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Assistant Federal Public Defender

Oregon Federal Public Defender
Portland, OR

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Job Details

$88,848 - $197,100 a year

Benefits

Commuter assistance
Paid holidays
Health insurance
On-site gym
Dental insurance
401(k)
Flexible spending account
Vision insurance
401(k) matching
Life insurance

Qualifications

Legal advocacy
Legal writing
Writing skills
Criminal defense law
Criminal case experience
Community relationship building
Experience working with individuals from underserved communities
Bar

Full Job Description

Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender

Court Name/Organization

Oregon Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position

Assistant Federal Public Defenders fight systemic injustice by advocating for qualified defendants in federal criminal cases and other covered matters for individuals who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. Conversational Spanish-language skills are preferred for this opening. In addition, familiarity and understanding of the culture, slang and colloquialisms of Mexican, Central American, Caribbean or non-Southern Cone South American Spanish-speaking cultures are preferred.

Location

Portland, OR

Opening and Closing Dates

06/29/2026 - 08/21/2026

Appointment Type

Permanent

Classification Level/Grade

AD 21 - AD 29

Salary

$88,848 - $197,100

Announcement Number

2026-04

Position Description

Primary Job Duties:

Represent qualifying individuals charged with violating federal criminal statutes by handling all stages of federal criminal trial matters in the district court
Frequently appear in court before both magistrate judges and district court judges. Court appearances include: initial appearances, pretrial release hearings, motion hearings, trials, sentencings, appeals, and probation violation proceedings.
Advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds, including those with histories of trauma, mental health, and substance abuse issues
Work in teams with co-counsel, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, social workers, and contracted experts
Support clients through holistic problem-solving and community engagement during pretrial, trial, and sentencing proceedings, as well as with reentry
Write persuasive briefs to achieve client goals and work for improvement in the law
Maintain frequent client contact in person, by phone, and in writing

Qualifications

Applicants must have the knowledge, skills, and ability needed to immediately defend indigent individuals in criminal cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school and an active member in good standing of the bar in any state, territory, or possession
Applicants must have at least three years of state or federal criminal practice; have recent, substantial criminal felony trial-level experience; strong written and oral advocacy skills; and a proven commitment to indigent criminal defense
Strong technological, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required
A demonstrated commitment to and comfort working with diverse communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds is required
Conversational Spanish-language skills preferred
Familiarity and understanding of the culture, slang and colloquialisms of Mexican, Central American, Caribbean or non-Southern Cone South American Spanish-speaking culture is preferred

Selection Criteria : Application materials, interviews, and reference check information must demonstrate that the candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to this office’s mission of zealously protecting our clients’ interests.

Employee Benefits

13 days of vacation for the first three years, which increases with tenure
13 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays
Flexible telework up to two days a week
Choice of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans, with optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage
Flexible spending account program
Federal Employees Retirement System and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K)
On-site fitness center
Parking or Public transportation subsidy (budget dependent)

Miscellaneous

Office Overview : The Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon consists of a three office, the main office in Portland and branch offices in Eugene and Medford. Our clients come from all across Oregon. The FPD has a staff of 75, including 25 attorneys, 15 investigators along with paralegals and other support staff.

Regional Overview : Portland is uniquely situated with easy access to the beautiful Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, wine country in the Willamette Valley and high-plateau desert. Portland’s vibrant Hispanic and Latine culture has deep historical roots, evolving from early explorers and vaqueros into a thriving, diverse community. Today, the city honors this heritage through vital cultural hubs like the Portland Mercado and the historic Milagro Theatre. Multiple Portland restaurants, farmers markets, and food carts are nationally recognized for excellence, creativity, quality, and authenticity.

Background Investigation : This is a sensitive position within the Federal Judiciary. Employment will be considered provisional pending successful completion of an FBI Fingerprint check, favorable reference checks, social media inquiry, and a favorable suitability determination.

Applicant Information : Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Veterans’ preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Positions with the Federal Public Defender are excepted service appointments, which are "at will" and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use direct deposit.

The number of positions filled from this advertisement and timing of start date is subject to funding.

See FAQ at

Application Info

Please submit a cover letter, resume, a relevant writing sample, and contact information for three (3) professional references as a single PDF attachment by email to: [email protected] subject line “AFPD”. W hen saving your documents as one PDF, it is important to name the file using only your last name and “_AFPD” . Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Application Deadlines : Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Priority will be given to applications received prior to July 20, 2026. More than one position may be filled from this advertisement, including career and limited duration appointments. All responses will remain confidential.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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Assistant Federal Public Defender

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Housing & Collateral Consequences Attorney (Community Law)

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