Dale Wilhelm

Board Member, Cottage Street Youth Law, Executive Director | Attorney at Law, He/him/his

Dale is a public defender in Marion County, working in Juvenile law. He takes cases relating to Dependency and Delinquency Law. He received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies after attending Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College, and Bangor University. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate, with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution, from Willamette University. He has also worked as a Judicial Clerk in the Oregon Judicial Department and a Law Clerk in the Oregon Department of Justice, Child Advocacy Section. 

Dale was born and raised in Salem by a single mother, with many family and friends located nearby, making Salem, and by extension Marion County, his home. PDMC is his local public defense entity, and he wants to see the office provide robust zealous advocacy for the people who PDMC represents. When he went to law school, he wanted to be a public defender and knew then that this area of law was what he wanted to devote his life to. As he worked through law school, he learned more about the structure of the courts and how it affects the people that society so often leaves behind. His own family history is a big reason why he is involved in juvenile work, as so many have been negatively affected by the lack of attention given to public defense. He looks forward to the positive role he hopes to play on the board and the role PDMC can play in the small and big picture of public defense in Salem, Marion County, and the state of Oregon.

Dale plays regularly in the Polkaticians, a polka band that plays in Oktoberfests across Oregon and smaller events year-round. He plays the tuba, euphonium, and trombone, and sings. He originally wanted to be a band director because his band teachers and the musical experiences he had positively affected his life and wanted to give that experience to future kids. He says that if you want to get him talking, ask about Star Wars, Dune, Lord of the Rings, or people's right to an attorney!