State Public Defender Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 Limited Duration Bilingual (Spanish/English) Legal Assistant II to join our Parent|Child Advocacy Department (PCAD) at our Banfield Office. The Legal Assistant position is an integral part of the defense team, providing administrative support to attorneys and maintaining regular contact with clients and their families, including home visits as needed. They are responsible for processing and organizing case material (including evidence, reports, and other records) and serve as a liaison between clients, attorneys, client families, and elements of the criminal justice system. As appropriate, they may assess client needs and support the coordination of necessary services with other members of the holistic defense team. Ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, clear oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to indigent defense excellence. The Legal Assistant II receives general supervision from the Support Staff Chief.

This position pays $22.69/hr - $36.17/hr. Staff are members of a union. This is a limited duration, full-time, non-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 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 hour upon hire and accrues month 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 + accrue monthly after six months of employment

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Education or experience working in the legal or social service field.
• Fluent in Spanish and English
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to travel to and work within criminal justice system facilities

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 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.

• Please submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or public defense work at MPD
• Internal applicants should apply via the Career Center on ADP
• Posting will close on or before Sept. 14, 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.