Juvenile Unit Attorney

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:

MPD is currently searching for a Juvenile Unit Attorney to join our Washington County Office. The Juvenile Unit Attorney position provides court‑appointed advocacy services in Washington County, Oregon. The attorney handling youth defense will review charging instruments and police reports and other discovery provided by the State. When working for parents and children involved in child welfare, the attorney represents parent clients against abuse and neglect allegations in juvenile dependency proceedings.

This includes representation at the first shelter appearance through to adjudication and/or termination trials. The attorney also represents children of parents accused of neglect or abuse in the same types of proceedings. The attorney reviews documents provided by government agencies, discusses them with clients, and develops a strategy for representation in consultation with the client, and then carries out the representation in accordance with that strategy.

Additionally, a part of the attorney's caseload will include Juvenile Delinquency cases, where children are facing criminal charges in juvenile court. The attorney will review discovery, meet with juvenile clients in or out of custody, negotiate with the case DDA, file pre‑trial motions, retain experts, and prepare for and conduct full criminal trials.

Attorneys will conduct their law practice according to all applicable statutes, practice standards, and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys receive general supervision from the Juvenile Chief Attorney.

This position pays $91,141.18 - $ per year. Staff is a member of Union AFSCME Public Defenders Local 3668 after the completion of 6 months evaluation period. This is a full‑time exempt position. In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and ADD&D – 100% employer paid
• 401(K) – MPD contributes 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 to 120 hours starting at 24 months
• 10 paid holidays + 2 personal equity days
• 4 Mental Health Days per year
• Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire and accrues monthly after the completion of six months of employment

• Must be a current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing. 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). Experience working in indigent criminal defense, juvenile defense, child welfare advocacy, child development and/or early childhood, elementary or secondary education.
  
  Areas of proficiency should include evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, dependency law and collateral consequences.

• 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 organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to…