Senior Deputy Defender (Medford, OR)
Oregon Public Defense Commission, Medford, OR, United States
Senior Deputy Defender (Medford, OR)
Salary: $12,095 - $17,597
Employment type: Employee
Job Description
At OPDC, we are committed to ensuring constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for individuals eligible for a public defender. As a Senior Deputy Defender, you will play a vital role in providing zealous defense to clients charged with a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including the most serious offenses. The position offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated support team, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it the most.
Responsibilities
Provide effective representation to a wide variety of clients charged with crimes in Oregon trial courts, including most serious offenses.
Lead a support‑staff team (legal secretaries, investigators, case managers, paralegals).
Manage a caseload requiring trial preparation, routine appearances, client contact, investigation, strategizing, legal research and writing.
Collaborate with other attorneys, mentor junior attorneys, and serve as co‑counsel on select cases.
Conduct interviewing and communication with clients, ensuring timely updates and safeguarding confidential information.
Advocate in arraignment and release/preventive detention hearings.
Perform legal research and writing, including constructing well‑reasoned arguments and proper citation.
Prepare and argue pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
Request, review, and oversee discovery and case‑related records, guide investigators, and organize case materials.
Negotiate plea bargaining and conduct settlement conferences to facilitate case resolution.
Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Oregon State Bar.
Eight (8) years full‑time experience in criminal law practice, juvenile dependency practice, civil commitment law, or equivalent experience.
Valid Oregon driver’s license.
Desired Attributes
Strong criminal defense or litigation experience with sound judgment and ethics.
Demonstrated commitment to public defense and indigent clients.
Knowledge of Oregon courts and procedures or ability to quickly learn a new jurisdiction.
Client‑centered advocacy with clear, empathetic communication.
Collaborative, adaptable, and reliable under pressure.
Interest in helping expand and strengthen Oregon’s public defense system (preferred).
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package including employer‑paid health insurance, vacation, sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS). Work/life balance and overall wellness support are encouraged.
EEO Statement
OPDC 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. Contact 503‑991‑2274 for support. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorship.
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Salary: $12,095 - $17,597
Employment type: Employee
Job Description
At OPDC, we are committed to ensuring constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for individuals eligible for a public defender. As a Senior Deputy Defender, you will play a vital role in providing zealous defense to clients charged with a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including the most serious offenses. The position offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated support team, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it the most.
Responsibilities
Provide effective representation to a wide variety of clients charged with crimes in Oregon trial courts, including most serious offenses.
Lead a support‑staff team (legal secretaries, investigators, case managers, paralegals).
Manage a caseload requiring trial preparation, routine appearances, client contact, investigation, strategizing, legal research and writing.
Collaborate with other attorneys, mentor junior attorneys, and serve as co‑counsel on select cases.
Conduct interviewing and communication with clients, ensuring timely updates and safeguarding confidential information.
Advocate in arraignment and release/preventive detention hearings.
Perform legal research and writing, including constructing well‑reasoned arguments and proper citation.
Prepare and argue pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
Request, review, and oversee discovery and case‑related records, guide investigators, and organize case materials.
Negotiate plea bargaining and conduct settlement conferences to facilitate case resolution.
Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Oregon State Bar.
Eight (8) years full‑time experience in criminal law practice, juvenile dependency practice, civil commitment law, or equivalent experience.
Valid Oregon driver’s license.
Desired Attributes
Strong criminal defense or litigation experience with sound judgment and ethics.
Demonstrated commitment to public defense and indigent clients.
Knowledge of Oregon courts and procedures or ability to quickly learn a new jurisdiction.
Client‑centered advocacy with clear, empathetic communication.
Collaborative, adaptable, and reliable under pressure.
Interest in helping expand and strengthen Oregon’s public defense system (preferred).
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package including employer‑paid health insurance, vacation, sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS). Work/life balance and overall wellness support are encouraged.
EEO Statement
OPDC 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. Contact 503‑991‑2274 for support. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr