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      Metropolitan Public Defender Services

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      Metropolitan Public Defender Services Reviews

      3.6

      53% would recommend to a friend

      (20 total reviews)

      Susan F. Mandiberg

      Not enough data to show CEO approval

      50% positive business outlook

      Metropolitan Public Defender Services has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 20 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Metropolitan Public Defender Services employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Legal industry (3.8 stars).

      Reviews by job title

      20 reviews
      3.0
      26 May 2025

      Doesn't compy with ADA, high-burnout

      Chief legal assistant
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      - got lots of experience directly working with clients going through criminal litigation

      Cons

      - high burnout job - no caseload caps for legal assistants - office culture prioritizes the needs of attorneys over support staff - anti-wfh, even with a doctor's note

      4.0
      28 Dec 2017

      Fun & autonomous, but a bit of a dead-end

      Investigator
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      You get to do variable and pretty interesting casework; sometimes get into some crazy, but rarely dangerous situations. Caseloads are usually quite manageable with some peaks and valleys, but nothing you can't handle. Super autonomous, make your own schedule around the core hours (at least in the Multnomah County office). Union rep'd so very secure job. You get some good basic investigation experience, and they will pay for your professional license. Good place to coast to retirement if you are not super career-minded or care about making really good $.

      Cons

      The job can be a bit of a dead-end, as there is very little room for internal promotion, and you will only ever qualify for most other investigation jobs that are equal or below the position, with most upper-end investigation jobs out of reach unless you already have special outside skills (finance, social work, LE, etc.). There is some tension among staff. Attorneys will treat you a bit like a minion, rather than a fellow professional. Some attorneys can be very difficult to work with.

      4.0
      8 Sept 2025

      Good firm

      Attorney
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      Trial experience, collegiality, caseload management getting better

      Cons

      High turnover, lack of diversity (although common for Oregon in general)

      Viewing 1 - 3 of 20 Reviews
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      ReviewsMetropolitan Public Defender Services reviews

      Glassdoor has 22 Metropolitan Public Defender Services reviews submitted anonymously by Metropolitan Public Defender Services employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Metropolitan Public Defender Services is right for you.