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Federal Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

State of Oregon

2027 DOJ Honors Attorney Program

Salem, OR · On-site

$9.0K - $9.5K/mo

... gain public law experience. Honors Attorneys will be assigned to work on ongoing cases or client ... Whether you are interested in complex litigation, criminal law, defending state agency orders in ...

Planet Technologies

Office 365 Infrastructure Architect

OR · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

Planet Technologies, the Nation's leading Microsoft services provider to the public sector, is ... Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud Apps, Entra ID, Microsoft ...

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

Lead the factual development for and litigation of precedent-setting public interest cases, furthering CFS's theory of change. * Represent CFS and clients in state and federal rulemaking and agency ...

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$77 - $113/hr

Lead the factual development for and litigation of precedent-setting public interest cases, furthering CFS's theory of change. * Represent CFS and clients in state and federal rulemaking and agency ...

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Federal Public Defender information

See Oregon salary details

$29.6K

$113.7K

$195.1K

How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender in Oregon is $113,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $141,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a federal public defender do?

A Federal Public Defender is a government-appointed attorney who represents individuals accused of federal crimes who cannot afford legal counsel. They provide defense services in federal court proceedings, including pre-trial hearings, trials, and appeals. Their role ensures that defendants receive fair legal representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Federal Public Defenders are experienced attorneys who work within a federally funded system separate from prosecutors to maintain impartiality.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal public defender?

To thrive as a Federal Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and extensive knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and federal court filing platforms is essential. Outstanding oral and written advocacy, discretion, and resilience under pressure are important soft skills in this demanding position. These skills enable the delivery of effective defense, protection of clients' rights, and successful navigation of complex federal cases.

What challenges do federal public defenders face in their daily work?

Federal Public Defenders often manage heavy caseloads and must quickly familiarize themselves with complex legal issues in each case. They face the challenge of representing clients who may have limited resources or trust in the legal system, requiring exceptional advocacy and interpersonal skills. The role involves frequent court appearances, close collaboration with investigators and support staff, and negotiation with federal prosecutors. Despite these demanding aspects, many defenders find the work highly rewarding due to its positive impact on ensuring justice and upholding constitutional rights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon?

For Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Federal Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Federal Public Defender job openings:

Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Public Defender job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,693 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Trainer Manager

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 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 Trainer Manager to join our Multnomah County Office. The Trainer Manager plans and coordinates a robust training program utilizing and developing resources within the office, primarily for attorneys but also for legal professional support staff. This position mentors and trains all team members, including Certified Law Students, on a continuing basis. This position works in close conjunction with other management Chiefs to meet the training needs of all MPD staff. The Trainer Manager receives general supervision from the Director of Training & Attorney Recruitment.

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 Standard 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 – up to 80 hours and increases 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/juvenile 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 a time.
  • 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.