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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:  [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Desired Attributes

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

1. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written, verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills with clients, colleagues, courts, and other stakeholders.

2. Prioritization | Flexibility: Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize competing demands, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain quality and productivity.  

3. Organization | Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain organized and accurate case files, documents, deadlines, and work processes while identifying and addressing errors or omissions.

4. Working Under Pressure: Ability to maintain professional, focused, and effective while managing high pressure situations, urgent legal matters, competing demands, and tight deadlines.  

5. 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.  

6. 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.

Note: This recruitment will remain open for six months to establish and maintain a qualified candidate pool for current and anticipated vacancies across OPDC offices. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the recruitment period. Qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate hiring office for consideration and may be scheduled for interview during established monthly interview cycles. Additional interviews may be scheduled as needed based on operational needs, staffing vacancies, or the availability of qualified candidates.

How to Apply 

Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee. 

Required Application Materials 

Resume & Cover Letter 

• Your application materials should clearly demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed in this announcement. 

• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application. 

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.  

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. 

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered. 

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.

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: [email protected] or the Human Resources Inbox: [email protected]

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