Deputy Defender (Multiple Positions & Locations)

Job Description :

POSTIONS : Deputy Defender, Oregon Public Defense Commission

LOCATIONS :

Portland (Northwest) >

2 vacancies

Medford (Southern Oregon) >

3 vacancies

Salem (Central Valley) >

3 vacancies

COMPENSATION RANGE : $8,298 - $11,075

Benefits are through the State of Oregon :

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 or exceeds OPDC standards for court appointed counsel in Misdemeanor Cases, Lesser Felony Cases, or Major Felony Cases AND Valid Oregon Driver's license.

APPLICATION GUIDANCE AND REQUIREMENTS

View this . A PDF is also available by .

REQUIRED : Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile matches your submitted resume.

REQUIRED : Attach a Cover Letter

APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT

WHO WE ARE

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) 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. 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. The mission of OPDC is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for persons eligible for a public defender.

The office includes the Executive Division, the Appellate Division, the Trial Division, the Trial Development & Resources Division, and the Administrative Services Division.

The Trial Division was created by the Oregon Legislature to provide trial-level public defense services by hiring counsel and supporting staff, including paralegals, legal secretaries, investigators, case managers, and discovery clerks, as state employees through OPDC.

WHAT YOU WILL 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.

DUTIES :

Interviewing and communicating with clients

• Effectively communicate with clients and inform clients of the status of their cases at all stages.
• Ensure redacted discovery and all significant filings are sent to clients, as appropriate. Protect confidential information and communications between clients and the office.
• Be available to the client, and, if in custody, visit the client at the jail or correctional facility as needed.

Arraignment and release / preventative detention hearings advocacy

• Vertical representation of clients is a priority.
• Attend the client’s arraignment, if possible, and argue for release at the initial appearance and / or preventative detention.

Legal research and writing

• Be able to assess and identify legal issues, including novel arguments. Contain well-reasoned and analytical sound arguments based on the facts and the evidence, supported by accurate statements of relevant law, and applied to the circumstances.
• Understand and comply with rules regarding legal citations and formatting.
• Be familiar with and utilize legal research tools and software, including Westlaw, and legal resources, and be able to research the law, from administrative rules to constitutional provisions.

Preparing and arguing pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda

• Draft and review the legal briefs and memorandum in support of pretrial motions.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of both side of the motion and be prepared to persuasively argue the defense arguments and respond to the state’s argument, with appropriate references to, and discussions, of the relevant facts and law.

Dispositional and / or sentencing advocacy and post-trial motions, excluding appeals.

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 of criminal cases

• Make appropriate decisions, in consultation with the client, regarding a jury or bench trial.
• At trial, be well-organized, clear, and concise, and meet or exceed the standards and guidelines for criminal defense representation.

Representation of clients in interlocutory / appellate proceedings

If appropriate, defend against a state interlocutory appeal of a pretrial motion (i.e., motion to suppress evidence).

Veterans Preference

Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting.

For more information, please go to the State website :

The Oregon Public Defense Commission is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce.

Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.

Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL ALL POSITIONS ARE FILLED AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME