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Appellate Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

Fulfill the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery and record review, briefing, oral argument, appeals, amicus briefs, settlement, and ...

Deputy General Counsel

OR · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Provides or supports the General Counsel in representing CWS in all civil matters, including prosecuting, defending, and appealing legal actions, suits, and related proceedings. Prepares and presents ...

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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:
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.

Administrative Legal Counsel- Open Until Filled

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indian

Siletz, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

Description

Opening Date: 05/06/2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Title: Administrative Legal Counsel

Salary/Wage: Negotiable

Location: Siletz, OR

Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Job Posting Number: 4149913


INTRODUCTION:

The CTSI Office of Administrative Legal Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and solutions for the Tribal Administration and represents Tribal Administration in a wide variety of legal proceedings. Administrative Legal Counsel leads the Office of Administrative Legal Counsel to support the Tribal Executive branch by offering proactive counseling and advice; drafting and review of legal documents; and representing the Tribal Administration in problem-solving, negotiation, and litigation.


The Tribal Attorney (outside counsel) represents the Tribe overall and provides guidance, and coordination to Administrative Legal Counsel of legal strategies and assistance. Complex Indian law and inter-governmental matters, and issues which may obligate or substantively affect the Tribe are referred to the Tribal Attorney, or coordinated with the Tribal Attorney, at the Tribal Attorney’s discretion

  • Advise Tribal administration/departments on legal issues.
  • Advise and assist Tribal staff in complying with the contracting process, including preparing and/or reviewing contracts and agreements.
  • Represent Tribal Administration in Tribal Court, state, and federal courts, and arbitration and other judicial and administrative forums in coordination with Tribal Attorney.
  • Represent Tribal Administration and Tribal programs in negotiations.
  • Perform legal reviews and assist Tribal Administration and programs in correspondence when requested.
  • Provide legal assistance, advise and/or represent Tribal Administration and programs in such areas as personnel policy, grievances, program appeals, program eligibility, compliance with applicable law and regulations and constitutional and civil rights compliance/responsibilities.
  • Provide legal assistance to programs in the development and application of program activities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of statutes and new legislation affecting Tribal activities.
  • Interpret Federal, State, and Tribal Law as it applies to Tribal program development and application.
  • Develop or revise ordinances and policies.
  • Develop annual departmental budget and oversee the expenditures.
  • Supervise and direct department personnel.
  • Direct preparation of departmental reports.
  • Assists Tribal Attorney on issues of Tribal significance, and in other Tribal issues, at the Tribal Attorney’s discretion.
  • Coordinates department activities to the Tribal Attorney’s overall legal strategy for the Tribe; consults with Tribal Attorney on tribal legal issues before taking final action on matters.



Requirements:

Siletz Tribal Member Applicants: Graduate from an accredited school of law, passage of a State Bar admission examination in Oregon or in a State that has reciprocity with the Oregon State Bar, and current membership in good standing in a State Bar Association. Outside counsel will mentor candidate for up to one year.


Graduate from an accredited school of law, three years experience in the practice of law, passage of a State Bar admission examination in Oregon or in a State that has reciprocity with the Oregon State Bar, and current membership in good standing in a State Bar Association.


Individual must be a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Tribal Court Bar or demonstrate ability to become a member of the Siletz Tribal Court Bar within 30 days of being hired.


Individual will have one year from date of hire to become a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association licensed and eligible to appear in all Oregon State forums without additional eligibility requirements or procedures.

Experience in:

  • Legal experience with tribal program operations (for example, contracts and grants, construction, housing, education, health, natural resources, child abuse, dependency and neglect), preferred.


Ability to:

  • Communicate clearly, whether verbally or in writing with non-attorneys.
  • Work with a wide variety of people and able to communicate effectively and relate to Tribal and community members, staff, State, federal and local agencies.
  • Receive, evaluate and prosecute or defend cases involving Tribal administration.
  • Organize, participate in and manage projects and meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to participate as part of work group on projects involving legal and non-legal components.


Other:

  • Must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and be eligible to drive a GSA Vehicle.