Request For Application for Estate Administration Unit Contracted Attorney

The State of Oregon Department of Human Services, through the Estate Administration Unit, is seeking qualified contract attorneys to serve as conservators and personal representatives. The primary objective of this engagement is to facilitate the recovery of public assistance and Medical Assistance costs of care. Selected attorneys will be responsible for drafting and filing petitions under ORS chapter 125 for conservatorships, petitions under ORS chapter 113 for probate proceedings, and simple estate affidavits under ORS 114. Additional services may include temporary or permanent guardianship and other protective orders. To qualify, applicants must be members of the Oregon State Bar in good standing with no disciplinary history in the last five years, reside and practice law within Oregon, and possess experience in protective and probate proceedings. Awards are based on minimum qualifications, with preference given to attorneys capable of operating in all 36 Oregon counties. Compensation is structured via a price agreement with hourly rates of 175.00 dollars for attorneys, 80.00 dollars for paralegals, and 20.00 dollars for office assistants. Standard legal fees are capped at 2,500.00 dollars per case, though exceptional cases may reach 5,000.00 dollars with prior written approval, and court fees are reimbursable up to 1,500.00 dollars per case. Contractors must adhere to strict confidentiality and data security standards, particularly regarding Social Security Administration records and Federal Tax Information, including compliance with IRS Publication 1075. Performance is measured by the timely appointment of conservators, and failure to meet established timelines for protective proceedings is considered a material breach of the agreement. Payments are processed via Electronic Funds Transfer, and the agency may extend the price agreement for up to six years.