Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defenders (Multiple Locations)

Initial Posting Date:
09/04/2026
Application Deadline:
03/04/2027
Agency:
Oregon Public Defense Commission
Salary Range:
$9,063 - $12,095
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy Defenders (Multiple Locations)
Job Description:
Oregon Public Defense Commission: Deputy DefenderPermanent | Full Time | Multiple Locations
At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, excellence, innovation, accountability, and equity. We seek talented professionals who are passionate about public service and advancing access to justice for all Oregonians.
Position: Deputy Defender
Locations:
Northwest Regional Trial Division (Portland, OR) > Hiring Manager, Brian Decker
Central Services Trial Division (Salem, OR) > Hiring Manager, Aaron Jeffers
Southwest Trial Division (Medford) > Hiring Manager, Alyssa Bartholomew
Current Vacancies: Central Services Trial Division (1) | Southwest Trial Division (1)
Salary Range: $9,063 - $12,095
About the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC)
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.
OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.
OPDC is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for individuals who are constitutionally entitled to counsel. OPDC works to strengthen Oregon's public defense system through direct representation, statewide coordination, oversight, policy development, and collaboration with justice system partners.
What you’ll do
Deputy Defenders in the Trial Division are Public Defenders who provide court appointed legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in the circuit courts in the State of Oregon. Deputy Defender attorneys are expected to represent clients from arraignment through filing of post-trial motions. There may also be occasional pre-indictment representations. Case types will include probation violations, misdemeanors and contempt charges, lesser and major felonies, extradition proceedings, and other adjudications that are directly related to these matters.
For the full position description, please send your request to: opds.hr.info@opds.state.or.us
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school AND member of the Oregon State Bar or eligible for membership through reciprocity or a program approved by the Oregon State Bar AND meets the Attorney Qualification Standards for Criminal Attorney 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 AND a Valid Oregon Driver's license.
If you’re an out-of-state applicant and have questions about attorney qualifications, please send an email to D. Aaron Jeffers (Chief Deputy Defender, Trial Division) at: D.Aaron.Jeffers@opdc.state.or.us
Desired Attributes
These attributes collectively support a public defender in providing competent, effective, and ethical representation to clients:
1. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written, verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills with clients, colleagues, courts, and other stakeholders.
2. Prioritization | Flexibility: Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize competing demands, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain quality and productivity.
3. Organization | Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain organized and accurate case files, documents, deadlines, and work processes while identifying and addressing errors or omissions.
4. Working Under Pressure: Ability to maintain professional, focuse