Caitlin Tolleson

Deputy Public Defender, SPPE Licensee
she/her

Caitlin was born and raised right here in Salem, Oregon. As a 5 th generation Oregonian, Caitlin is proud to call the Willamette Valley her home and to serve the community she is a product of.

After graduating from Western Oregon University with a degree in History, Caitlin pursued a legal education at Willamette University College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 2024. During her time at Willamette, Caitlin was an active participant in Willamette’s mock trial program, Willamette’s Street Law program, and served on the Student Bar Association.

As a public defender, Caitlin believes in the inherent goodness of all people, and takes great care to get to know her clients and understand their situation. Caitlin finds fulfillment in helping her clients navigate through challenging situations and transforming those experiences into opportunities for second chances and fresh starts. Caitlin is currently obtaining her licensure with the Oregon State Bar through the new Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination, or “SPPE” process with PDMC.

Outside of the courtroom, Caitlin enjoys a vibrant life with her family and her two cats, Pip and Penny. Caitlin is an avid gardener, musician, and artist, who enjoys creating beauty through various mediums. As a skilled harpist and vocalist, Caitlin shares the healing power of music by engaging in music therapy sessions for those who are bedridden or in hospice care.

Caitlin is a member of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA) and the Marion County Bar. Caitlin is also a CASA, or court appointed special advocate, for Marion County.