Assistant General Counsel

Port of Portland
Portland, OR

We're hiring an Assistant General Counsel!

Elevate your legal career by joining the Port of Portland as our Assistant General Counsel, where you will become an integral part of our esteemed legal team. In this role, you will navigate complex legal landscapes, ensuring unwavering regulatory compliance and cultivating pivotal partnerships essential to the Port's success.

About us: At the Port of Portland, we are committed to driving growth and fostering shared prosperity in our region. Our mission extends beyond traditional legal obligations; we strive to create opportunities, promote economic development, and uplift the communities we serve. Through our work, we aim to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence while actively contributing to positive change within the Port and our community. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact and build a brighter future for all!

Your Role:As Assistant General Counsel, you will lead legal initiatives, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and provide counsel on a wide range of legal matters. Your responsibilities will include drafting and negotiating contracts (including construction contracts) and supporting Request for Proposals (RFPs), solicitations, and public contracting Port-wide. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks effectively. If you are a seasoned legal professional ready to contribute to our organization's success, apply now to join our dynamic legal team!

Associate General Counsel:The Port of Portland welcomes applications from candidates with a range of experience levels. While the Assistant General Counsel role is designed for individuals with 8 or more years of experience, candidates with at least 6 years of experience may be considered for an Associate General Counsel position. The Associate role offers a great opportunity for growth and development.

Associate General Counsel salary range:
$141,500-$207,500
Assistant General Counsel salary range:
$162,000-$238,000



  • Lead and oversee one or more practice areas (e.g., contracting, real estate, employment law, environmental law, aviation, marine, leasing). Mentor others and lead cross-functional teams.

  • Partner with senior leaders to proactively identify business and legal risks and manage the implementation of mitigation strategies. Contribute to overall business strategy and serve as an advisor and thought partner.

  • Provide analysis, interpretation, and counsel to business leaders on highly complex issues, including those involving multiple internal and external entities.

  • Lead compliance efforts and drive continuous improvement in compliance.

  • Draft or oversee the drafting of highly complex legal documents, including contracts, responses, and letters.

  • Provide legal advice, interpretation, and analysis on public agency functions and powers under applicable laws, including public records and records retention laws, public meetings laws, government ethics laws, legal holds, litigation, public contracting, and records disposition matters. Identify emerging issues in the public sector arena and propose solutions.

  • Represent the Port in legal matters or lead a team in representing the Port.

  • Develop and implement overall litigation strategy and oversee internal and external resources in responding to litigation, claims, or other legal activity.

We welcome applications from individuals with varying levels of experience. The Port of Portland is committed to considering all applicants for potential opportunities. If you do not meet the qualifications for the Assistant General Counsel position, there's an opportunity to join us as an Associate General Counsel.

Associate General CounselAssistant General CounselDegreeBachelor's and Juris DoctorBachelor's and Juris DoctorMinimum Years of Experience6+ years related legal experience8+ years related legal experienceLicense/CertificationMember in good standing of the Oregon Bar
Licensed to practice law in Oregon*Member in good standing of the Oregon bar
Licensed to practice law in Oregon**or have the ability to become a member, including eligibility under reciprocity rules within 6 months.
Demonstrated Skills & Abilities:
  • Advanced knowledge in legal research.
  • Understanding of public agency functions and powers under applicable laws.
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: construction contracting, tech contracting, public contracting, and/or federal contracting.
  • Proficiency in oral and written communication, including skills in presentation, conveying complex information to diverse audiences, and producing legally defensible written work product.
  • Capability to make difficult decisions in situations where no precedent exists. Skilled at negotiation, especially on high-impact issues.

Selection Process(dates subject to change):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of April 27, 2026.

2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

3. Our goal is to schedule initial interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation week of May 4th. Successful candidates will then be invited to panel interviews the week of May 18th.
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