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Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Bexar County, TX

$93K - $116K/yr

... defense. Serves as subject matter expert, individually motivated and operating with a sense of ... Assists panel attorneys as first or second chair counsel if feasible and no conflict of interest ...

NACBA

Chief Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$130 - $174/hr

Metropolitan Public Defenders has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in ... The Chief Attorney is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions ...

Oregon State Bar Pro Liability

Chief Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$130 - $174/hr

Metropolitan Public Defenders has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in ... The Chief Attorney is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions ...

Catholic Charities of Oregon

Managing Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

#ILS-034 - Managing Attorney Department: Immigration Legal Services Employment Type: Full Time; ... Manage and represent a small targeted caseload of complex cases (e.g., asylum, removal defense, U ...

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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.
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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.

Attorney I (August 2027)

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$92K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review charging instruments, police reports, and discovery provided by the State to prepare for court proceedings.

  • Meet with clients to understand their goals and any special needs, and develop a legal strategy in consultation with them.

  • Negotiate with the State, litigate legal issues, and conduct trial and post-trial proceedings as necessary.

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 to join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense services in both Multnomah and Washington counties in 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 Chief Attorney. 

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 and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) 
  • Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&D – 100% employer paid  
  • 401(K) – MPD contributes 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service