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Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Gordon & Polscer LLC

Associate Attorney

Tigard, OR · On-site

We focus on insurance coverage disputes, extracontractual claims, and civil litigation defense, and ... The Associate Attorney will be responsible for day-to-day tasks associated with complex civil ...

Nationwide

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR

The preferred candidate will have Insurance defense experience. Washington Admission is required ... As a Trial Attorney, you'll represent clients under both commercial and personal lines insurance ...

Veterinary Pet Insurance

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

The preferred candidate will have Insurance defense experience. Washington Admission is required ... As a Trial Attorney, you'll represent clients under both commercial and personal lines insurance ...

Mpdlaw

Attorney I (August 2027)

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$92 - $155/hr

Attorney I (August 2027) Regular Full Time Professional Hillsboro, OR, US 30+ days ago Requisition ... MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon ...

The Kind Law Group, LLC

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

We are seeking a motivated attorney to join our growing Oregon traffic defense law firm. This position is ideal for an attorney who is organized, responsive, and enjoys working directly with clients ...

LHH US

Litigation Attorney

Tualatin, OR · Remote

$50 - $69/hr

Litigation Attorney Location: Oregon Schedule: Remote; Part-Time (25-35 hours per week) Pay Rate ... Insurance defense experience is a plus but not required, training can be provided * Juris Doctor ...

LHH US

Litigation Attorney

Tualatin, OR · Remote

$50 - $69/hr

Litigation Attorney Location: Oregon Schedule: Remote; Part-Time (25-35 hours per week) Pay Rate ... Insurance defense experience is a plus but not required, training can be provided * Juris Doctor ...

Lincoln County, OR

Deputy District Attorney

Newport, OR · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

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 ...

Lincoln County

Deputy District Attorney

Newport, OR · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

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 ...

Veterinary Pet Insurance

Sr. Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

The preferred candidate will have Insurance defense experience. Areas of focus include appellate ... Our Senior Trial Attorneys are seasoned litigation attorneys with significant civil litigation ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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.

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.

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 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.

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 specialization, with job growth often aligned with overall trends in the legal industry.

How much do most defense attorneys make?

Most defense attorneys earn a median annual salary of around $63,000, with experienced professionals in private practice earning significantly more, often exceeding $100,000. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and whether they work in public or private sectors, and many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that can impact earnings.
More about Defense Attorney jobs

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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 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,269 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Gordon & Polscer LLC

Tigard, OR • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Gordon & Polscer, L.L.C. is a law firm founded in 1994 that represents insurers and other corporate and business clients in complex civil disputes and litigation. With offices in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, our attorneys provide high-quality, creative, and efficient advice and representation throughout the western United States. We focus on insurance coverage disputes, extracontractual claims, and civil litigation defense, and are committed to being result-driven advocates for our clients.

Role Description


This is a full-time role as an Associate Attorney at Gordon & Polscer, L.L.C. The Associate Attorney will be responsible for day-to-day tasks associated with complex civil disputes and litigation. They will work on insurance coverage disputes, extracontractual claims, and civil litigation defense. This is an on-site role located in Oregon.

Qualifications


· Three years or more of experience in civil litigation

· Research and Analytical skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to work effectively in a team

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

· Admission to the Oregon State Bar Association

Industry

· Law Practice

Employment Type

· Full-time

Industry

· Law Practice

Employment Type

  • Full-time


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