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County Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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County Public Defender information

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

AspectCounty Public DefenderCounty Assistant Public Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law license, relevant legal experienceSame as Public Defender, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentHandles complex cases, manages caseloads, supervises staffAssists Public Defender, handles assigned cases, supports team
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal defenseCounty government, criminal defense

The County Public Defender is the lead attorney responsible for managing the public defense office and handling complex cases, while the County Assistant Public Defender supports the Public Defender, manages assigned cases, and assists in case preparation. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same government and industry environment, but differ in responsibilities and seniority.

What does a county public defender do?

A County Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that defendants receive fair legal representation and that their rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Public defenders handle a range of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may also assist with appeals and juvenile matters. They work within the local county jurisdiction and often manage large caseloads, advocating for their clients in court and negotiating with prosecutors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county public defender?

To thrive as a County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and strong legal research, litigation, and criminal defense skills. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases, and courtroom technology is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy are critical soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualities ensure effective advocacy, uphold clients' rights, and maintain justice within the legal system.

What are some typical challenges faced by county public defenders in balancing caseloads and providing effective representation?

County Public Defenders often manage high caseloads, which can make it challenging to devote sufficient time to each client. Balancing the demands of court appearances, case preparation, and client communication requires strong organizational skills and resilience. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair legal representation for all, often working closely with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys. Supportive team environments and ongoing training can help public defenders navigate these demands and continue to grow professionally.
What are popular job titles related to County Public Defender jobs in Oregon? For County Public Defender jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching County Public Defender jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for County Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for County Public Defender jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most County Public Defender job openings:
County Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Public Defender job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid 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 28 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.