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Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Formfactor

Senior Technical Accountant

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$889/wk

Big 4 public accounting experience. * Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements. * Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and document complex accounting issues.

Formfactor

OR · On-site

$889/wk

Big 4 public accounting experience. * Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements. * Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and document complex accounting issues.

Formfactor

OR

$889/wk

Big 4 public accounting experience. * Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements. * Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and document complex accounting issues.

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically engineered wheat ...

Center for Food Safety

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

We've won high-profile lawsuits to protect public health and endangered species from pesticides like Monsanto's Roundup and dicamba. We prevented the introduction of genetically engineered wheat ...

City of Forest Grove

Police Officer

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

... Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Vacation Leave Sick Leave Holiday Leave Employee Assistance Program Physical Fitness Incentive Incentive and Premium Program Duties/Responsibilities The ...

City of Forest Grove, OR

Police Officer

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Retirement - Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) * Vacation Leave * Sick Leave * Holiday Leave * Employee Assistance Program * Physical Fitness Incentive * Incentive and Premium Program Duties ...

Clean Water Services

Deputy General Counsel

Hillsboro, OR

$160K - $220K/yr

... defending, and appealing legal actions, suits, and related proceedings. Prepares and presents cases ... Attends public meetings and work sessions and approves the legal form of Board ordinances, orders ...

Jackson Lewis

OSHA Associate

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$200K - $235K/yr

Class action or public sector experience a plus * Admitted to practice law in the State Bar of the Associate's primary office * Attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 10, 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.

Environmental Insurance Coverage / Insurance Archaeology Associate

Best Best & Krieger LLP

Bend, OR

$133K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Best Best & Krieger LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on delivering effective and client-service oriented solutions to complex legal issues facing public agencies, businesses and individuals across the U.S. BBK is proud to trace the firm's success back to the groundwork of professionalism and community service laid by its founders 135 years ago. Today, with nearly 250 attorneys in offices throughout California and in Oregon and Washington, D.C., we efficiently and meaningfully assist our clients with complex, multi-disciplinary issues and provide creative solutions.

At BBK, we place a high degree of value in creating and nurturing a work environment that attracts the best talent and reflects our commitment to culture, community and equal opportunity. We are proud of our workplace culture, where we respect and value our colleagues for their unique perspectives and experiences.

BBK is seeking a California licensed attorney with 4+ years of experience supporting policyholder and additional insured clients on environmental contamination matters with a strong historic insurance coverage component. The role includes insurance archaeology (identifying, locating, and reconstructing legacy occurrence-based CGL/umbrella/excess policies), developing policy evidence (including lost policy reconstruction), preparing and managing notice and tenderpackages, and handling insurer communications (including responses to reservations of rights). Work also involves analyzing California long-tail coverage issues such as trigger, allocation/stacking, duty  to defend vs. duty to indemnify, pollution exclusions, and related defenses. Candidate should have experience with CERCLA cost recovery (§107) and contribution (§113) matters and related claims, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and coordination with consultants and experts.

The reasonably expected pay scale for this position seeking an attorney with 4 or more years of experience is $133,000 - $185,000. The actual salary within that range will depend on the selected candidate’s years of practice and experience.  We encourage all interested candidates to apply.   

Read more about BBK's Work from Anywhere policy: https://bbklaw.com/working-at-bbk

Best Best & Krieger is an equal opportunity employer.

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