Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defenders (Multiple Locations)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 101,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Basic life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Hybrid and flexible work opportunities

Job summary

Oregon Public Defense Commission seeks Deputy Defenders for the Northwest Regional Trial Division (Portland), Central Services Trial Division (Salem), and Southwest Trial Division (Medford). These are permanent, full-time roles representing indigent clients in circuit courts across Oregon.

Officers collaborate with divisions, meet Oregon Bar requirements, and demonstrate commitment to equity in public service. Hybrid work may be available where operationally appropriate.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the Oregon State Bar or eligibility via reciprocity or approved program.
• Meeting the Attorney Qualification Standards for Criminal Attorney 1–5 and possessing a valid Oregon Driver's license.
• Out-of-state applicants should confirm attorney qualifications via email with the Hiring Manager.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients from arraignment through post-trial motions in circuit courts.
• Provide court-appointed legal representation and advocacy in criminal matters.
• Handle case types including probation violations, misdemeanors, felonies, and related proceedings.

Skills

Communication

Prioritization

Organization

Working Under Pressure

Legal Software

Public Defense

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school

Job description

Position Title

Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defenders (Multiple Locations)

Initial Posting Date

09/04/2026

Application Deadline

03/04/2027

Agency

Oregon Public Defense Commission

Salary Range

$9,063 - $12,095

Position Type

Employee

Job Description

Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defender

Permanent | Full Time | Multiple Locations

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, excellence, innovation, accountability, and equity. We seek talented professionals who are passionate about public service and advancing access to justice for all Oregonians.

Position: Deputy Defender

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

Current Vacancies: Central Services Trial Division (1) | Southwest Trial Division (1)

Salary Range: $9,063 - $12,095

About The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC)

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 Oregon’s 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 Oregon’s public safety system.

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 education. Financial 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.

OPDC is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for individuals who are constitutionally entitled to counsel. OPDC works to strengthen Oregon's public defense system through direct representation, statewide coordination, oversight, policy development, and collaboration with justice system partners.

What You’ll 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.

For the full position description, please send your request to: [e-mail]

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 the Attorney Qualification Standards for Criminal Attorney 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 AND a Valid Oregon Driver's license.

If you're an out-of-state applicant and have questions about attorney qualifications, please send an email to D. Aaron Jeffers (Chief Deputy Defender, Trial Division) at: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all required documents listed above. Applications missing required documents will not be advanced in the recruitment process.

Desired Attributes

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written, verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills with clients, colleagues, courts, and other stakeholders.
• Prioritization | Flexibility: Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize competing demands, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain quality and productivity.
• Organization | Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain organized and accurate case files, documents, deadlines, and work processes while identifying and addressing errors or omissions.
• Working Under Pressure: Ability to maintain professional, focused, and effective while managing high pressure situations, urgent legal matters, competing demands, and tight deadlines.
• Legal Software: Familiarity with legal technology, including case management, document management, legal research, electronic filing, calendaring, or similar systems, and the ability to learn new technology.
• Public Defense | Underserved Populations: Demonstrated commitment to public defense and/or experience working with underserved populations, including individuals experiencing houselessness, addiction, disability, metal health challenges, poverty, or other systemic barriers.

What’s in it for You?

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Generous Paid Leave

• 10 paid holidays annually
• 3 personal business days each year
• Vacation leave that increases every 5 years of service
• Monthly sick leave accrual

Professional Development

• Training and continuing education opportunities
• Career growth and advancement pathways
• Leadership development opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid and flexible work opportunities, when operationally appropriate
• Employee wellness resources

Recruitment Process Timeline

These Dates Are Approximate And May Change

• Recruitment Closes: Thursday, 03/04/2027 @ 11:59 PM
• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing
• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing
• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Additional interview rounds may be scheduled as needed.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
• Finalists will be subject to reference checks.
• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Kelli Rodrigues: [e-mail] or the Human Resources Inbox: [e-mail]

Helpful Links & Resources

• How to Set Job Alerts
• Workday Applicant FAQ
• What You Need to Know to Get the Job
• Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage
• Pay Equity