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Pro Bono Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140 - $202/hr

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

New

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140 - $202/hr

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140 - $202/hr

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

Trial Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140 - $202/hr

Except for authorized and pro bono work, State Farm attorneys may not engage in legal business outside of State Farm. Candidates must discontinue outside practice and any active suit involvement ...

Showing results 21-40

Pro Bono Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$99.4K

$185.2K

$328.8K

How much do pro bono attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for pro bono attorney in Oregon is $185,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,700.00 and $180,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pro bono attorney?

Pro bono attorneys are lawyers who provide legal services for free or at a significantly reduced fee to individuals or organizations who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. Their work is often aimed at helping underserved communities and advancing social justice by ensuring that everyone has access to legal assistance, regardless of their financial situation. Pro bono work can include representing clients in court, offering legal advice, or working on community projects. Many law firms and bar associations encourage attorneys to take on pro bono cases as part of their professional responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pro bono attorney?

To thrive as a Pro Bono Attorney, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and a solid understanding of relevant legal areas such as family, immigration, or housing law. Familiarity with legal research tools (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and continuing legal education in specialized practice areas is typical. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and a strong sense of empathy set outstanding pro bono attorneys apart. These skills are crucial for effectively representing underserved clients and making a meaningful impact on access to justice.

What are some common challenges faced by pro bono attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

Pro bono attorneys often face the challenge of balancing their pro bono caseload with billable work and other professional responsibilities. Additionally, they may encounter cases outside their typical practice area, requiring extra research or mentorship. To address these challenges, many firms and legal organizations offer training, resources, and support networks. Time management and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues or pro bono coordinators can also help attorneys provide effective representation while maintaining their overall workload.

What is the difference between Pro Bono Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectPro Bono AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, license, bar admissionLaw degree, license, bar admission
Work EnvironmentPrivate firms, nonprofit organizations, legal clinicsGovernment-funded public defender offices
Employer & IndustryLegal sector, nonprofit, private practiceGovernment, criminal defense
Primary FocusProviding free legal services to those in needDefending indigent clients in criminal cases

While both Pro Bono Attorneys and Public Defenders hold law degrees and serve clients in need, Pro Bono Attorneys typically work in private or nonprofit settings offering free legal aid, whereas Public Defenders are government employees defending criminal clients who cannot afford private counsel. The main difference lies in their employment setting and specific legal focus.

What are popular job titles related to Pro Bono Attorney jobs in Oregon?

For Pro Bono Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pro Bono Attorney jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Pro Bono Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Pro Bono Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,243 per year, or $89.1 per hour.

$92K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 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 Attorneys I-IV to join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense services in both Multnomah and Washington counties, 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 unit Attorney Chief.

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 (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 contributes 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
  • PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrue monthly to 80 hours and increase 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 and 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.
  • Experience working in indigent criminal defense.
  • Areas of proficiency should include evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, and collateral consequences.


Position Preferences

  • 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.
  • Ability to pass background check to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed) and to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
  • Maintains confidentiality of agency records.
  • 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, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility.
  • There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.


Special Considerations:

  • Staff attorneys may participate only in MPD assigned legal work for compensation during the term of their employment, except for cases obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission from the Executive Director is required to continue representation on prior non-MPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a pro bono basis.


To Apply:

  • Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work.
  • Open until filled.


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.