*Deputy Chief Trial Counsel

State of Oregon; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Justice is seeking a Deputy Chief Trial Counsel to lead the Trial Division, shaping strategy, policy, and high‑level litigation across state agencies and matters of statewide importance.

You will manage multiple sections, mentor attorneys, and drive budget planning while ensuring rigorous, ethics‑driven legal services. Hybrid work requires two days per week in a DOJ office, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Active Oregon State Bar membership or reciprocity.
• At least 10 years of practicing law.
• Strong leadership and management of attorneys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Help shape strategic direction and policies for the Trial Division.
• Oversee multiple legal sections and promote operational excellence.
• Mentor attorneys, supervise workloads, and ensure high quality work.
• Partner with Chief Trial Counsel on budget and program performance.

Skills

Bar admission

10+ years experience

Litigation strategy

Mentoring

Workload management

Communication skills

Ethics

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Initial Posting Date:

11/03/2026

Application Deadline:

11/13/2026

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$12,311 - $19,047

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

*Deputy Chief Trial Counsel

Job Description

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is recruiting for a highly skilled and motivated Deputy Chief Trial Counsel (Legal Practice Attorney Administrator 1) to join the Trial Division, which defends the State of Oregon, its agencies, and employees in civil litigation and pursues affirmative litigation to advance Oregon’s values. The Trial Division includes five major sections that handle a broad spectrum of state and federal litigation: Corrections Litigation Unit, Civil Litigation Section, Special Litigation Unit, and Federal Oversight Unit.

As the Deputy Chief Trial Counsel, you will serve as a key executive leader responsible for shaping the strategic direction, operational strength, and legal impact of the division. Working in close partnership with the Chief Trial Counsel, you will exercise strategic leadership by helping develop and implement division‑wide policies, long‑term operational plans, and forward‑looking strategic objectives that support consistent, high‑quality legal services across the state. You will oversee multiple legal sections, providing clear direction, fostering accountability, and promoting operational excellence while supporting section managers and senior trial attorneys in meeting performance standards and organizational goals. Through strong decision‑making and sound judgment, you will lead and coordinate significant civil litigation and legal services involving complex, high‑profile, and sensitive matters of statewide importance, ensuring that legal strategies are well‑reasoned, risk‑aware, and aligned with public policy priorities. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys, state agencies, and state officials, offering expert guidance on nuanced legal issues while demonstrating integrity, discretion, and a commitment to public service.

Additionally, you will strengthen the division’s legal and operational capabilities by promoting continuous improvement in legal strategy, case management standards, and quality assurance practices. You will apply collaborative leadership and strong communication skills to build partnerships across teams, resolve cross‑functional challenges, and promote transparency in decision‑making. Your responsibilities will also include contributing to budget planning, monitoring expenditures, optimizing resource allocation, and evaluating program performance through data‑driven analysis, all of which support effective stewardship of public resources. As a people‑centered leader, you will play a pivotal role in workforce development by mentoring attorneys and staff, leading training initiatives, conducting performance evaluations, and cultivating an inclusive, growth‑oriented environment that supports employee engagement and continuous learning. Through these combined responsibilities, you will demonstrate competencies in change leadership, strategic thinking, team development, and organizational stewardship—helping to advance the mission, values, and long‑term success of the division.

This position may be based out of either the Portland or Salem office.Candidates should expect regular travel to offices other than their home office (at least one or two days each month).Depending on the needs of the division, the Deputy Chief may need to travel several days per week.Hybrid work is an option; however, the Deputy Chief should plan on working in a DOJ office at least two days per week.

The duties described above are representative of the duties expected to be assigned to this position; actual duties assigned will depend upon the strengths and interests of the successful applicant and the needs of the Trial Division.

For questions about this position, please contact Chief Trial Counsel Jose Klein at 503-385-6639.

State Management Service personnel are responsible for understanding the agency’s affirmative action goals and objectives and to develop and implement plans to meet them. In addition, all managers of the department must recognize the value of individual and cultural differences, create work environments where individuals’ differences are valued, and consistently treat staff, colleagues, customers and stakeholders/partners with dignity and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of management or other relevant experience, including management of practicing attorneys; and possession of a Juris Doctor degree.

Required Qualifications

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar, or eligibility for reciprocity in progress at the time of application.
• At least ten (10) years of practicing law.
• Ability to guide attorneys through complex litigation, set sound case strategies, evaluate risk, and ensure consistency in the state’s legal positions. Demonstrates strong analytical thinking and clear, principled decision‑making.
• Skilled at mentoring, coaching, and developing attorneys of varying experience levels. Builds a positive, inclusive team culture, provides constructive feedback, and supports growth, skill‑building, and succession planning.
• Strong ability to manage attorney workloads, oversee case progress, and ensure high‑quality work products. Effectively balances team capacity, monitors deadlines, and addresses performance issues with fairness and clarity.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to communicate complex legal issues clearly, foster collaboration across sections, and build trust with agency clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Models DOJ values, including ethics, public service, and accountability. Maintains composure under pressure, handles sensitive matters with discretion, and supports team resilience in high‑volume or high‑conflict environments.

Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview.

The Department of Justice

The Mission of the Oregon Department of Justice is to serve state government and to support safe and healthy communities throughout Oregon by providing essential justice services.Its over 1,600 employees in ten divisions, includingnearly 400 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government.

• Providing ethical, independent and high quality legal services to state government;
• Safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices;
• Fighting crime and helping crime victims;
• Advocating for vulnerable children;
• Supporting families through the collection of child support;
• Enforcing environmental protections;
• Defending the civil rights of all Oregonians;
• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.

Working for the Department of Justice

Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state‑elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects.

Conduct Expectations

The role of the Oregon Department of Justice is to provide justice and uphold the rule of law. Employees of the Department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the Department.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s Trial Division. We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment. Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice

1162 Court St NE

Salem OR, 97301

[e-mail]

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]