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Defensive Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln County, OR

Deputy District Attorney

Newport, OR · On-site

$90K - $148K/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

$90K - $148K/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 ...

Direct Counsel

Labor & Employment Attorney

Portland, OR

$160K - $230K/yr

Defense of employment litigation across a wide range of claims Compensation & Benefits * Salary ... If you're a skilled Labor & Employment Attorney ready to advance your career and take on complex ...

Bexar County, TX

... 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 ...

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Defensive Attorney information

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

To thrive as a Defensive Attorney, you need a law degree, a license to practice, and a strong foundation in criminal or civil law, legal research, and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and continuing legal education certifications is important. Outstanding analytical thinking, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills set successful attorneys apart. These abilities ensure effective representation of clients, strategic case management, and positive outcomes in complex legal matters.

What does a defensive attorney do?

A defensive attorney, also known as a defense attorney or defense lawyer, represents individuals or organizations accused of criminal offenses. Their primary responsibility is to protect the legal rights of their clients, provide legal counsel, and develop a defense strategy to ensure a fair trial. This includes investigating the case, negotiating plea deals, representing clients in court, and challenging evidence presented by the prosecution. Defensive attorneys play a crucial role in the justice system by ensuring that every defendant receives adequate representation and due process.

What are some common challenges a defensive attorney faces when preparing for trial?

Defensive attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of evidence, ensuring thorough client communication, and anticipating prosecution strategies. Coordinating with investigators and expert witnesses can also be complex, requiring strong organizational and analytical skills. Additionally, balancing a high caseload while adhering to strict court deadlines is a frequent challenge, making time management and prioritization essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Defensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense Lawyer?

AspectDefensive AttorneyCriminal Defense Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, private practiceCourts, law firms, private practice
Industry UsageLegal defense in criminal casesLegal defense in criminal cases
Common Search IntentDefensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense LawyerDefensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense Lawyer

Both Defensive Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers are legal professionals specializing in defending clients accused of crimes. While the terms are often used interchangeably, 'Defensive Attorney' emphasizes the role of defending clients in court, whereas 'Criminal Defense Lawyer' explicitly indicates a focus on criminal cases. Both require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, serving clients within the criminal justice system.

What are popular job titles related to Defensive Attorney jobs in Oregon? For Defensive Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Defensive Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Defensive Attorney job openings:
Defensive Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Attorney job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Deputy District Attorney

Lincoln County, OR

Newport, OR • On-site

$90K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Salary: $90,391.00 - $148,251.00 Annually
Location : Lincoln County, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-11 (076, 077, 078)
Department: District Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 02/04/2026
Position Summary
The Lincoln County District Attorney's Office is looking for a Deputy District Attorney 1, 2, or 3
DDA 1: $97,622.00 - $131,196.00 annually*
DDA 2: $105,432.00 - $141,693.00 annually*
DDA 3: $119,138.00 - $160,112.00 annually*
*Lincoln County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education and experience for wage offer.
Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
  • 11% County contribution to 401(k)
  • County funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • $40,000 County Paid Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

JOB SUMMARY
DDA 1: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of misdemeanor proceedings in circuit court and is the entry level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night.
DDA 2: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of misdemeanor and low-level felony proceedings in circuit court and is the mid-level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night as well as advising, counseling, and conducting special training for Deputy District Attorney 1 and all law enforcement agencies.
DDA 3: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of a specialized caseload of felony and measure 11 offenses. Those offenses include but are not limited to complex property and financial crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse crimes, assault and homicide and is the advanced level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night as well as advising, counseling, and conducting special training for Deputy District Attorney 1 or 2 and all law enforcement agencies.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities
Provide assistance and advice to law enforcement and other partner agencies in investigating misdemeanor cases:
  • Assist and advise law enforcement agencies in applications for arrests and search warrants and assists in drafting these warrants when necessary.
  • Provide, on a scheduled basis, off hour, 24 hour a day on call service to law enforcement agencies requiring assistance during nights or weekends.
  • Respond to crime scenes if asked by law enforcement agencies and at the direction of the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney.
  • Provide legal information to law enforcement in regards to unattended deaths, releases body or determines if more investigation of a crime is necessary.
Charge and prosecute crimes in Lincoln County:
  • Determine whether investigations are complete and sufficient for charging.
  • Analyze police reports and evidence of search warrant affidavits, review legal issues and request further investigations, if necessary.
  • Interview, prepare, and subpoena witnesses to testify.
  • Prepare cases and paperwork for filing in the courts.
  • 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 motions.
  • Initiate motions on behalf of the State of Oregon and litigates pretrial motions.
  • Prosecute misdemeanor cases on behalf of the State.
  • Evaluate presentence investigation reports, use knowledge of sentencing guidelines, present evidence of witnesses to support sentencing recommendations, and formulate and regulate appropriate sentences based on criminal convictions and other related factors.
  • Provide support and assistance to survivors and victims, with the assistance and coordination of DA Office Victim Assistance.
  • Analyze probation violation reports to determine whether to proceed with probation violation hearings, initiate and prosecute probation revocations arising out of felony convictions.
  • Prosecute violations of diversion agreements
  • Prepare for and appear in hearings, trials, court arraignments, and other miscellaneous proceedings, covering for other attorneys, when necessary.

Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION
DDA 1/2/3: A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school.
EXPERIENCE
DDA 1: None
DDA 2: Two to three years progressively difficult and complex experiences as a trial attorney.
DDA 3: Four to five years progressively difficult and complex experiences as a trial attorney.
Driver's License:
Oregon Driver's License required within 30 days of hire.
Other Licenses:
Member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing at the time of the appointment.
Knowledge of:
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
  • Principles and practices of negotiation of conflict resolution.
  • Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
  • Basic principles of forensics, principals of psychology and psychiatry related to criminal behavior, laws relating to forfeiture of property by felons.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management and performance evaluation.

Skill or ability to:
  • Identify and recommend realistic alternative solutions to problems.
  • Organize, interpret and apply legal principal.
  • Analyze facts, evidence and precedence, properly interpret evaluate and make decisions in accordance with the law.
  • Research, analyze and prepare legal documents, draft complex legal papers, reports and memoranda, set forth findings of facts and decisions in concise written form.
  • Effectively and persuasively argue facts, evidence precedence and recommendations to judges and juries.
  • Present cases to the court skillfully and at a level sufficient to meet opposing counsel.
  • Withstand intense pressures of trial practice.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
For more information or to obtain the full job description, please reach out to
Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision which is paid at 90% by the County and 10% by the employee. Other fully paid benefits include life, AD&D, long-term disability insurance. Other optional insurances are available. A 401K retirement plan is also provided. The County's current contribution rate is 11%.
Regular and Trial Service employees working between 20 - 39 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible for pro-rated employee benefits.

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