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Real Estate Attorney in Portland, OR

1000 Friends of Oregon Jun 03,2019 May 10,2019 Location Portland OR
This job is expired...

Public Interest

Attorney

Real Estate

Profile

Rural Lands Attorney The candidate reports to: Deputy Director. Work with individuals and organizations across the state to ensure that land use laws protecting farm, forest, and ranch lands and natural resources are implemented legally at the local and state level. This will involve providing technical and legal advice and, when appropriate, legal representation. The position will also oversee and grow the company’ Cooperating Attorney Program, to increase the breadth of enforcement of land use laws. Among other things, these collaborative efforts will help the Rural Lands Attorney to identify fact-patterns calling for strategic litigation. These efforts will also strengthen and grow company’ understanding of and relationships with rural communities across Oregon.The Rural Lands Attorney will work with the Rural Lands Legislative Advocate and the Food Systems Program Director to identify existing laws and administrative rules that should be changed because they are failing to protect Oregon’s farm and forest lands and natural resources, and will help conceptualize new statutes and rules to improve the land use program. As part of this, the Rural Lands Attorney will provide technical assistance to the Legislative Advocate as needed in drafting any proposed legislation and rules. The Rural Lands Attorney will also collaborate with the company Communications Manager and Working Lands Engagement Coordinator to publicize when land use laws are being abused, to demonstrate the benefits of the land use program in rural communities, and to advocate for proper implementation of the land use program. Engage with rural land use activists, company’ affiliated organizations, Farmer Advisory Committee (FAC), and other allies to understand how the land use program is being implemented at the local level, primarily by counties. Learn where it is working and where it is not, and why not. Review land use plan amendments proposed by counties on rural lands and provide technical and legal comments where appropriate, often working with and/or representing local activists, the Farmer Advisory Committee, and organizations. Strategically appeal local land use decisions on farm, forest, and resource lands that do not comply with land use laws, often representing local activists, the Farmers Advisory Committee, or organizations. Appeals are to the Land Use Board of Appeals and occasionally to the Oregon Court of Appeals, and less often, to the Oregon Supreme Court. Develop strategic impactful cases that will help change the land use system by confirming the meaning and purpose of land use laws. Look for opportunities to use the land use program to protect iconic Oregon landscapes. Reinvigorate and grow the company Cooperating Attorneys Program (CAP), which is made up of attorneys and law firms who agree to handle an occasional land use case pro bono. Manage the CAP program as a complementary enforcement tool against illegal local government land-use decision-making in rural areas. This will involve: Growing the list of attorneys and law firms who agree to join the CAP program. Working primarily with company affiliated organizations to connect local clients with a CAP attorney for cases that are winnable and further the objectives of both company and the CAP client. Providing support to CAP attorneys as necessary. Ensuring the CAP program and cases follow all legal and professional liability requirements. Work with the company Communications Manager to publicize the importance to Oregon and Oregonians of enforcing the land use planning program. Develop and maintain good working relationships with local and state government staff and officials. Develop and present, with the staff team, training for activists, affiliates, and FAC on substantive and procedural land use issues. Respond as appropriate to questions on rural lands from members, activists, and media.

Qualification and Experience

The candidate should have Familiarity with land use law and the Land Use Board of Appeals. J.D. and active membership in the Oregon State Bar is required. Must have land use litigation experience.
Commitment to the goals and vision of company of Oregon is required. Must have Knowledge of legal research methods. Should have strong analytical ability and technical and persuasive writing skills. Should preferably have Experience working in the non-profit sector.

Additional info

Submit a résumé, 3 professional references, and a cover letter describing how experience and skills match the needs of the organization.

Company info