Staff Attorney - Public Defender

Job Summary
Join our dedicated legal team as a Public Defender, where you will champion the rights of individuals facing criminal charges by providing vigorous, ethical, and compassionate legal representation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the justice system, ensuring fair trials and equitable treatment for all clients. As a Public Defender, you will handle a diverse caseload, advocate in courtrooms, and collaborate with community partners to uphold justice and integrity within the legal process.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal defense for clients accused of criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies.
• Conduct thorough legal research using tools such as Westlaw and LexisNexis to prepare cases effectively.
• Draft legal documents, motions, and pleadings with precision and clarity, demonstrating strong legal writing skills.
• Negotiate plea agreements and settlement options to achieve favorable outcomes for clients when appropriate.
• Represent clients during arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing proceedings while maintaining professionalism and courtroom decorum.
• Investigate case facts by interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and consulting with experts in areas such as forensic science or mental health.
• Stay current on developments in criminal law, including areas like immigration law, tribal law & regulations, landlord-tenant law, family law, securities law, workers' compensation law, personal injury law, estate planning, environmental law, patent law, and other relevant legal fields.
• Maintain meticulous case records and documentation in compliance with legal standards and administrative procedures.
• Collaborate with community organizations and social services to support clients’ needs beyond the courtroom.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of criminal defense practices complemented by familiarity with a broad range of legal areas such as estate planning, environmental law, immigration law, family law, securities law, workers' compensation law, personal injury law, tribal law & regulations, litigation procedures, patent law, landlord-tenant law.
• Proficiency in legal research platforms including Westlaw to gather pertinent case law and statutory information efficiently.
• Strong negotiation skills to facilitate plea bargaining and dispute resolution effectively.
• Excellent writing skills for drafting clear legal documents and persuasive arguments.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis under tight deadlines.
• Experience working within a law office environment with a focus on criminal defense or public interest work is preferred.
• Legal administrative experience to manage case files accurately and adhere to procedural requirements.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and empathy. This role is an essential part of our commitment to justice — providing vital legal services that uphold fairness while fostering community trust. We are dedicated to supporting our Public Defenders through ongoing professional development opportunities and access to cutting-edge legal resources to empower your advocacy efforts every day.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vale, OR 97918