Chief 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:www.mpdlaw.com

MPD is currently searching for a Juvenile Chief Attorney to join our Washington County Office. The Chief Attorney is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions with the court, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the state Attorney General’s Office and the county District Attorney’s Office regarding court appointed advocacy services in Washington County. This position manages a team of 3-5 attorneys handling delinquency and child welfare matters in juvenile court. The attorneys review charging instruments and discovery provided by the State, including police and agency reports, and follow up with investigation provided in-house. When working for a parent or children involved in the child welfare, the attorney represents a parent client 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, discuss them with clients, and develops a strategy for representation in consultation with the client, and then carry out the representation consistent with the client’s wishes. This position mentors and trains all team members on a continuing basis including staffing cases, trial observations, regular check ins, and other related supervision. In addition to the management and policy responsibilities, the Chief Attorney will also handle 0.25-0.50 juvenile caseload. This Chief Attorney receives general supervision from the Washington County Director.

This position pays $117,150.00 - $147,899.00 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 Standard 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 on your behalf 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, juvenile defense, child welfare advocacy, child development and/or early childhood, elementary or secondary education.
• Areas of working proficiency should include evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, court procedure, ethics, dependency law and collateral consequences.
• OPDS qualified to handle misdemeanor and felony cases.
• Manage attorney team handling assigned cases.
• Recruits and hire staffs for all positions.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

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.