The DA’s Office has a variety of volunteer opportunities. The descriptions below provide more information about each opportunity and instructions on how to apply.
Visit the Office
Attorneys, law school graduates, and law students who are interested in visiting the office are encouraged contact Senior Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell, the supervisor of the Misdemeanor Trial Unit. Amanda may be reached via e-mail (amanda.nadell@nullmcda.us)or by phone at (503)-988-4581
Practical Skills Through Public Service
The DA’s Office participates in the Practical Skills Through Public Service program. This unique program was created by the Oregon New Lawyers Division. In this program, new attorney volunteers are placed at organizations of their interest, receive training relevant to their respective organizations, are mentored by practicing attorneys, and are given active cases and projects.
Jury Trial Experience Project
The DA’s Office has worked in partnership with the American College of Trial Lawyers on the Jury Trial Experience Project since August 2008. The project places attorneys (with varying levels of experience) from local civil firms into the Misdemeanor Trial Unit of the DA’s Office. Participants commit to working 4 days per week for 4 weeks. During the first 2 days, participants undergo an accelerated orientation and training program. By the end of the first week, participants are assigned their first trial. As time passes, participants are assigned to handle more complex and difficult cases. When not in trial, participants handle probation violation hearings, show-cause hearings, restitution hearings, and other court appearances. Participants will be screened via a criminal background check and pre-participation drug screening.
If you have questions about the project, please contact Senior Deputy DA Tom Cleary at thomas.cleary@nullmcda.us . Contact Jury Trial Experience Committee member, Walter Sweek of Cosgrave, Vergeer, Kester at wsweek@nullcosgravelaw.com or Elden Rosenthal of Devlin Law P.C. at elden@nullrgdpdx.com to apply.
Work Opportunities for Students
The DA’s Office provides work opportunities for students from local high schools, community colleges, and universities. If you would like further information, please contact Vi Ton, HR Manager at vi.ton@nullmcda.us (503) 988-4943, or Jamila Williams, Operations Manager at Jamila.Williams@nullmcda.us (503) 988-5706.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Program
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. SAVAs meet with Law Enforcement, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and Victims of sexual assault at all local hospital emergency departments, primarily in Multnomah County. The role of the SAVA is to provide support, information, and resources during the forensic medical examination and law enforcement interview. The purpose of the hospital response is two-fold: to ensure the physical well- being of the victim and to collect forensic evidence that may be present. Prior to volunteering, SAVAs complete a 40-hour training on advocacy and hospital response, generally scheduled twice annually in the spring and fall. On-call SAVA’s are scheduled three times per month, based on the availability they provide to SAVA program staff. Shifts are weekday overnights (Monday-Friday 5:00pm to 8:00am the following day) or weekends (Saturday, Sunday, or holiday 8:00am to 8:00pm and 8:00pm to 8:00am). The requirements to be a SAVA are as following:
– Have reliable transportation, a valid Oregon driver’s license, and proof of insurance
– Consent to a criminal background investigation
– Agree to a one-year commitment from the end of training
– Be 18 years of age or older
– Attend all 40 hours of training sessions prior to responding to calls
– Attend four ongoing trainings a year (bi-monthly, the first Tuesday evening of the month)
– Sign a confidentiality agreement
If you would like to be considered for the role of a SAVA, please complete an application and background check form, and submit copies of your driver’s license and insurance. Class size is
limited.
You may send in your application the following ways:
Mail: Victim Assistance Program, District Attorney’s Office Attn: SAVA Program Coordinator
1200 SW First Ave, Suite 5300 Portland, Oregon 97204
Email: sava@nullmcda.us
Fax: 503-988-3304
For further information, contact the MCDA Victim Assistance Program at (503) 988-3222 or sava@nullmcda.us.