual accountability
Trust
CLOSE DATE This position will remain open until filled. The next application review will be on Monday, October 6, 2025. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.
Pay And Benefits Annual Pay Range: $148,648.66 - $200,675.74 Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position. This position is an “at will” position and serves under the County Counsel on an employment Contract.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost‑of‑living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees. We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective on the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.
16 hours of vacation accrual per month Eligible newly hired employees will have the one‑time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 – Vacation Leave ! This means you have access to vacation time at the time of hire.
8 hours of sick accrual per month
10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP): Employer‑paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
A Choice of Dental Plans
Longevity pay
Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement fund savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre‑ or post‑tax basis to a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)
Job Details and Qualifications Clackamas County is seeking a Senior Assistant Legal Counsel to provide expert legal guidance on critical labor and employment matters, represent the county in complex cases, and help ensure compliance across all levels of county operations. As the Senior Assistant Legal Counsel, you will play a central role in safeguarding the county’s compliance with complex labor and employment laws. You will provide strategic legal advice to county leadership, departments, and elected officials on issues ranging from labor negotiations to employment policies and workplace practices. In this position, you will represent the county in arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and state and federal litigation, while also advising on legislative proposals that affect county operations. In addition, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert and mentor, guiding attorneys and paralegals on employment‑related matters and collaborating on high‑profile legal projects that impact the entire organization.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills
A minimum of five (5) years of related experience, with a focus on employment law that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing prior to appointment. If you are currently licensed in another state, for information about the reciprocity process, please visit the Oregon State Bar Admissions website.
Demonstrate skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to establish findings of fact and decisions in concise written form
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills
Experience advising management on compliance with all labor law requirements in managing represented employees such as employee discipline, grievances, and labor negotiations; representing management in arbitrations and before administrative agencies; and advising management on compliance with all employment law requirements, such as anti‑discrimination laws, FMLA/OFLA, ADA, whistleblowing laws, and wage and hour laws
Experience in public sector labor and employment law
Experience in employment litigation
Experience in a collaborative team environment as a supervisor of other attorneys or legal staff
Experience with the organization of County government; county ordinances, rules, and policies; department policies and procedures; and liability and risk management principles
Pre-Employment Requirements
Must pass a criminal history check, which may include a national or state fingerprint records check
Driving is required for county business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver’s license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy
For veterans qualified for Veterans' Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open‑ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS
Represent the County in complex federal and state civil litigation and administrative proceedings before the Employment Relations Board.
Provide strategic legal counsel to County leadership and departments, including Human Resources, on employment and labor law matters.
Represent the County before arbitrators in contract interpretation or disciplinary grievances that advance to final and binding arbitration.
Provide guidance to other attorneys and paralegals in employment and labor‑related legal matters.
Evaluate and guide County‑wide policies and practices to ensure legal compliance with evolving state and federal employment law requirements.
Analyze proposed state and federal legislation affecting County operations, draft proposed amendments in coordination with County Public and Government Affairs.
Conduct legal research, study, and interpret the application of laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities and precedents; prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and briefs to guide County decision‑making.
Advise the County on specific issues related to labor negotiations and the obligations of public bodies under the PECBA.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with attorneys from other jurisdictions and agencies on matters of mutual concern in labor and employment law.
Represent and advise the County at public meetings and executive sessions, including presenting complex legal issues in clear, actionable terms.
WORK SCHEDULE This position is included in the county’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on‑site/telework, subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on‑site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on‑site at Clackamas County.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
APPLICATION PROCESS Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr