Job Summary

Make an impact: The City of Salem is seeking a qualified attorney to work as a Deputy City Attorney, specializing in state and federal civil litigation, in the City Attorney’s office. The City has an innovative and forward-thinking approach to government and community engagement that will provide a variety of opportunities in different practice areas for the successful candidate to advise, problem solve, and implement the City’s strategic plan.

Qualified candidates will be paid a signing bonus of up to $2,500 upon successful completion of the hiring process within of 30 days of employment. Attorneys will be required to sign an agreement that if they do not successfully pass the 12 month probation period or separate for any reason before successfully completing probation, they will be required to reimburse the City of Salem one half of the bonus in the amount of $1,250.

Learn and grow: With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, liberal remote work policy, and opportunities to develop skills and grow within the organization, the City of Salem is a great place to work.

What you will do: The successful candidate will advise and represent the City of Salem in all stages of active civil litigation. The position will work with outside counsel on case management and conferring on case strategy. As part of case management, the successful candidate is expected to keep affected departments and individuals apprised of significant milestones in cases. The position interacts with a variety of individuals in different roles and specialties, including elected officials, and professional and effective communication is critical.

The Deputy City Attorney is also responsible for oversight of the Legal Department’s Civil Litigation Unit. As such, the successful candidate will manage both a paralegal and litigation assistant.

Additional information on job responsibilities:

• 
  Reviewing and providing advice on tort claim notices.
• Filing responsive pleadings and motions once a case is filed against the City
• Engaging in complex discovery.
• Mediating cases as appropriate and taking cases to trial in both state and federal court

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Juris doctor degree from a recognized accredited school of law, and at least five years as a licensed attorney, with a minimum of three years of experience in government or municipal law, preferably in Oregon, or any combination of education, experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Admission to practice law in the State of Oregon.

What you will bring along:

• Appellate experience is also appreciated.
• Prior management experience is preferred.

About us: The City of Salem is the state capital of Oregon and is in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Salem is within an hour drive of the Oregon Coast, Cascade Mountains, and Portland metro area. Salem is a culturally and economically diverse community, offering abundant year-around outdoor, art, cultural, family, educational, and recreational opportunities.

Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Deputy City Attorney, or view by clicking here.

How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City of Salem through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.