Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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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.

• This announcement is for 1, permanent, full time, ERD Attorney (Deputy Defender) and will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• This is a hybrid position with flexible remote options.

Location: Salem, Oregon

Monthly Salary Range:$9,063 - $12,095

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.

As the ERD Attorney, you will provide high-quality legal representation to indigent clients with a primary focus on early resolution dockets and related proceedings. You will manage a caseload concentrated in early resolution matters, including county-specific early resolution programs, working to resolve cases at the earliest appropriate stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Interview and communicate with clients;

• Early resolution representation and advocacy;

• Legal research and writing;

• Discovery review;

• Dispositional and/or sentencing advocacy and post-trial motions, excluding appeals;

• Contested hearings, jury trials, and bench trials of criminal cases;

• Other duties as assigned.

This position works closely with prosecutors, codefendants' attorneys, clients' prior and other attorneys, judges, trial court administrators, court staff, clients, and OPDC staff to support OPDC's mission and strategic goals.

A complete position description, including duties, responsibilities, and working conditions, is available upon request.

• Graduation from an accredited law schoolANDmember of the Oregon State Bar.

• Either a member of the Oregon State Bar, in good standing- OR-

• Willing to sit for the next available Oregon bar examination and successfully pass the examination.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

1. Preference will be given to attorneys who have achieved CA2 certification under OPDC's Attorney Qualification Standards (in the Table of Contents, you will find this information under 'Qualification Standards for Representation in Criminal Proceedings'). Depending on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, a period of supervision may be required.

2. Strong Communication Skills (Oral & Written):Strength in clearly and effectively conveying complex legal information in writing and speech. Can tailor communication to diverse audiences, including clients, courts, and colleagues.

3. Compliance & Ethical Practice:Ability todemonstratethorough understanding of legal and procedural requirements while adhering to laws, rules, and ethical standards governing public defense work.

4. Organization & Time Management:Able to manage tasks and deadlines with efficiency and accuracy while prioritizing effectively in dynamic caseload environments without sacrificing quality or compliance.

5. Interpersonal Skills:Experience building constructive relationships with clients, peers, and system partners; can navigate conflict and advocacy with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.

6. Strong Legal Analysis & Research Abilities:Skilled inidentifyinglegal issues, conducting thorough legal research using tools like Westlaw, and crafting well-reasoned, persuasive arguments supported byaccuratelegal authority.

7. Effective Advocacy & Negotiation Skills:Capable of advocating for clients in early resolution dockets and at trial, negotiating with prosecutors, and securing fair andtimelyoutcomes through both written and oral advocacy.

8. Strategic Case & Trial Management:Demonstratedability to prepare for and conducts all stages of litigation, from pretrial motions to sentencing with strong organizational skills and sound judgement, including trial strategy and courtroom presence.

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: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 @ 11:59P

• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing

• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing

• Interviews: Week of June 29, 2026

• New Employee Onboarding: We offer new employee starts on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

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.

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

• Finalists will be subject to reference checks.

• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Kelli Rodrigues: Kelli.A.Rodrigues@opdc.state.or.us

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