ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Civil Litigation Attorney

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

$125K - $150K/yr

Civil Defense // Boutique Law Firm // Apply now! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Megan Bastian Are you ... Attorney to their growing team. An ideal candidate will have previous trial experience and a ...

MyFlorida

LICENSING ATTORNEY - OPS - 67980037

OR · On-site +1

$55/hr

LICENSING ATTORNEY - OPS - 67980037 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 67980037 Salary: $55.00 Hourly Posting Closing Date: 08/19/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH ...

Axiom Talent Platform

AdTech Lawyer

OR · Remote

$309K/yr

The estimated total compensation for full-time Axiom attorney roles is $104,500-325,000 per year and for non-attorney roles is $71,250-309,750 per year. Compensation decisions are based on various ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Oregon

Defense Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$36.5K

$115.3K

$185K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Oregon is $115,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, they earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced attorneys and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher wages. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and courtroom skills.

What are some common challenges defense attorneys face during case preparation, and how can they be addressed?

Defense attorneys often encounter challenges such as limited access to evidence, tight deadlines, and managing high caseloads. Effective case preparation requires thorough investigation, close communication with clients, and collaboration with investigators or expert witnesses. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and proactively seeking necessary information from prosecutors can help address these challenges and ensure a strong defense for clients.

What is the difference between Defense Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectDefense AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate settingsGovernment offices, public defender's offices
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, law firms, corporationsGovernment-funded legal aid services
Common Search IntentLegal defense for clients in criminal casesLegal defense for indigent clients in criminal cases

Both Defense Attorneys and Public Defenders are licensed lawyers specializing in criminal defense. The main difference lies in their employment: Defense Attorneys typically work in private practice or firms, representing clients who can pay for legal services. Public Defenders work for government agencies, providing free legal defense to those who cannot afford it. While their roles are similar, their work environments and client bases differ significantly.

What is the most a defense attorney can make?

The salary of a defense attorney varies widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced defense attorneys in private practice can earn over $200,000 annually, while those in public defense roles typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. High-profile or specialized attorneys may earn even more through case success and reputation.

What does a defense attorney do?

A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of crimes in court. Their primary responsibility is to protect the legal rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and build a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s case. Defense attorneys conduct investigations, negotiate plea deals, represent clients during trial, and ensure fair treatment in the legal process. They may work on criminal or civil cases and are essential to the justice system by ensuring everyone receives a fair trial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid grasp of criminal law, legal research, and case analysis. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, courtroom presentation software, and e-discovery tools is often required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills are essential for building client trust and effectively advocating in court. These skills and qualifications are critical for securing favorable outcomes, upholding legal standards, and providing robust representation for clients.

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney represents defendants who are facing criminal charges. In this career, you may work to defend both organizations and individual clients. Your responsibilities include researching aspects of a case, inspecting evidence, preparing a defense, arguing the case in court, communicating with clients, managing paperwork and deadlines, and traveling regularly to meet clients. Your job duties also require negotiation and public speaking skills, knowledge of laws and the judicial process, and the ability to work long hours. As a defense attorney, you need exceptional communication skills, investigative abilities, and the integrity to represent clients from diverse backgrounds.

Are defense attorneys in demand?

Defense attorneys are generally in steady demand due to ongoing legal needs in criminal justice systems. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as geographic location, experience, and the ability to handle complex legal cases, with job stability often linked to court caseloads and legal reforms.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon? For Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in OR? For Defense Attorney jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,269 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense - Dui

Reynolds Defense Firm

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about criminal defense, hardworking, upbeat, and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment? Then you may be the perfect fit to manage meaningful cases and help good people move forward after a DUI.
We are seeking an attorney to lead our Corvallis, OR office. You'll step into a steady but manageable caseload with dedicated legal-assistant support, established firm systems, and above-market compensation and benefits, so you can do your best work for clients while maintaining a full life outside the office.
Why Attorneys Join Reynolds Defense Firm
  • Base salary of $115,000-$150,000, plus performance bonuses and origination incentives
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and life insurance, with FSA/DCA available
  • 401(k) with 3% employer contribution after one year
  • Three weeks of paid vacation (increases with tenure) and 40 hours of sick leave
  • Work-from-home flexibility after 90 days
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Caseload of 25-40 active matters, fully supported by legal staff
  • A culture that takes work-life balance seriously, with a team-first attitude where shared expertise and knowledge serve clients best
  • As the largest DUI law firm in the Pacific Northwest, with an exceptional courtroom reputation and established presence in the Portland-Metro area, Willamette Valley, and beyond

Responsibilities
• Lead the Corvallis office, managing a caseload of 25-40 DUI and related criminal defense matters in Benton, Linn, and surrounding Willamette Valley counties
• Represent clients at arraignments, motions, hearings, and trials; draft motions and conduct legal research
• Handle DMV implied-consent hearings and license-suspension matters
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to office leadership
• Participate in ongoing DUI-defense continuing legal education
• Optionally, build a referral base using the firm's established business-development systems
Qualifications
Required
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active membership in the Oregon State Bar in good standing
• Minimum of two (2) years (five or more preferred) of criminal law experience (defense, prosecution, judicial clerkship), including trial experience
• DUI defense and/or felony case experience
• Sound judgment and courtroom composure under pressure
• Ability to counsel clients with clarity and compassion; execute case strategies aligned with their goals
Preferred
• Experience in Willamette Valley, Eugene-area, Coastal, or Portland-metro courts
• Spanish-language fluency
• Demonstrated mentoring or management/leadership experience

Apply