Attorney I-IV
Company: Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc
Location: Hillsboro
Posted on: February 21, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Job Description Job Description 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 Attorneys I-IV
to join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The
Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense
services in both Multnomah and Washington counties, Oregon.
Attorneys who are assigned to a trial unit will review charging
instruments and police reports and other discovery provided by the
State. The Attorneys will meet with clients and learn the client’s
goals for the representation and any special needs of the client.
Attorneys then determine what further investigation to undertake
and direct that investigation. Attorneys determine what legal
issues need development, researches those issues, and presents them
in the appropriate forum. The Attorney will negotiate with the
State and promptly advise the client of the status of the
negotiations. The Attorney will litigate any legal issues that are
necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial. The
attorney will also conduct any post-trial litigation necessary such
as sentencing and post-trial motions (excluding appeals.) Attorneys
assigned to other units (specialty courts, juveniles) will also
review documents provided by government agencies, discuss them with
clients, and develop a strategy for representation in consultation
with the client, and then carry out the representation in
accordance with that strategy. Attorneys will conduct their law
practice according to all applicable statutes, practice standards,
and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys receive
general supervision from the unit Attorney Chief. This position
pays $91,141.18 - $153,766.60 per year. Staff is a member of Union
AFSCME Public Defenders Local 3668 after the completion of 6 months
evaluation period. This is a full-time 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 – 100%
employer paid for employee only coverage Flexible Spending Account
(FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Basic Life, STD, LTD and
AD&D – 100% employer paid 401(K) – MPD contributes 6% of your
annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of
service PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrue monthly 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 and accrues monthly after the completion of six
months of employment Position Qualifications Must be a current
member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing. Experience working
in indigent criminal defense. Areas of proficiency should include
evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure,
ethics, and collateral consequences. 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 pass background check to access clients and
witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and
applicants arrested and jailed) and 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. Special Considerations: Staff
attorneys may participate only in MPD assigned legal work for
compensation during the term of their employment, except for cases
obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission from the
Executive Director is required to continue representation on prior
non-MPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a
pro bono basis. To Apply: Submit a current resume and cover letter
on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting
public defense work. Open until filled. 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.
Keywords: Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc, Vancouver , Attorney I-IV, Legal , Hillsboro, Washington
