Specialty Courts Attorney Chief presso Multnomah Public Defender

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 a Specialty Courts Attorney Chief to join our Washington County Office. The Specialty Courts Attorney Chief is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions with the court and DA’s office regarding the Specialty Court dockets and related issues.   This position manages a team of 3-5 attorneys handling specialty court dockets, including Mental Health Court, diversion and treatment courts, civil commitments, probation violations, fugitive matters, and arraignments.  This position mentors and trains all team members on a continuing basis for staffing cases and other issues.  In addition to the management and policy responsibilities, the Specialty Courts Chief Attorney will also handle one of the specialty courts’ dockets and be responsible for carrying a reduced trial caseload. 

This position pays $128,865.00 - $162,689.00 per year.  Staff is an at-will employee. This is a full-time exempt position.  In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice of PPO Base or PPO Enhanced) and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid 
• 401(K) – MPD will contribute 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 up to 120 hours starting at 24 months
• 10 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays (summer and winter)
• 4 Mental Health Days per year 
• Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire + 48 hours after the completions of six months of employment and accrue 96 hours every service anniversary  

Position Qualifications

• Must be a current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing.
• Experience working in indigent criminal defense.
• OPDS qualified to handle probation violations, civil commitments, and felony cases.
• 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).
• Manage attorney team handling assigned cases.
• Provides employee engagement and professional development for all team members.
• Coordinate coverage schedules for their unit.
• Meet regularly with Attorneys to provide case staffing, advice and support.
• Represent MPD in policy and operation needs regarding cases and related issues.
• Handle assigned caseloads (approximately 0.5 normal caseload)
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• 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 and in an office setting. 
• This is an in-person position.  
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

To Apply: 

• Submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in the position and/or in supporting public defense work.  Applications accepted through EOD Thursday, November 20th, 2025.  
• Interested current MPD staff should apply through the Internal Career Center in ADP by submitting a current resume and letter of interest.  Applications accepted through EOD Thursday, November 20th, 2025. 
• Incomplete applications packets will not be considered.  

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.