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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Best Best & Krieger LLP

Litigation Associate

Bend, OR

$137K - $185K/yr

... public agencies, businesses and individuals across the U.S. BBK is proud to trace the firm ... C., we efficiently and meaningfully assist our clients with complex, multi-disciplinary issues and ...

Aprio

Lead Engineer (Azure)

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$98K - $132K/yr

Work with a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm that Accounts for Anything. Aprio has 40 U.S. office ... Defender XDR suite, Sentinel, threat hunting * Data Protection : Purview, DLP, Sensitivity Labels ...

Center for Food Safety

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

Promote and educate the public and media on various CFS issues * Assist with hiring and supervision of law clerks Desired qualifications and skills * Law school graduate with 1-3 years of legal ...

Lumen Technologies

SR LEAD INFORMATION SECURITY ENGINEER

OR · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Strong writing skills to assist in sharing our knowledge with the public. * Demonstrable knowledge of several of the following areas: cybersecurity concepts, network protocols, firewalls, IDS/IPS ...

All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in Oregon

Assistant Public Defender information

See Oregon salary details

$49.7K

$83.1K

$139.6K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Oregon is $83,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $90,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Public Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectAssistant Public DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentSupports public defenders, handles cases under supervisionLeads defense teams, manages caseloads, makes legal decisions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Public Defenders assist in defending clients in criminal cases under supervision, while Public Defenders lead the defense team, handle complex cases, and make strategic legal decisions. Both roles require a JD and state bar licensure, and they work within government public defense offices. The main difference lies in responsibility level and case management scope.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant public defenders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Assistant Public Defenders often manage high caseloads and work with clients from diverse backgrounds who may have complex legal and personal needs. New hires should be prepared for fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations. Developing strong organizational skills, practicing empathy, and seeking mentorship from senior defenders can help new attorneys navigate these challenges effectively. Additionally, collaborating closely with investigators, social workers, and other team members is key to building a strong defense and supporting clients holistically.

What does an assistant public defender do?

An Assistant Public Defender is a licensed attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They provide legal counsel, defend clients in court, negotiate plea deals, and ensure their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Assistant Public Defenders often handle a high caseload and work on a wide variety of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant public defender?

To thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with resilience and empathy, help you connect with clients and navigate high-pressure situations. These skills ensure effective representation of clients, uphold legal rights, and maintain integrity within the justice system.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in Oregon? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in OR? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,089 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Education (Criminal Defense Clinic)

Willamette University

Salem, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Willamette University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:
Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.
Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.
POSITION SUMMARY
Willamette University School of Law seeks applicants for a full-time visiting faculty position for the 2026-2027 academic year to serve as the primary instructor for a clinical law program that will be offered in partnership with the Public Defender of Marion County. The position is renewable based on performance and continued State funding in subsequent academic / fiscal years. The instructor will teach and supervise clinical law students who will be assigned to defend clients in misdemeanor cases. Applicants must possess strong academic credentials, skill in criminal defense work, and the ability to communicate their expertise to colleagues and their students. A commitment to teaching is critical to job success.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Teach an average of 12 clinical students in both the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 8 students in the summer, by (in addition to other responsibilities) providing classroom instruction, timely written feedback on assignments, and individual academic counseling on progress towards course learning objectives. Supervise criminal misdemeanor cases defended by students.
  • Engage in criminal defense representation as needed to serve clinic clients, particularly when students are not available to represent the clients under supervision (such as spring or winter break).
  • Regularly review and, where appropriate, establish or revise processes and procedures to operate the Criminal Defense clinic. Coordinate with other clinic instructors and administrative assistants to coordinate processes with other clinics as necessary in order to ensure efficiency and student learning while ensuring proper representation.
  • Collaborate with the Public Defender of Marion County on designing and revising the structure of the clinical program; identify additional personnel support as needed; work with appropriate university offices in order to post and hire for those positions.
  • Refine and/or develop and implement programming to assist students in preparing for academic success while in law school and in building their professional identity. Where appropriate, assist with mentoring and advising students to encourage thoughtful development of professional interest in fields related to the clinical work; if permitted under relevant licensure rules, assist students with development of materials to prove qualification for licensure.
  • Participate in faculty meetings, faculty committees, and other service work commensurate with expectations of other visiting professors.
  • Complete requirements associated with state funding, such as reporting and other requested follow-up documentation, on an appropriate time schedule. Assist with planning and advocacy with stakeholders throughout the state to promote the clinical program and encourage ongoing funding.
  • Other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Dean.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
  • Three to five years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law, which experience must have involved the preparation and editing of high-quality legal work product. Any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing, or eligible for reciprocity admission.
  • Eligible for misdemeanor attorney qualification by the Oregon Public Defense Commission if not already qualified, including obligations listed here.
  • Proficient in the use of computers for word processing and electronic communication. Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge or enthusiasm to learn about student preparation for the Oregon Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination.
  • A genuine enthusiasm for student success, and an ability to be empathetic towards students with academic challenges.
  • Excellent organizational and planning skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
  • Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with staff, faculty, students and professionals in the community regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, ethnicity, job status, or other background.

Preferred
  • Teaching experiential, clinical, or legal writing courses in an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Familiarity with the operations of public defender offices in the State of Oregon or other jurisdictions.
  • Experience either prosecuting or defending criminal cases.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, some evening and weekend work; occasional travel may also be required in connection with training or client visits.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Standard office / classroom environment as well as courtrooms and detention facilities, where necessary to perform the duties of the position and provide necessary supervision for students.
Salary: $129,100
You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:
  • Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
  • Current Resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

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