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Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Responsible for negotiating with the defense bar. Alert the District Attorney to potentially high profile or sensitive cases. Research and draft legal opinions and memoranda in response to defense ...

Be Seen First

As a leading Pacific Northwest firm specializing in workers' compensation defense and employment law, we offer a collaborative, supportive environment where attorneys can grow and thrive. What You'll ...

Be Seen First

As a leading Pacific Northwest firm specializing in workers' compensation defense and employment law, we offer a collaborative, supportive environment where attorneys can grow and thrive. What You'll ...

Associate Attorney

Bend, OR · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Associate attorney position available in a medium-sized active litigation practice located in Bend ... Primary areas of practice are family law and criminal defense. Candidates must be comfortable with ...

Associate Attorney

Bend, OR · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Associate attorney position available in a medium-sized active litigation practice located in Bend ... Primary areas of practice are family law and criminal defense. Candidates must be comfortable with ...

Showing results 21-40

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.
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:
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.

$130K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 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 a Chief Attorney to join our Multnomah County Office. The Chief Attorney is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions with criminal legal system stakeholders regarding issues and processes related to their supervised unit. This position manages a team of 8-12 attorneys with caseloads. The Chief Attorney mentors and trains all team members on a continuing basis, including staffing cases, trial observations, regular check-ins, and other related supervision. In addition to the management and policy responsibilities, the Chief Attorney will also handle a misdemeanor or felony caseload of 0.25-0.75, depending on team. This position receives general supervision from the Multnomah County Director.

This position pays $130,153.66 - $174,175.04 per year. Staff is an at-will employee. This is a full-time, in-office exempt position.

In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

  • Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice of PPO Base 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 will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
  • PTO – 24 hours upon hire, accrues monthly up to 80 hours and increasing up 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 + 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 or eligible for reciprocity admission.
  • Experience working in indigent criminal defense.
  • OPDC qualified to handle misdemeanor and felony cases
  • Ability to travel to and work within criminal justice system facilities and to testify in court without impeachment

Position Preferences

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • 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.
  • Experience with training, coaching and/or supervision
  • 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 and in an office setting, courthouse, or jail facility.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • This is an in-person/in-office position.

Application Process:

  • Submit a resume and cover letter on why you are interested in this position and/or in support of public defense.

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.