SEIU Local 503
In It Together

Staff Attorney

Based in either Portland, Salem or Eugene, OR

 

SEIU Local 503 is seeking a full time Staff Attorney to join our Legal team and support building power for the over 70,000 workers we represent. SEIU Local 503 is a dynamic growing union. Our union represents public employees including state, local and higher education workers and long-term care workers including homecare, nursing home, and facility-based workers. Our work to lift standards and settle strong contracts has impacted our members and Oregonians as a whole. Winning involves a strategy that includes every department of the union working together. 

The ideal candidate is someone who has experience working with people from all backgrounds and an ability to meet people where they are at. The work of the legal department is constantly changing and adapting to address the issues impacting our union most. It is crucial for our Staff Attorney to be equally adaptable, resilient and strategic.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement Local 503’s legal vision, strategy, and program.  
• Preparation and presentation of arbitration cases.
• Preparation and presentation of representation and unfair labor practice cases before the National Labor Relations Board and the Employment Relations Board.
• Litigation in State and Federal trial courts.
• Preparing appellate briefs; advising staff and leaders on contract administration and other labor and employment issues.
• Identifying and alerting staff to emerging legal problems.
• Staff and membership training.
• Working with various member committees; providing organization wide guidance on the SEIU Local 503 governing documents, bylaws and administrative policies and procedures (AP&P) and any other related governance documentation as needed.
• Participate in union-wide membership drives, political campaigns and other field activities as assigned which may include worksite visits, phone banking, house visits, door-to-door canvassing, and literature drops. 

Job Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Membership in the Oregon State Bar or achievement of membership with the Oregon State Bar within one year of hire.
• Experience in collective bargaining, contract administration, labor organizing and/or labor law preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to using law as one of the many tools for building worker power.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and produce written materials for both legal and non-legal audiences. 
• High degree of judgment, analysis, and complex decision-making skills.
• Understanding of legal principles, concepts, systems, processes and terminology.
• Good public relations skills including ability to remain calm and professional.
• Ability to readily learn new procedures, technological and equipment operation.
• Ability to handle a complexity of tasks and carry out detailed instructions in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively and with coworkers, multiple departments, and members.
• Ability to take initiative and work well under pressure with staff and members.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and occasional travel.  

Other Experience Considered:

• Experience in related fields such as immigration, employment, administrative, or corporate liability.
• Experience as a Union steward, organizer, or representative. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• This position is part of the staff union. 
• The salary range for this position is $92,256 – $135,000 dependent on experience. 
• The employer pays 15% on top of your salary toward your 401k retirement benefit. 
• Fully paid premiums for employee healthcare (medical, dental, and vision), eligible dependents and domestic partner benefits. 
• Cell phone allowance of $90 and State Bar Dues.
• Flexible Spending Account of an additional $210 per month (with cash option). 
• Generous leave including 14 paid holidays, comp time, paid bereavement and personal leave, sick leave, etc.

How to Apply: 
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to Arturo Rodriguez Flores at Rodriguezfloresa@seiu503.org