ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Appellate Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Cotiviti

Senior Auditor Appeals - OPSP

$80K - $99K/yr

Overview The Senior Auditor, Appeals position is part of the Clinical Chart Validation (CCV) team and is responsible for defending Cotiviti's recovery determinations utilizing the appropriate ...

Clean Water Services

Deputy General Counsel

Hillsboro, OR

$160K - $220K/yr

... defending, and appealing legal actions, suits, and related proceedings. Prepares and presents cases in trials and hearings; evaluates and negotiates out-of-court settlements; represents CWS in court ...

Centene

Manager, Actuarial Services

OR · On-site +1

$134K - $249K/yr

Why This Role Is Appealing: * As a critical leader on the team, you'll shape Value-Based Care (VBC) strategies, vendor arrangements, and contract design that drive significant financial value across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAppellate Defender JobsAppellate Defender Jobs in Oregon

Appellate Defender information

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an appellate defender?

To thrive as an Appellate Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), appellate procedure, and case management systems is crucial. Excellent oral advocacy, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively representing clients in appellate courts and ensuring fair legal outcomes.

What is the difference between Appellate Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectAppellate DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, appellate experienceLaw degree, bar admission, criminal law experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, appellate courtsCourts, legal offices, trial and appellate courts
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal firms, nonprofit organizationsGovernment agencies, legal firms, nonprofit organizations
Primary FocusHandling appeals, legal research, writing appellate briefsDefending clients at trial and appellate levels

Both Appellate Defenders and Public Defenders work within the criminal justice system, often employed by government agencies. While Public Defenders handle cases at trial and appellate levels, Appellate Defenders specialize in appeals, focusing on legal research and appellate briefs. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in criminal defense law.

What challenges does an appellate defender face when preparing and presenting cases?

Appellate Defenders often encounter challenges such as thoroughly analyzing extensive trial records, identifying viable legal arguments, and keeping up with evolving case law. Crafting persuasive briefs and delivering effective oral arguments require strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to distill complex legal issues. Additionally, Appellate Defenders must balance a heavy caseload and tight deadlines while collaborating with trial attorneys and clients to ensure all relevant facts and arguments are presented on appeal.

What is an appellate defender?

An Appellate Defender is an attorney who represents individuals appealing criminal convictions or sentences, typically on behalf of those who cannot afford private counsel. They handle legal research, draft appellate briefs, and argue cases before appellate courts, aiming to identify legal errors that may have occurred during the trial process. Appellate Defenders work to ensure that the rights of defendants are protected throughout the appeals process and that the law is applied fairly. Their work can lead to overturned convictions, new trials, or changes in sentencing.
What are popular job titles related to Appellate Defender jobs in Oregon? For Appellate Defender jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Appellate Defender jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Appellate Defender jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Appellate Defender jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Appellate Defender job openings:
Appellate Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Defender job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Attorney I-IV

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties.

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit:www.mpdlaw.com

MPD is currently searching for Attorneys I-IV to join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense services in both Multnomah and Washington counties, Oregon. Attorneys who are assigned to a trial unit will review charging instruments and police reports and other discovery provided by the State. The Attorneys will meet with clients and learn the client’s goals for the representation and any special needs of the client. Attorneys then determine what further investigation to undertake and direct that investigation. Attorneys determine what legal issues need development, researches those issues, and presents them in the appropriate forum. The Attorney will negotiate with the State and promptly advise the client of the status of the negotiations. The Attorney will litigate any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial. The attorney will also conduct any post-trial litigation necessary such as sentencing and post-trial motions (excluding appeals.)

Attorneys assigned to other units (specialty courts, juveniles) will also review documents provided by government agencies, discuss them with clients, and develop a strategy for representation in consultation with the client, and then carry out the representation in accordance with that strategy.


Attorneys will conduct their law practice according to all applicable statutes, practice standards, and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys receive general supervision from the unit Attorney Chief.

This position pays $92,052.48 - $155,304.24 per year. Staff is a member of Union AFSCME Public Defenders Local 3668 after the completion of 6 months evaluation period. This is a full-time exempt position. In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

  • Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice of PPO Standard or PPO Enhanced) and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid
  • 401(K) – MPD contributes 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
  • PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrue monthly to 80 hours and increase to 120 hours starting at 24 months
  • 10 paid holidays + 2 personal equity days
  • 4 Mental Health Days per year
  • Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire and accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment


Position Qualifications

  • Must be a current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing.
  • Experience working in indigent criminal defense.
  • Areas of proficiency should include evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, and collateral consequences.


Position Preferences

  • Ability to lead by example in the handling of work assignments, as well as in the treatment of staff and others in the criminal justice system.
  • Ability to pass background check to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed) and to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
  • Maintains confidentiality of agency records.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


Work Environment:

  • MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
  • Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility.
  • There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.


Special Considerations:

  • Staff attorneys may participate only in MPD assigned legal work for compensation during the term of their employment, except for cases obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission from the Executive Director is required to continue representation on prior non-MPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a pro bono basis.


To Apply:

  • Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work.
  • Open until filled.


Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.


Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.