Join Our Team
Southern Oregon Public Defender (SOPD) is seeking applicants for an attorney position practicing in the in-demand role of Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency in Jackson County, Oregon.
This position is available beginning June 1, 2026 and will remain posted until filled. SOPD prefers a licensed attorney that can begin and be trained right away, but may consider a recent graduate that will be sitting for the Oregon Bar exam this summer, to begin after Bar examination.
SOPD in Southern Oregon is a tremendous place offering a complementary work/life balance in a fantastic location, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts, mountain and river rats, and year-round golfers.
SOPD
SOPD, a PSLF-qualifying non-profit, has been providing public defense services since 1985. We are the primary contracted criminal indigent defense provider in Jackson County (Ashland, Medford, Central Point), where we also have juvenile law practitioners and have a second office with contracted defense providers in Josephine County (Grants Pass).
SOPD makes a difference in our community: we help hold families together, prevent incarceration, and assist clients and families on the path to recovery, just to name a few.
We are a diverse group of congenial attorneys and staff. We have a true open-door policy where questions are encouraged, and support is exceptional, both in and out of the office.
Employees often gather and enjoy time together with other local Bar members and offices for work-sponsored and non-work sponsored activities.
Position
Delinquency (419C): Juveniles charged with what would be the equivalent crimes if they were adults.
AND
Dependency (419B): Parents and children dealing with State of Oregon Child Welfare.
You will be trained and supported to preserve juvenile and parent’s rights.
Day-to-day you will:
Prevent children from being caged by the State.
Represent juveniles’ interests in court.
Interact and communicate with a diverse array of clients, in their homes, schools, parks and your office.
Research simple and complex legal issues.
Argue incredible motions.
Negotiate beneficial resolutions.
Offer advice and opinions to clients and colleagues.
Foster relationships with community partners.
Win at trial.
Lose at trial.
Be upset at the institution.
Be pleased with the impact you make.
Be frustrated that you can’t do more.
Be surprised and never be bored.
Discover new things, be they law, or facts, or otherwise.
Laugh at colleague’s stories.
Witness unbelievable Bodycam footage.
And enjoy the camaraderie, support, and solidarity of your colleagues and co-workers as you work to make our community a more just place for everyone.
You will be given the autonomy and flexibility you deserve as a professional, with the support of staff and attorneys to help you manage your responsibilities, learn your role, and help you fulfill your full potential as an advocate.
New attorneys will be eased into a manageable caseload, with guidance and assistance from experienced and trusted attorneys.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary with bonuses; starting at $84k-$108k, DOE.
20 days paid vacation, plus all State of Oregon recognized holidays.
Profit-sharing 401(k) equal to approximately 13% of salary, including employee 3% contribution.
100% employer paid medical and dental for employee, and employer 50% contribution for spouse and/or family.
Annual Continuing Legal Education budget of $2,000 that you have general autonomy to use, can be used for attending out of area conferences, reference materials, etc.
Location
In Southern Oregon: we raft the Rogue, ski the local mountain, enjoy 200 days of sunshine a year, sip or sometimes binge at the wineries and breweries, enjoy the summer long Britt music and Oregon Shakespeare festival, skip over to the Redwoods, bike the roads and trails, and enjoy the undiscovered (somewhat secret, shhh!) gem that is Southern Oregon.
TO APPLY
Please submit below or email a cover letter and resume in PDF form to Clint Oborn at Clint@sopd.net
Starting dates and terms are negotiable.
Please call Clint directly with any inquiries. 541-494-2309
Attorney
Overview
SOPD, a PSLF-qualifying non-profit, has been providing public defense services since 1985. We are the primary contracted indigent defense provider in Jackson County (Ashland, Medford, Central Point) and a contracted defense provider in Josephine County (Grants Pass).
SOPD is a diverse group of congenial attorneys and staff with an open-door policy where questions are encouraged, and support is exceptional, both in and out of the office.
Employees often gather and enjoy time together with other local Bar members for work-sponsored and non-work sponsored activities.
Position
You will be trained to take a case from arraignment through trial and beyond.
Day-to-day you will:
Represent defendants in court.
Interact and communicate with a diverse array of clients.
Research legal issues
Argue motions.
Pick juries.
Negotiate.
Offer advice and opinions to clients and colleagues.
Foster relationships with community partners.
Win at trial.
Lose at trial.
Be upset at the institution.
Be pleased with the impact you make.
Never be bored.
Discover something new.
Laugh at colleague’s stories.
Witness unbelievable Bodycam footage.
And enjoy the support and solidarity of your colleagues and co-workers.
You will be given the autonomy and flexibility you deserve as a professional, with the support of staff and attorneys to help you manage your responsibilities.
New attorneys will be eased into a manageable caseload, with guidance and assistance from experienced attorneys at each step of the way.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary with bonuses; starting at $84,000.
20 days paid vacation, plus all State of Oregon recognized holidays.
401(k) equal to 10% of salary after approximately 1 year of service.
100% employer paid medical and dental for employee, and employer 50% contribution for spouse and/or family.
Annual Continuing Legal Education budget of $2,000 that you have general autonomy to use, can be used for attending out of area conferences, reference materials, etc.
Location
In Southern Oregon: we raft the Rogue, ski the local mountain, enjoy 200 days of sunshine a year, sip or sometimes binge at the wineries and breweries, enjoy the summer long Britt music and Oregon Shakespeare festival, skip over to the Redwoods, bike the roads and trails, and enjoy the undiscovered gem that is Southern Oregon.
TO APPLY: Upload Cover Letter and Resume