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Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

About Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) are masters of communication, defending our fleet from misinformation and negative publicity. Working with Mass Communication Specialists, it is the job of PAOs ...

U.S. Navy

Public Affairs Officer (Reserve)

Eugene, OR · On-site

About Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) are masters of communication, defending our fleet from misinformation and negative publicity. Working with Mass Communication Specialists, it is the job of PAOs ...

U.S. Navy

Public Affairs Officer (Reserve)

Portland, OR · On-site

About Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) are masters of communication, defending our fleet from misinformation and negative publicity. Working with Mass Communication Specialists, it is the job of PAOs ...

U.S. Navy

About Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) are masters of communication, defending our fleet from misinformation and negative publicity. Working with Mass Communication Specialists, it is the job of PAOs ...

DMI

... public sector agencies and commercial enterprises around the globe. Recognized as a Top Workplace ... Monitor and operate Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel for the ABMC environment, supporting ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Oregon

Public Defender information

See Oregon salary details

$29.6K

$113.7K

$195.1K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Oregon? For Public Defender jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in OR? For Public Defender jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,693 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Bilingual Investigator (English/Spanish)

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$25.52 - $40.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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 become 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 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Investigator to join our Washington County Office. An Investigator enthusiastically seeks out and cultivates leads or further areas of inquiry from available information. They conduct field investigations, obtain testimony of those people who have direct, peripheral, or hearsay information, gather and examine evidence, and collect and review official, unofficial, or quasi-official records. Investigators also meet with both in and out-of-custody clients. They review discovery to create timelines, witness lists, and prioritized task lists. The role may involve creating evidence in the form of photographs, drawings, recordings, reproductions of documents and/or recordings, models, or preserving physical objects for later use. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as an investigator or experience in a related field, preferably in an area that involves criminal defense, and must have a valid Driver’s License and a vehicle. The Investigator receives general supervision from the Chief Investigator.

This position pays $27.05/hr - $40.67/hr. Staff are members of a union. This is an in-office, full-time, non-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 will contribute 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

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Education or experience working in the legal or social service field
  • 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)
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

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
  • Experience working with low-income clients, and diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, including individuals with a history of incarceration or trauma
  • Ability to work well 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.

To Apply:

  • Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work
  • Internal applicants should apply via the Career Center in ADP
  • Posting will close on or before August 11th, 2026


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.