Chief Deputy District Attorney

Jefferson County, OR; Madras (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation time upfront

Job summary

Jefferson County, OR is seeking a Chief Deputy District Attorney to lead the prosecution of major felony cases, supervise deputies, and manage department operations in the absence of the District Attorney.

The role requires extensive trial experience, strong leadership, and the ability to train staff, coordinate case assignments, and effectively present cases in court.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of five years trial advocacy experience or equivalent and 2-3 years of supervising trial teams.
• Oregon Bar membership in good standing and valid Oregon Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute the majority of serious felony offenses and oversee all aspects of case preparation and presentation.
• Supervise Deputy District Attorneys and staff; train and mentor legal teams.
• Coordinate case assignments, interview witnesses, prepare witnesses, and present cases to Grand Jury and in court.

Skills

Criminal law

Trial advocacy

Public speaking

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Prioritize your health and wellbeing!

Work for Jefferson County and take advantage of six month's worth of vacation and sick leave upfront and low-cost family health insurance! Enjoy work-life balance.

Application Review Date 09/14/2026

Summary

The Chief Deputy District Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of the majority of the more serious, complex, high impact felony level offenses and assists in the administration of the department, assists in the training of new Deputy District Attorneys, supervises other Deputy District Attorneys, and has the full responsibility and administrative authority to run the office in the absence of the District Attorney.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position works under the direct supervision of the District Attorney and exercises supervision over the Deputy District Attorneys and office staff. A high degree of professional competence and personal integrity is expected in this position. Represents the State and acts as principal attorney in charge of preparation and presentation of cases of great importance. The Chief Deputy manages the largest percentage of felony files, prosecutes criminal offenses from submission of reports by police to final resolution; coordinates case assignments; advises and assists Deputy District Attorneys, supervises trial teams consisting of attorneys and staff. This position is also responsible for supervising and training Deputy District Attorneys on a daily basis, providing consultation on difficult or unusual cases.

• Review police investigation reports, request follow up investigation as needed, interview victim and witnesses correlate facts to appropriate law violations, make charging decisions based on probable cause and interests of justice.
• Prepare and present felony cases to Grand Jury on a weekly basis, including preparation of witnesses, explanation of law and charges, and presentation of evidence to Grand Jury.
• Evaluate strength of evidence and facts of the case, consult with victim and police, present plea resolution to defense attorney, where appropriate.
• Research law, draft legal memorandum, present testimony and evidence to the court, and argue case in court.
• Work with police to complete thorough investigation, evaluate and present necessary evidence and witnesses in court, research and argue legal issues, select jury, argue to jury to convince to convict defendant, advise victim at all stages as to proceedings.
• Respond to crime scene regardless when necessary, advise police on investigation and legal issues, evaluate evidence with medical examiner if death is involved, attend autopsy, and coordinate crime lab service.
• On-call availability 24 hours a day/7days a week. Update police on changes in law, present information to police through one-to-one or as a group on various legal issues regarding work up of case and legal issues pertaining to investigation.
• Review junior attorneys’ work, consult on case preparation, assist with trial matters when necessary and evaluate performance.
• Review and assist preparation of case documents and organization of files generally. Be available for questions and provide guidance where needed.
• Be available to respond to questions and provide information to community members and media regarding general information as to case status, resolution and procedures.
• Attend continuing education, training seminars and conferences as required or directed.
• Prepare and assist in preparation of affidavits, search and arrest warrants, legal memorandum, court orders, and other related legal documents for filing in court.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Perform related work as required for all duties outlined above and any other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of criminal law and the practices and procedures of criminal prosecution; thorough knowledge of courtroom and trial procedures. Excellent public speaking and oral argument skills; legal writing and research, community outreach, administrative and supervisory skills. Superior communication and leadership skills, effective oral advocacy and management skills, computer skills, etc. Effective public presence and appearance.

Abilities

Sound ability for critical legal reasoning and analysis. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and to arrive at logical conclusions; ability to set forth findings of fact and decisions in concise written forms; ability to prioritize workload and assignments; ability to deal effectively with the public, witnesses, victims and law enforcement personnel. Ability to give formal presentations to the general public, instruct people in small groups or a one-on-one basis, convey technical concepts to others and work as a team. Ability to deal with stress and prioritize tasks. Ability to work with other individuals and agencies. Ability to train others, review the work of others and conduct performance interviews.

Physical Abilities

Ability to sit or stand, speak and listen effectively for long periods of time. Ability to sit or stand at a computer using rapid hand, arm and finger movement.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. Minimum of five years trial advocacy experience or equivalent and 2-3 years of experience supervising trial teams

Licenses and Certificates

Member of the Oregon Bar at the time of appointment and must maintain good standing with the Oregon State Bar through the term of employment. Must have a valid Oregon Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed indoors in an office environment. Employee must become a resident of Jefferson County within 12 months of employment or maintain a residence within a 60-minute response time to the Jefferson County Courthouse. Residency or response-time compliance must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Probationary Requirement

This position is based on the successful completion of a twelve-month probationary period.