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

Position Title:

Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defenders (Multiple Locations)

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: opds.hr.info@opds.state.or.us

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: D.Aaron.Jeffers@opdc.state.or.us

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.

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