Deputy General Counsel (2 vacancies)

Initial Posting Date:

09/11/2025

Application Deadline:

09/21/2025

Agency:

Oregon Public Defense Commission

Salary Range:

$11,498 - $16,986

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Deputy General Counsel (2 vacancies)

Job Description:

Are you passionate about promoting fairness, accountability, and excellence in public defense? The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) invites you to apply for our Deputy General Counsel positions. These are dynamic roles that play a critical part in shaping and supporting the quality of legal representation for individuals across our state. We’re looking for thoughtful, collaborative professionals committed to justice, equity, and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, innovation, and inclusion, apply with OPDC today! 

Positions:  Deputy General Counsel (2 vacancies)

Location: Salem, Oregon | Hybrid

Compensation Range: $11,498 - $16,986

Duties

Quality Assurance: Involves evaluating and responding to certification requests for attorney qualifications in public defense, as well as reviewing complaints and concerns related to provider performance. The role includes collaboration with Trial Support & Development and the CAP Division to establish performance standards, develop data collection tools, and assess regional needs. Monitoring activities include site visits, courtroom observations, stakeholder interviews, and ongoing communication with defenders and system partners to ensure and improve the quality of public defense services.

Training and Resource Development: Involves creating and delivering practical resources like checklists, guides, and sample filings to support public defense providers. This role also includes offering case consultations and planning trainings for OPDC-contracted criminal defense attorneys across various case types.

Program Management: Provide guidance to the program analysts for assigned jurisdictions on contract terms, the right to appointed counsel, and counsel assignment processes. Additionally, provide support on preauthorized expenses and assist in reviewing exceptional funding requests as necessary.  

Policy & Procedure Development: Collaborate with the CAP Division’s Policy Team to identify needs and develop written policies and procedures, offering expertise in public defense and criminal defense practices.

Systems Improvement: Participate in relevant workgroups and task forces, while staying informed on policy legislative, and legal developments affecting criminal defense practice.

Ongoing: Engage collaboratively with coworkers, supervisors, and work-related partners to support team efforts and contribute to problem-solving. Build strong relationships with internal and external customers through active participation in cross-divisional projects while promoting workplace safety and promptly reporting concerns. Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment that values diversity, discourages discrimination and harassment, and respects different opinions and cultural backgrounds.

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancies and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. 

What’s in it for you:   

Advancement in your profession and a competitive salary and benefits package.    

• OPDC supports work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a