Jason E. Thompson

Jason E. Thompson is re-defining defense strategy by recognizing additional angles to traditional legal problems. From focusing on unique litigation theories, to creative investigation strategies, Mr. Thompson identifies the four corners to any issue, and then utilizes a hexagonal solution; that is, a more in depth and encompassing approach to apparent clean cut problems. Based in Salem, Oregon, Mr. Thompson is renowned for his discrete, sound, and confidential legal advice. His commitment to this approach has resulted in being recognized by the The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, a Superior DUI Attorney by NAFDD, and Willamette University College of Law - Mentor of the Year.

As a freshman in high school, Mr. Thompson first considered a career in defense after reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The themes of power dynamics in the struggle for justice have impacted him throughout his life, thus shaping his career. In his words:

"I've seen power, I've worked with those that have power, and I've had power. Yet, throughout all of those experiences, I would rather represent those without it. As Clarence Darrow once said: ‘I have lived my life, and I have fought my battles, not against the weak and the poor—anyone can do that—but against power, against injustice, against oppression, and I have asked no odds from them and I never shall.’ In my work, I ask for no odds, but I trust that I can help those who feel like they are helpless."

With this benevolent objective, Mr. Thompson received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California–Los Angeles before going on to earn his J.D., Certificate in Dispute Resolution, and MBA, concurrently, from Willamette University in 2001. His educational background and his bona fide passion for justice combine to serve his clients, and their families, with the highest caliber of legal services to those in need.

Mr. Thompson practices law in both state and federal courts, including the Oregon and United States Supreme Courts as a criminal defense lawyer. He has obtained complete dismissals, acquittals or reversals in numerous Ballot Measure 11 cases, including two homicide cases and many successful sex crime cases.

Mr. Thompson is committed to defending his clients' rights within the confines of the law. As a lifetime member of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer Association (OCDLA) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), he is constantly adding strategies and unique approaches to his legal toolbox. He represents as many people as he can without sacrificing the superior quality of care for which he has become known.

"I will not change social inequalities in a courtroom; but, I can, one individual at a time, defend the powerless to the best of my ability and tip the scales of injustice back in my client's favor."

Career History

• Founder, Thompson Law

• Partner, Ferder, Casebeer, French & Thompson, LLP

• Marion County District Attorney’s Office

• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

• Oregon Supreme Court Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Paul J. De Muniz

Community Involvement

• U.S. Junior National Tennis Team

• UCLA and University of Kentucky Tennis Team Member

• Judge for Various Moot Court Competitions at Willamette University College of Law

• Regular supporter of several local charities

Memberships & Affiliations

• Marion County Bar Association

• Oregon State Bar Association

• National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Lifetime Member)

• National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center

• Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Lifetime Member)

• National College for DUI Defense, Inc.

• Board of Trustee Member for the Public Defender of Marion County, Inc.