Clinic 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 Chief Attorney to run our new Clinic Partnership with Lewis and Clark Law School. This Chief Attorney position will join our Multnomah County Office and will directly supervise law students assigned to our Multnomah County office as part of the Clinic and help provide training and general oversight for any law students assigned to our Washington County Office .

This Chief Attorney position is a management position that represents MPD in policy and operation discussions with system partners related to this new position overseeing 8-12 Lewis & Clark law students handling misdemeanor cases.

This position mentors and trains all team members on a continuing basis including training students to appear in court on behalf of clients, staffing cases, trial observations, regular check ins, and other related supervision.

In addition to the management and policy responsibilities, this Chief Attorney will be responsible for all misdemeanor cases assigned to students in the Multnomah County Office and will handle any court appearances that a student is unable to attend.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, solid leadership skills, and an unwavering commitment to indigent defense excellence.

This Clinic Chief Attorney Position receives general supervision from the Training and Recruitment Director.

This position pays $117,150.00 - $147,899,00 per year. This position is a limited duration from August 15

2024 to August 15

2025 . The legislature has not yet committed to continued funding for this position. However, MPD and Lewis and Clark Law School are committed to continuing efforts to securing funding to make this a permanent position.

Staff is an at-will employee. This is a full-time exempt (not eligible for overtime) 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 with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service
• PTO 24 hours upon hire and accrues monthly up 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 accrues 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.
• Manage Certified Law Student team handling misdemeanor level cases.
• Provides engagement and professional development for all team members.
• Coordinate coverage schedules for misdemeanor cases.
• Collaborate with Training Director for initial and continued training of Certified Law Students.
• Provide ongoing training and supervision of Certified Law Students throughout the year.
• Represent MPD in policy and operation meetings regarding misdemeanor cases or the Clinic Collaboration with Lewis and Clark Law School.
• Work with Chief Attorney Trainer in Washington County to provide general training and clinic oversight for any students assigned to our Washington County office.

Position Preferences

• Ability to lead by example in the handling of work assignments, as well as in the treatment of 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.
• Preference for previous work with students

Work Environment :

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
• Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility.
• There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.

Application Process :

Please submit a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in this position and / or in support of public defense work.

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.

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