Description:

A Government Entity is currently searching for a Juvenile Chief Attorney to join our Washington County Office. The Chief Attorney is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions with the court, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the state Attorney General's Office and the county District Attorney's Office regarding court appointed advocacy services in Washington County. This position manages a team of 3-5 attorneys handling delinquency and child welfare matters in juvenile court. The attorneys review charging instruments and discovery provided by the State, including police and agency reports, and follow up with investigation provided in-house. When working for a parent or children involved in the child welfare, the attorney represents a parent client against abuse and neglect allegations in juvenile dependency proceedings. This includes representation at the first shelter appearance through to adjudication and/or termination trials. The attorney also represents children of parents accused of neglect or abuse in the same types of proceedings. The attorney reviews documents provided by government agencies, discuss them with clients, and develops a strategy for representation in consultation with the client, and then carry out the representation consistent with the client's wishes. This position mentors and trains all team members on a continuing basis including staffing cases, trial observations, regular check ins, and other related supervision. In addition to the management and policy responsibilities, the Chief Attorney will also handle 0.25-0.50 juvenile caseload. This Chief Attorney receives general supervision from the Washington County Director.

Position Qualifications:
  • Must be a current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing.
  • Experience working in indigent criminal defense, juvenile defense, child welfare advocacy, child development and/or early childhood, elementary or secondary education.
  • Areas of working proficiency should include evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, dependency law and collateral consequences.
  • OPDS qualified to handle misdemeanor and felony cases.
  • Manage attorney team handling assigned cases.
  • Recruits and hire staffs for all positions.
  • Provides employee engagement and professional development for all team members.
  • Coordinate coverage schedules for their unit.
  • Meet regularly with attorneys to provide case staffing, advice and support.
  • Represent MPD in policy and operation needs regarding cases and related issues.
  • Handle assigned caseloads (approximately 0.5 normal caseload)
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.