Attorney I (August 2026)
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 to
join our Multnomah County and Washington County Offices. The
Attorney position provides court appointed criminal defense
services in both Multnomah and Washington counties in 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 Chief Attorney. 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 and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&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. 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, Albany , Attorney I (August 2026), Legal , Hillsboro, Oregon
