Metropolitan Public Defender – Portland, OR

Justice for All in Downtown Portland

Central Hub at One Main Place

Metropolitan Public Defender (MPD) is headquartered in the prominent One Main Place building in downtown Portland. Located at 101 SW Main St, Suite 1100, the firm occupies a key position in the city’s legal landscape, situated just blocks from the Multnomah County Courthouse and the Justice Center. This 20-story high-rise, known for its distinctive sleek facade and central location near the Willamette River, provides a professional headquarters for the largest public defense provider in the state. The office is easily accessible via the Portland Mall transit corridor, ensuring that clients from all walks of life can reach their legal counsel without barriers. 🏛

A Mission-Driven Defense

Established in 1971, Metropolitan Public Defender is a non-profit law firm committed to the principle that quality legal representation is a fundamental human right, not a privilege for the wealthy. As Criminal Defense Lawyers appointed by the court, they represent indigent clients facing everything from Misdemeanor charges to serious Felony offenses. The firm is organized into specialized teams, including Major Felonies, Drug Court, and Mental Health Court, ensuring that every client benefits from focused expertise. They also have a robust Juvenile Defense division, advocating for youth in delinquency matters and parents in dependency cases.

Holistic Community Support

MPD goes beyond traditional criminal defense by addressing the root causes of legal system involvement. Their Community Law Division provides vital civil legal services to help clients rebuild their lives. This includes Eviction Defense to prevent homelessness and Expungement services to remove barriers to employment and housing. The firm employs social workers and case managers who work alongside attorneys to connect clients with treatment, housing, and social services. Their client-centered approach strives to treat every individual with dignity and respect, regardless of the charges they face. 🛡

• Specialty Courts: Dedicated representation in Drug, Mental Health, and Veterans courts.
• Juvenile Advocacy: Protecting the futures of young people in the legal system.
• Record Clearing: Helping past offenders wipe the slate clean.

Unwavering Advocacy

While you cannot hire MPD directly (attorneys are appointed by the court based on financial need), they stand as a pillar of justice in Multnomah County. If you have been charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, MPD provides the high-quality defense you are constitutionally guaranteed. Find a lawyer who fights for the underdog at Metropolitan Public Defender. 📜