Job Details

Chief Counsel - Criminal Justice Division

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Base Pay and Key Dates

Initial Posting Date: 10/24/2025

Application Deadline: 11/16/2025

Position Type: Employee

Salary Range: $12,888 – $19,958

Position Title: Chief Counsel - Criminal Justice Division

Job Description

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks an attorney with legal acumen and leadership experience to serve as Chief Counsel of DOJ's Criminal Justice Division. The position will be based in Salem or Portland. The Chief Counsel serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General, reporting directly to the Deputy Attorney General. The Chief Counsel also is a member of DOJ's Executive Staff, which consists of the top managers of each division, meets weekly, and serves as an advisory body to the Attorney General.

Our Successful Candidate will share the Attorney General's unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe and protecting children. An ideal candidate will bring prosecutorial experience, a demonstrated ability to develop short‑and long‑term objectives for the Division, and display positive, principled leadership. We are looking for someone who brings not only legal excellence but also dedication to developing leaders within the Division and strong relationships with partners in the criminal justice system, a commitment to victims' rights, an ability to work proactively to solve complex problems and systemic challenges, and capacity to hold a global perspective of the Department's mission, values, and goals. Our Successful Candidate will model the Attorney General's core values and proactively implement his goals.

Values

• Customer service
• Problem solver
• Out of the box thinker
• Transparent
• Justice oriented

Goals

• Strengthen the foundation of the agency
• Keep children and communities safe
• Stand up for seniors, consumers and working families
• Defend Oregon's values

Responsibilities

• Advance the Attorney General's strategic priorities
• Build strong partnerships with local law enforcement, district attorneys, and public safety partners to protect children and keep communities safe
• Develop strong professional relationships with the Governor's Office and leadership throughout state government
• Advise the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General on issues related to criminal justice and public safety
• Work with other legal divisions to build effective communication and coordination on the development of the state's legal positions
• Manage the personnel of the Division, including managers, Assistant Attorneys General, and support staff
• Participate in the appointment of Division personnel
• Participate in the preparation of the Division's budget and oversee its implementation
• Formulate and implement internal management and work‑processing systems to best process and monitor the Division's work

Ideal Candidate

• Four years of management or other relevant experience, including management of practicing attorneys, AND possession of a Juris Doctor degree
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity in progress at the time of application
• Significant prosecutorial experience, including supervision of prosecutors
• Understanding of Oregon law and government structure, complemented by an appreciation of the role of the Oregon Department of Justice in the criminal justice system
• Able to formulate sound state legal policy in a broad range of substantive and procedural (and sometimes sensitive) areas related to criminal justice and public safety
• Ability to provide the highest quality legal work
• Ability to provide leadership to a diverse staff of attorneys at all experience levels
• Willingness and availability to travel

Travel & Location

Travel is required as needed. The incumbent must reside in the state of Oregon by the time of appointment.

Equal Opportunity

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

What's In It For You

• Permanent, full‑time employment in Portland or Salem
• Excellent health insurance with very low premiums: 95‑99% employer‑paid medical, vision, and dental for you and your family
• Pension and retirement programs
• Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and special paid time off
• Become a valued member of the state's management team
• A public service‑minded and mission‑driven workplace where your contribution matters and is recognized

Benefits

Learn more information about our benefits here.

Application Process

All applicants must:

1. Click “Apply” and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
2. Attach your resume.
3. Attach your cover letter.
4. In your cover letter, please tell us what attracts you to this position and motivates you as a leader.

If you have a question or need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact ...@doj.oregon.gov. Any emailed materials will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

Contact

Questions may be addressed to:

Berri Leslie, Chief Operating Officer – ...@doj.oregon.gov
Ben Gutman, Interim Deputy Attorney General – ...@doj.oregon.gov

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