Deputy Defenders (All Locations)

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Job Description:

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking dedicated skilled attorneys to join our team as Deputy Defenders. This is a unique opportunity to serve the cause of justice by ensuring that every clientregardless of background or circumstancereceives high-quality legal representation. As a Deputy Defender you will work alongside passionate advocates committed to upholding constitutional rights shaping fair legal outcomes and advancing the integrity of our public defense system. If you are motivated by meaningful courtroom work collaboration and a genuine desire to make a difference in peoples lives we encourage you to apply.

Position: Deputy Defender

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill current and future vacancies as they occur.

Locations

Northwest Regional Trial Division (Portland OR) > Hiring Manager Brian Decker

Central Services Trial Division (Salem OR) > Hiring Manager Aaron Jeffers

Southwest Trial Division (Medford) > Hiring Manager Alyssa Bartholomew

Salary Range: $8842 - $11800

Whats in it for you

You will become part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!

• OPDC supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a generous benefits package including employer-paid health insurance vacation and sick leave eleven paid holidays three paid personal days flexible spending accounts and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).

• The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible the salary range will increase by 6%. The top candidate will be screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information.

• As a state employee you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program helping you achieve financial freedom while making a difference.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school AND member of the Oregon State Bar or eligible for membership through reciprocity or a program approved by the Oregon State Bar AND meets or exceeds OPDC standards for court appointed counsel in Misdemeanor Cases Lesser Felony Cases or Major Felony Cases Attorney Standards Certification Form and Supplemental Questions () AND Valid Oregon Drivers license.

What you will do

Deputy Defenders in the Trial Division are Public Defenders who provide court appointed legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in the circuit courts in the State of Oregon. Deputy Defender attorneys are expected to represent clients from arraignment through filing of post-trial motions. There may also be occasional pre-indictment representations. Case types will include probation violations misdemeanors and contempt charges lesser and major felonies extradition proceedings and other adjudications that are directly related to these matters.

Application Guidance

Application Requirements

REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile matches your submitted resume.

REQUIRED: Attach a cover letter that details how you meet the desired attributes for this position. Your cover letter should be no more than 2-pages.(A Cover Letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.)

**APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT**

Duties

Interviewing and communicating with clients

Effectively communicate with clients and inform clients of the status of their cases at all stages.

Ensure redacted discovery and all significant filings are sent to clients as appropriate. Protect confidential information and communications between clients and the office.

Be available to the client and if in custody visit the client at the jail or correctional facility as needed.

Arraignment and release/preventative detention hearings advocacy

Vertical representation of clients is a priority.

Attend the clients arraignment if possible and argue for release at the initial appearance and/or preventative detention.

Legal research and writing

Be able to assess and identify legal issues including novel arguments. Contain well-reasoned and analytical sound arguments based on the facts and the evidence supported by accurate statements of relevant law and applied to the circumstances.

Understand and comply with rules regarding legal citations and formatting.

Be familiar with and utilize legal research tools and software including Westlaw and legal resources and be able to research the law from administrative rules to constitutional provisions.

Preparing and arguing pretrial motions affidavits and legal memoranda

Draft and review the legal briefs and memorandum in support of pretrial motions.

Understand the strengths and weaknesses of both side of the motion and be prepared to persuasively argue the defense arguments and respond to the states argument with appropriate references to and discussions of the relevant facts and law.

Dispositional and/or sentencing advocacy and post-trial motions excluding appeals.

Ensure mitigation investigation is conducted and understand the facts and relevant law as it relates to sentencing and alternatives to sentencing.

Jury and bench trials of criminal cases

Make appropriate decisions in consultation with the client regarding a jury or bench trial.

At trial be well-organized clear and concise and meet or exceed the standards and guidelines for criminal defense representation.

Representation of clients in interlocutory/appellate proceedings

If appropriate defend against a state interlocutory appeal of a pretrial motion (i.e. motion to suppress evidence).

The Top (6) Desired Attributes for this Role

These attributes collectively support a public defender in providing competent effective and ethical representation to clients:

1. Must have strong and clear communication skills (written verbal non-verbal listening)

2. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and demonstrate flexibility through prioritization.

3. Must be highly organized with strong attention to detail.

4. Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

5. Familiarity with legal software

6. Demonstrated commitment to Public Defense experience working with underserved populations (houselessness addiction disability mental health etc.)

Who we are.

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor which serves as the governing body for Oregons public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregons public safety system.

OPDCs mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for persons eligible for a public office includes the Executive Appellate Trial Trial Development & Resources and Administrative Services Divisions.

OPDC negotiates contracts with trial level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal juvenile and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices training and Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis General Counsel Human Resources Information Technology Services Internal Audit and Policy Development.

Recruitment Timeline

*These dates are approximate and may change. *

Recruitment Closes: Thursday April 30 2026 @ 11:59P

Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going

Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: On-going

Interviews: On-going

Veterans Preference

Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans preference. If you checked that you are a veteran be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting. For more information please go to the State website: is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its will be provided in the recruitment application and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.