Early Resolution Docket Attorney (Deputy Defender)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

16h•$9,063 - $12,095•Hybrid

About The Position

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. This announcement is for 1, permanent, full time, ERD Attorney (Deputy Defender) and will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This is a hybrid position with flexible remote options. 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.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school AND member of the Oregon State Bar.
Either a member of the Oregon State Bar, in good standing – OR- Willing to sit for the next available Oregon bar examination and successfully pass the examination.

Nice To Haves

Attorneys who have achieved CA2 certification under OPDC’s Attorney Qualification Standards.
Strong Communication Skills (Oral & Written): Strength in clearly and effectively conveying complex legal information in writing and speech. Can tailor communication to diverse audiences, including clients, courts, and colleagues.
Compliance & Ethical Practice: Ability to demonstrate thorough understanding of legal and procedural requirements while adhering to laws, rules, and ethical standards governing public defense work.
Organization & Time Management: Able to manage tasks and deadlines with efficiency and accuracy while prioritizing effectively in dynamic caseload environments without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Interpersonal Skills: Experience building constructive relationships with clients, peers, and system partners; can navigate conflict and advocacy with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.
Strong Legal Analysis & Research Abilities: Skilled in identifying legal issues, conducting thorough legal research using tools like Westlaw, and crafting well-reasoned, persuasive arguments supported by accurate legal authority.
Effective Advocacy & Negotiation Skills: Capable of advocating for clients in early resolution dockets and at trial, negotiating with prosecutors, and securing fair and timely outcomes through both written and oral advocacy.
Strategic Case & Trial Management: Demonstrated ability to prepare for and conducts all stages of litigation, from pretrial motions to sentencing with strong organizational skills and sound judgement, including trial strategy and courtroom presence.

Responsibilities

Provide high-quality legal representation to indigent clients with a primary focus on early resolution dockets and related proceedings.
Manage a caseload concentrated in early resolution matters, including county-specific early resolution programs, working to resolve cases at the earliest appropriate stage.
Interview and communicate with clients.
Early resolution representation and advocacy.
Legal research and writing.
Discovery review.
Dispositional and/or sentencing advocacy and post-trial motions, excluding appeals.
Contested hearings, jury trials, and bench trials of criminal cases.
Other duties as assigned.
Works closely with prosecutors, codefendants’ attorneys, clients’ prior and other attorneys, judges, trial court administrators, court staff, clients, and OPDC staff to support OPDC’s mission and strategic goals.