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Appellate Defender Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Metropolitan Public Defender

Attorney I-IV

Portland, OR · On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single ... appeals). Attorneys assigned to other units (specialty courts, juveniles) will also review ...

Metropolitan Public Defender

Attorney I-IV

Portland, OR · On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single ... appeals). Attorneys assigned to other units (specialty courts, juveniles) will also review ...

Clean Water Services

Deputy General Counsel

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$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 ...

What the Tech, Bend

Energy Analyst

Portland, OR · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You will be modeling complex utility tariffs beginning in Week 1, so that should appeal to you. * Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills * Must be comfortable in a ...

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$77 - $113/hr

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 ...

City of Vancouver

Police Commander

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$154 - $187/hr

Being innovative, adept, and creative problem solvers who understand the underlying issues; and being excellent negotiators, able to find common ground and develop solutions that appeal to opposing ...

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All JobsAppellate Defender JobsAppellate Defender Jobs in Portland, OR

Appellate Defender information

See Portland, OR salary details

$21K

$81.7K

$169.3K

How much do appellate defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate defender in Portland, OR is $81,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,930.00 and $99,871.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Appellate Defender jobs in Portland, OR?

For Appellate Defender jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Appellate Defender jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Appellate Defender jobs in Portland, OR are:

Appellate Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Defender job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,664 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Attorney I (August 2027)

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 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 to join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense services in both Multnomah and Washington counties in 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 Chief Attorney. 

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 and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) 
  • Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&D – 100% employer paid  
  • 401(K) – MPD contributes 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service

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