Description
Make a Meaningful Impact in Public Sector Employment Law
CIS Trust (CIS) empowers Oregon’s cities and counties to manage risk effectively, enabling them to deliver essential services to their communities. As a cornerstone of our mission, we provide proactive employment law and human resources counsel to our members, helping them avoid litigation and reduce legal liabilities. To meet the growing demand for these services, we seek a talented Pre-Loss Employment Attorney to join our Employment Risk Services team in Wilsonville, Oregon. This position reports directly to the General Counsel.
Employment Risk Services (ERS) Group Mission
The Employment Risk Services (ERS) Group is dedicated to supporting CIS members as they navigate the complexities of employment-related matters. Our mission is to help members reduce legal risk and enhance organizational compliance by providing high-quality HR consulting, employment law advice, and specially tailored training and resources—ensuring our members are equipped to manage workforce challenges with confidence and care.
Core Values
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and legal compliance in every interaction. We are committed to serving as trusted advisors to our members, ensuring our advice is clear and provides an honest assessment of risks, options and potential outcomes.
Expertise: Our team of seasoned HR consultants and employment law attorneys bring diverse backgrounds and deep knowledge to help members address a wide range of employment issues.
Accessibility: We provide responsive, no-cost support to CIS members, providing timely guidance through phone, email, and on-site or virtual training.
Prevention: We believe in proactive risk management. By helping members follow sound legal and HR practices, we aim to prevent employment claims before they arise.
Education: Through training and consultation, we equip supervisors, managers, and HR professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to lead confidently and compliantly.
Collaboration: We work closely with CIS members to understand their unique needs and provide tailored solutions that align with their organizational goals.
Why Join CIS?
Purposeful Work: Contribute to the success of cities and counties across Oregon by providing legal guidance that truly makes a difference.
Innovative Environment: Engage in dynamic, forward-thinking work alongside a collegial team that values creativity and collaboration.
Professional Growth: Benefit from robust training, development opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge legal issues.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a supportive culture that prioritizes flexibility, including telework options and a healthy work-life balance. This position does not have a billable or non-billable hour requirement.
Competitive Compensation: Receive excellent wages, benefits, and PERS (Oregon Public Employees Retirement System) retirement.
Position Overview
Are you seeking a dynamic employment law practice without the constraints of billable hours? Do you thrive on partnering with public sector clients to address unique legal challenges and proactively mitigate risk? If you are passionate about delivering impactful training, conducting legal research, and crafting practical solutions for complex employment issues, we invite you to consider this opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
Advise CIS members on employee discipline, discharge, and compliance with federal and Oregon employment laws.
Prepare documentation for CIS members related to discipline, disability accommodations, and leave laws.
Draft and review responses to EEOC charges and BOLI complaints.
Develop and deliver training on employment law topics, including discrimination, harassment, leave laws, and disability accommodations. (Training will be conducted via various platforms, including in-person, webinars and podcasts.)
Collaborate with CIS Employment Risk Services team members and Risk Management Consultants to address member risk and reduce legal liabilities.
Provide legal counsel to CIS staff on employment law matters affecting members.
Assist CIS Claims staff with documentation and coordination on pending and potential claims, including early dispute resolution, damages analyses and separation agreements.
Coordinate with labor attorneys on union-related workplace issues including discipline and termination strategy.
Draft or edit articles for CIS and partner publications on employment law compliance and updates.
Review and analyze CIS members’ employment contracts, governance documents, and other legal materials.
Provide resources for CIS members on issues outside the Pre-Loss program, including labor law, wage and hour, public records and meetings law.
Draft and update sample employee handbook policies and templates. Responsible for drafting policies and policy updates for the CIS Sample Employee Handbook.
Research and analyze laws relevant to employment, tort liability, civil rights, workers’ compensation, and litigation procedures.
Work independently to deliver high-quality service to CIS members.
Handle the demands of an active advice practice, and work collegially with CIS staff, CIS member staff, and others.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate and a minimum of three years’ of experience providing employment law advice and counsel, ideally to public sector clients.
In-depth knowledge of employment law, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability, and leave of absence laws. Finalists will be expected to handle a mock advice “call” relating to a termination situation in front of an interview panel.
Exceptional writing skills, with experience drafting employee-related documentation such as discipline notices, disability accommodation plans, correspondence, employee policies, separation and severance agreements, and responses to BOLI and EEOC matters.
Demonstrated experience delivering live and remote training to diverse audiences; finalists will be asked to present a brief employment law training.
Active law license. Candidates licensed to practice law in states other than Oregon will be required to obtain an Oregon law license within six months of hire. Compliance with continuing legal education requirements.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Oregon each month for member visits, conferences and trainings.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience advising public sector clients.
Experience with Oregon employment law.
Litigation experience, including jury trials or administrative proceedings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) tools relevant to legal practice.
Working knowledge of labor law (PECBA), tort liability, civil rights, workers’ compensation, insurance law, and municipal law.
How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.cisoregon.org/About/CareerOpportunities
Application deadline: Position will remain open until filled. First review of applications will occur on February 20, 2026
For questions about the position, please contact CIS General Counsel Tamara Russell at 503-763-3845 or trussell@cisoregon.org.
