Trial Attorney

Job Responsibilities

Our attorneys are fighters, thinkers, and doers. They know when to challenge bad faith arguments and when to let silence speak for itself. Most importantly, they are committed to their clients and fight to redeem those whom society has written off.

Attorneys in our office generally carry 10 to 25 new cases a month. We have a mix of misdemeanor, minor felony, and major felony-qualified attorneys, with experience levels ranging from court-certified law students to attorneys with decades of practice. Our attorneys are the first person a client sees in the jail and are responsible for the case from appointment through resolution, including referrals for appeal and correcting sentencing issues. They are tireless advocates in and out of the courtroom, skilled communicators with clients, and consummate professionals in their dealings with the courts, opposing counsel, and all others in the criminal justice system. They thrive in a large office supported by legal assistants, secretaries, and licensed private investigators.

Requirements

Applicants must be members of the Oregon State Bar in good standing or otherwise qualified as described above.

Qualifications

We welcome applicants who are already felony-qualified, but we are proud of our training and mentorship and can meet you where you are if you are the right fit for this office. Preference will be given to attorneys who are barred in Oregon or who can transfer immediately under Oregon’s comity rules.

Skills

Attorneys in our office are fighters, thinkers, and doers. They know when to challenge bad faith arguments and when to let silence speak for itself. They are committed to their clients and fight to redeem those whom society has written off.

Benefits

• Employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation, paid sick and personal time
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• A generous retirement plan

Pay

• Misdemeanor qualified: $78,610 to $86,667
• Minor to major felony qualified: $89,528 to $119,976
• Murder qualified: $125,974 to $153,123

About the Role

Public Defender Services of Lane County is a private nonprofit organization committed to defending the rights of people facing a loss of liberty due to the actions of the state. We represent adults and juveniles charged with offenses ranging from trespass to serious felonies. We also represent clients in probation violations, contempt proceedings, termination of parental rights cases, and civil commitment matters. Our office has been a nonprofit public defender since 1977. Staff benefit from mentorship by attorneys with decades of experience as well as new perspectives from newer members of our team. We qualify for public interest loan forgiveness, subject to federal program rules. We offer excellent benefits, a supportive environment, and the satisfaction of fighting the good fight and standing with people when they need it most. We strive to put our clients first and zealously pursue their best interests, whether they are facing a single charge of criminal trespass or multiple allegations of violent felonies.

Training and Onboarding

For misdemeanor attorneys, there is no caseload for the first two weeks, followed by three new cases per week during training. Attorneys of all experience levels join a team of five to seven colleagues who work collaboratively to improve client outcomes and support professional growth. Early trials are second-chaired with another attorney. This approach has improved client outcomes, reduced turnover, and strengthened our office culture. We are committed to building a sustainable career path for public defenders and keeping the focus on our clients.