Required 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 (3) 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.

Preferred Qualifications

·   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.

Benefits

Thirteen (13) days of vacation for the first three years, which increases with tenure. Thirteen (13) days of sick leave and eleven

(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).

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.

How to Apply

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: oregon_personnel@fd.org subject line “AFPD” When 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.

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.

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.

The Federal Public Defender, District of Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

See FAQ at: https://or.fd.org/faqs/employment