Who We Are
The Oregon Public Defense Commission is an independent body in the executive branch charged with establishing and maintaining a public defense system that ensures the provision of public defense services consistent with the Oregon Constitution, the United States Constitution and Oregon and national standards of justice. The agency is governed by a 13-member board. The governor appoints its nine voting commissioners and four nonvoting commissioners. The governor also appoints the agency's executive director.
Our agency administers contracts with public defense providers and distributes funds for representation and related services for criminal, juvenile and civil commitment cases. We provide compliance and oversight to the trial community providers, and we gather data to inform decision-making. We also process all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. Our appellate division provides legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, parole cases, and juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases. We have offices in Portland, Salem and Medford that are staffed by attorneys, paralegals, investigators and support staff.
Mission
Our mission is to continually enhance the statewide public defense system to deliver
highly skilled, independent, timely, and client-focused representation to eligible persons.
Vision
The Oregon Public Defense Commission is a guardian of the legal rights and interests of public defense clients and a
champion for effective public defense services.
Values
Our values are the guiding principles that shape the behavior and actions of the agency,
defining our culture and character. These values promote consistency and integrity in
how we treat one another, and the communities we serve.
As an organization, we are:
- Client-centered
- Committed to excellence
- Effective
- Diverse and inclusive
- Compassionate
- Adaptive
2025-2031 Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan outlines our goals and objectives aimed at:
- Increasing the number of public defenders and non-attorney personnel in Oregon such as paralegals, investigators, social workers and interpreters
- Ensuring that eligible criminal defendants have effective legal representation
- Strengthening our relationships with attorneys, investigators and other providers of public defense services
- Enabling staff development
- Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
- Creating a workplace culture that promotes trust, respect, equity and employees' well-being
- Finalizing the agency's integration with the executive branch
Affirmative Action Plan
It is the policy of the Oregon Public Defense Commission that no person shall be discriminated against by reason of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age (if the individual is 18 years of age or older), or disability not directly and substantively related to effective performance. It is also the policy of OPDC to establish and maintain a program of affirmative action to address the effects of discrimination intended and unintended, which is indicated by analysis of present employment patterns, practices and policies.
OPDC’s Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Plan shall be followed by all OPDC staff. All personnel actions of OPDC shall be administered according to this policy. OPDC’s supervisory and management staff shall ensure that the intent as well as the stated requirements of the Plan are implemented. In addition, it is the duty of every employee of OPDC to create a job environment that is conducive to non-discrimination and free of any form of discrimination or discriminatory harassment.
This Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Plan will be posted in plain sight at all times for employees’ use and referral. Any agency or member of the public requesting a copy of the OPDC Affirmative Action Plan shall be provided one at no cost.
View the entire Non-discrimination
and Affirmative Action Plan