u/VeryNormalBoy

Hi all! I'm a rising 3L interested in public defense work (actually, it's all I'm interested in), and it's about that time where I have to actually face the music and get a job. So far I'm looking at both New Mexico and Oregon as potential candidates for where I might ship off to after graduation, but I'd really appreciate the opportunity to talk to an attorney who works in or knows a bit about either, if that's not too much trouble!

Some general questions first for both:

1. How's hiring? I've heard both are pretty desperate for new hires, but I imagine this varies depending on where you are in the state, and this might be outdated info anyways. Large part of why I'm not staying where I am (Western PA) is because there's just nobody hiring around here that wouldn't necessitate me moving anyways, and if I'm going to do that I don't think I'd rather stay in PA (no offense!).

2. What's working there like? How's the court system? I've heard both states have really defense-friendly state constitutions, which I'm thankfully also used to here in PA.

3. Anything I should know about working as a PD in your state/county? Anywhere or anything I should absolutely avoid?

Thank you!

Edit: Want to thank everyone so far for their great insight, you've all been lovely!