Deputy Defender

The State of Oregon is seeking highly skilled and dedicated Deputy Defenders to join the Oregon Public Defense Commission. As a Deputy Defender, you will provide court-appointed legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in the circuit courts of Oregon.

• Client Representation: Provide effective and zealous representation to clients from arraignment through filing of post-trial motions, including pre-indictment representations.
• Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and draft well-reasoned and analytical legal briefs and memoranda.
• Pretrial Motions and Hearings: Prepare and argue pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda, and represent clients at arraignment and release/preventative detention hearings.
• Dispositional and Sentencing Advocacy: Ensure mitigation investigation is conducted and understand the facts and relevant law as it relates to sentencing and alternatives to sentencing.
• Jury and Bench Trials: Make decisions regarding a jury or bench trial, and represent clients at trial, meeting or exceeding standards and guidelines for criminal defense representation.
• Interlocutory and Appellate Proceedings: Defend against state interlocutory appeals of pretrial motions, and represent clients in interlocutory and appellate proceedings.

• Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Oregon State Bar or eligibility for membership through reciprocity or a program approved by the Oregon State Bar.
• Skills and Qualifications: Strong research and writing skills, excellent analytical and communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

The Oregon Public Defense Commission is a 13-member commission appointed by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court based on input from all three branches of government. The Commission serves as the governing body for Oregon's public defense system, providing policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system.