Early Resolution Attorney (Deputy Defender)

Initial Posting Date:

05/19/2026

Application Deadline:

05/26/2026

Agency:

Oregon Public Defense Commission Salary Range:

$9,063 - $12,095

Position Type:

Employee Position Title:

Early Resolution Attorney (Deputy Defender)

Job Description:

The Oregon Public Defense Commission's Trial Division is excited to announce an amazing opportunity for the role of Early Resolution Attorney (Deputy Defender) based in Salem. This position focuses on providing high-quality, client-centered representation to indigent clients, with an emphasis on early resolution dockets and related proceedings in Marion, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact by promoting timely, fair outcomes and advancing equitable access to justice within our communities.

Position:

Early Resolution Attorney (Deputy Defender) This position is full-time and permanent. This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies in various locations, as they occur.

Location:

Salem, OR Salary:

$9,063 - $12,095 What's in it for you You will become part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package! OPDC supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS). The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. The top candidate will be screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information. As a state employee, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you achieve financial freedom while making a difference.

Minimum Qualifications:

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. What you will do The Deputy Defender will provide high-quality legal representation to indigent clients with a focus on early resolution dockets and related proceedings in Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The attorney will manage a specialized caseload aimed at resolving cases efficiently through programs like Restore Court and other county-specific initiatives. By securing timely, fair, and client-centered outcomes, the role helps reduce delays, improve court efficiency, and expand the Trial Division's overall capacity. The Top Eight Desired Attributes for this Role 1.

Sound Judgement and Decision-Making:

Ability to apply critical thinking and ethical reasoning to make timely, well-informed decisions - especially in high-stakes or rapidly evolving legal environments. 2. 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. 3.

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. 4.

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. 5.

Interpersonal Skills:

Experience building constructive relationships with clients, peers, and system partners; can navigate conflict and advocacy with professionalism, empathy, and clarity. 6.

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. 7.

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. 8.

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. Duties Interviewing and Communicating with Clients Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients, keeping them informed about their case status and providing redacted discovery and key filings when appropriate; ensure confidentiality of all client information and remain accessible, including conducting in-person visits for clients in custody when needed. Early Resolution Representation and Advocacy Represent clients in early resolution dockets, including specialty court programs by advising on legal options, negotiating with prosecutors, and advocating for timely, fair outcomes. Work collaboratively with judges, prosecutors, and court staff to protect client rights, expedite case resolutions, and minimize unnecessary delay. Legal Research and Writing Effectively identify and analyze legal issues, including novel ones, and present well-reasoned arguments grounded in fact, evidence, and accurate legal authority; utilize legal research tools such as Westlaw to conduct thorough research across all levels of law, while adhering to proper citation and formatting standards. Preparing and Arguing Pretrial Motions, Affidavits, and Legal Memoranda Review legal briefs and memoranda supporting pretrial motions to prepare for effective advocacy. Analyze both sides' arguments to identify strengths and weaknesses. Persuasively present the defense position with well-supported references to relevant facts and law. Dispositional and/or Sentencing Advocacy and Post-Trial Motions, Excluding Appeals Conduct mitigation investigation and understand the facts and relevant law as it relates to sentencing and alternatives to sentencing. Jury and Bench Trials of Criminal Cases Collaborate with clients to make informed decisions about pursuing a jury or bench trial. Conduct trials in a well-organized, clear, and effective manner that meets or exceeds professional standards for criminal defense representation. Other Duties as

Assigned Application Guidance Current State of Oregon Employees:

Apply via your employee Workday account.

External applicants:

View this application instructional video. A PDF is also available by clicking here. Application Requirements

REQUIRED RESUME

Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile aligns with your submission.

REQUIRED COVER LETTER

As part of the application process, we are requesting that you submit a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the desired attributes for the Senior Deputy Defender, listed in this job announcement. •

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 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's mission is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for persons eligible for a public defender. Its office includes the Executive, Appellate, Trial, Trial Development & Resources, and Administrative Services Divisions. 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. Recruitment Timeline •These dates are approximate and may change. •

Recruitment Closes:

Tuesday, 5/26/2026 @ 11:59P Recruiter Screening for

Minimum Qualifications:

On-going Hiring Manager Screening for

Desired Attributes:

On-going 1st

Round Interviews:

Week of May 25, 2026 Additional Details This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent Deputy Defender position. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies at various locations. Please save a copy of this job announcement, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. If you have questions about the announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, contact Kelli Anne Rodrigues, Kelli.

A.Rodrigues@opdc.state.or.us, (971)453-1736. 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: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx 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. Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you're looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon "flies with her own wings."