Housing & Collateral Consequences Attorney (Community Law)

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties.

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit: www.mpdlaw.com

Community Law (CL) is the civil law department of MPD that specializes is diminishing the downstream effects of criminal legal system involvement. The team serves people from the community who have previously encountered the criminal justice system, as well as other vulnerable populations in Portland and Multnomah County, to remove barriers to housing and economic stability. They defend tenants in evictions and advocate for systemic changes to help Oregonians previously involved in the criminal justice system. The department also has an Immigration team who provides consultations and legal representation for immigrant Oregonians. CL partners with government agencies and organizations to serve our clients, working together to help clients navigate the legal system, remove barriers to economic opportunities, and deliver justice.

MPD is currently searching for a Housing & Collateral Consequences Attorney to join our Community Law Team.

The Housing & Collateral Consequences Attorney provides legal representation to clients comprised of criminal barrier reduction (such as expungement, felony reduction, fine and fee waivers, driver’s license reinstatements, etc.) and navigation of other civil legal issues often impacted by criminal records (family law, benefits, protective orders, etc.). They also provide tenant representation (eviction defense, rental debt advocacy and negotiation, eviction expungements, etc.) and maintain an active caseload of tenants facing eviction. The attorney will work closely with clients experiencing housing instability to prevent eviction whenever possible and, when prevention is not feasible, help secure the best possible outcome to minimize the negative impacts of displacement. This position requires regular in-person court appearances, negotiations with landlords and opposing counsel, and local rental assistance partners. The Housing & Collateral Consequences Attorney will also collaborate with community partners, service providers, and County programs to address systemic drivers of eviction in Multnomah County. The ideal candidate is committed to justice for low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals and households and understands the economic and systemic issues these populations face.

This position pays $77,840 - $115,005 annually commensurate with experience and additional compensation for bilingual ability. Staff are members of a union. This is a full time (1.0 FTE) non-exempt position. All Community Law positions are contingent upon continued funding.

In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid
• 401(K) – MPD will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
• PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrues monthly to 80 hours and increase to 120 hours starting at 24 months
• 10 paid holidays + 2 Personal Equity Days
• 4 Mental Health Days per year
• Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire + accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment
• Option of a 35-hour work week after the completion of six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• Oregon Bar admission or eligible for admission
• Housing law experience, including a good understanding of Oregon state and local housing laws
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Creativity and flexibility in solving problems and meeting challenges
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Position Preferences

• Experience with administrative and/or court proceedings, particularly in housing matters
• Experience representing low-income clients, and diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, including individuals with a history of incarceration or trauma
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent in Spanish highly preferred
• Experience with any of the other legal issue areas this position encompasses a plus

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
• This is a hybrid position. Attorneys are regularly required to make in-person court appearances in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County and are also expected to attend community legal clinics on a regular basis.
  • Applicants must reside in Oregon or be willing to relocate for the position

To Apply:

• Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work at MPD
• Internal applicants should apply via the Career Center on ADP
• Posting will close on or before July 17

Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.