Joe Hagedorn
Experience & Integrity for
Multnomah County Judge
For the past 6 years I have served as a Full-Time Judge Pro Tem in the Multnomah County family law court.
That on-the-bench experience has prepared me to handle the courtroom with fairness, care, and efficiency. I have spent 24 years practicing law. My background as a public defender and AmeriCorps legal aid attorney gives me a broad perspective on the complex issues families bring before the court.
I am running for Judge of the Circuit Court, 4th District, Position 14 in Multnomah County on the Family Law bench. The election is May 19, 2026.
Families deserve fair and just treatment.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to making good decisions aimed to avoid implicit bias and reduce the number of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. When I was a public defender, I intervened when a nine year old girl was inappropriately arrested, proposing an ordinance that would protect children under ten from such treatment.
The justice system should be a partner in empowering communities.
I am well informed on proactive steps we can take toward practices that are restorative, not just punitive, and I see the judicial system as a key aspect of empowering our community to thrive. I’ve collaborated with the Annie E. Casey foundation in supporting juvenile justice reform, and I was invited to present on “Ten Ways to Transform Juvenile Probation” at the 2026 National Conference on Juvenile Justice in Minneapolis.
Compassion has a place in the courtroom.
The foundation of my whole career is based on a trauma-informed approach developed when I worked for legal aid representing women impacted by domestic violence in Albany, Oregon. Representing survivors of domestic violence gave me my first professional experiences of how vital empathy is when working with people in the justice system.
Collaboration and connection make the justice system work better.
24 years in the court system means I have long-term and deep relationships with colleagues. I am a community-minded team player, trusted by peers and frequently invited to participate in advisory committees and mentorship. I recently served on a workgroup to implement risk assessments as a tool to reduce the amount of low-risk youth in the juvenile justice system. I currently serve on the Multnomah Bar Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as the Court’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As part of my work, I speak with college students about careers in law and about opportunities and rewards of being a public defender and juvenile advocate.
I truly care about people.
I know that when people come before me in the courtroom, they have to talk about and relive the worst day of their life, when they made a regrettable choice, or were harmed, or both. This kind of public service is my calling.
I have worked with Joe over the years in his role as a public defender, including his representation of people in our Mental Health specialty court.
Joe is unfailngly professional, diligent, and COmpassionate. He will bring Strong Skills and even-handed fairness to his work as a judge on the the family bench.
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Judge Cheryl Albrecht
Multnomah County Court
Dear Joe Hagedorn,
I’m writing this because you took a chance on me, and I’ll never forget that. Before you, everyone just saw me as a screw up, a lost cause. When you let me out of juvenile lock up, I knew I couldn’t mess it up. Seeing you believe in me enough to give me another shot made me want to be better. You don’t just people for their mistakes; you see what they could be. You changed my life, and I know you (would) do the same for even more people.
“
I.M.
Former Juvenile Delinquent, now College Student