Capital Team 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 be 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 an Attorney to join our Capital Team. The Team represents clients charged with murder across Oregon, but primarily in Multnomah and Washington counties.  This position requires extensive travel around Oregon and beyond.   The Team is comprised of eight attorneys, three mitigation specialists, three fact investigators, and a Capital Team Administrator.  The Attorney receives general supervision from the Capital Team Director.

Capital Team Attorneys must be familiar with and able to follow the ABA Guidelines for Representation in Death Penalty Cases, as well as the ABA Guidelines for Mitigation in Death Penalty Cases.

This position pays $128,865.00 - $162,689.00 per year or commensurate with experience.  Staff are members of a union.  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 accrue up to 80 hours and increase up 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 + accrue 8 hours monthly after the completion of 6 months   

Position Qualifications

• Must be a current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing or eligible for reciprocal admission.
• Be qualified to represent clients charged with murder in Oregon per OPDS requirements.
• Be familiar with death penalty cases and jurisprudence in Oregon and in the United States.
• Be familiar with the Colorado Method of jury selection in capital cases, as well as other preparations and applications unique to death penalty litigation. 
• Attend regular trainings in death penalty and murder litigation. 
• Be adept at dealing with the voluminous discovery received and generated in capital cases. 
• Be skilled in the use of expert witnesses for evidentiary purposes as well as consultation.
• Must have reliable transportation.  

Position Preferences

• An 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 checks 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, 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.

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.