Job Details

Chief Counsel – Trial Division

Join the Oregon Department of Justice as Chief Counsel of the Trial Division. The position will be based in Salem or Portland and reports directly to the Deputy Attorney General while serving as a member of the DOJ Executive Staff.

Compensation

Initial posting: 10/24/2025
Application deadline: 11/16/2025
Agency: Department of Justice
Salary range: $12,888 – $19,958 per month
Position type: Employee (Executive Service, full‑time)

About the Role

We seek an attorney with legal acumen, leadership experience, and a commitment to Oregon's justice system. The successful candidate will bring legal excellence, client service, leadership development, and a global perspective to the Department's mission.

Values and Goals

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

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

Responsibilities

• Develop strong relationships with the Governor's Office and statewide leadership.
• Craft litigation strategies for the state's most important or complex cases.
• Advise the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on the state's legal positions.
• Coordinate with other legal divisions for effective communication and policy development.
• Manage division personnel, including managers, Assistant Attorneys General, and support staff.
• Participate in the appointment of division personnel.
• Prepare and oversee the division's budget.
• Implement internal management and work‑processing systems.
• Provide counsel to the Attorney General and Deputy on legal and administrative matters.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Four years of management experience (including managing attorneys) and a Juris Doctor degree.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity in progress.
• Significant civil litigation experience, especially in complex or high‑stakes matters.
• A deep understanding of Oregon law and government structure.
• Ability to formulate sound state legal policy across substantive and procedural areas.
• Ability to produce high‑quality legal work.
• Leadership experience with a diverse staff of attorneys.
• Relevant experience advising clients (government experience preferred).
• Willingness and availability to travel; must reside in Oregon by appointment.

Additional Information

This is a full‑time, Executive Service position at the Legal Practice Attorney Administrator 2 level.

Contact

Questions may be addressed to Berri Leslie, Chief Operating Officer, at ...@doj.oregon.gov or Ben Gutman, Interim Deputy Attorney General, at ...@doj.oregon.gov.
All applicants should email any missing materials to ...@doj.oregon.gov before the posting deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

Application Process

• Click “Apply” and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
• Attach a resume and cover letter.
• In your cover letter, explain why you are attracted to this position and what motivates you as a leader.

Benefits

• Permanent, full‑time employment in Portland or Salem.
• Excellent health insurance with 95-99% employer‑paid premiums.
• Pension and retirement programs.
• Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and special paid time off.
• Recognition as a valued member of the state's management team.
• A public service‑minded, mission‑driven workplace.

Employment Details

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Legal
Industry: Government Administration