Chief Counsel - Trial Division

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

64d

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks an attorney with legal acumen and leadership experience to serve as Chief Counsel of DOJ's Trial 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 of DOJ's divisions, meets weekly, and serves as an advisory body to the Attorney General. Our successful candidate will share the Attorney General's strong commitment to justice and work proactively to defend Oregon's values. An ideal candidate will think creatively about how to solve complex cases and systemic challenges, and bring a fresh, proactive perspective to traditional trial work. We are looking for someone who brings not only legal excellence, but also dedication to exceptional client service, leadership development, and capacity to uphold 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: The Trial Division engages in litigation in state and federal courts, representing the State of Oregon (agencies, officers, employees, etc.) The Trial Division's responsibilities range from defending claims for money damages to asserting policy positions that are of vital importance to the state and include resisting efforts of convicted criminals to be released by way of habeas corpus and post-conviction proceedings. The Federal Oversight Unit, within the Trial Division, engages in litigation to advance Oregon's values and the rule of law by defending against potential federal impacts on the state and its people. The Division employs approximately 66 attorneys and 159 total staff.

Requirements

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 civil litigation experience, especially in complex or high-stakes matters
An understanding of Oregon law and government structure, complemented by an appreciation of the role of the Oregon Department of Justice in representing the state, its agencies, and its officials
The ability to formulate sound state legal policy in a broad range of substantive and procedural (and sometimes sensitive) areas
The ability to provide the highest quality legal work
The ability to provide leadership to a diverse staff of attorneys at all experience levels
Significant and relevant experience advising clients (government experience preferred)
Willingness and availability to travel

Responsibilities

Develop strong professional relationships with the Governor's Office and leadership throughout state government
Develop litigation strategies for some of the State's most important or complex cases
Advise the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General on formulating the state's legal position on issues that present themselves in state government
Work with the 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
Provide counsel to the Attorney General and Deputy on legal and administrative matters

Benefits

Permanent, full-time employment in Portland or Salem
Excellent health insurance and 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 in addition to 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

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