Deputy Chief Trial Counsel

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Justice is hiring a Deputy Chief Trial Counsel (Legal Practice Attorney Administrator 1) to provide executive leadership in the Trial Division, which defends Oregon, its agencies, and employees in civil litigation and pursues affirmative litigation. The division includes the Corrections Litigation Unit, Civil Litigation Section, Criminal and Collateral Remedies Litigation Section, Special Litigation Unit, and Federal Oversight Unit. Working in close partnership with the Chief Trial Counsel, the Deputy Chief helps shape and implement division-wide policies, long-term operational plans, and strategic objectives. The role oversees multiple legal sections, guides section managers and senior trial attorneys, and leads coordination of significant, complex, high-profile, and sensitive civil litigation and legal services of statewide importance. The Deputy Chief also advises attorneys, agencies, and state officials on nuanced legal issues and promotes sound, risk-aware legal strategies aligned with public policy priorities. The position advances legal and operational capabilities through continuous improvement in legal strategy, case management, and quality assurance. Responsibilities include contributing to budget planning, monitoring expenditures, optimizing resource allocation, and evaluating program performance through data-driven analysis. The Deputy Chief also mentors attorneys and staff, leads training initiatives, conducts performance evaluations, and fosters an inclusive environment that supports engagement and continuous learning. The position may be based in the Portland or Salem office. Hybrid work is available, but the Deputy Chief should plan to work in a DOJ office at least two days per week. Regular travel to offices other than the home office is expected at least one or two days each month; depending on division needs, travel may be several days per week. Actual duties will depend on the successful applicant’s strengths and interests and the needs of the Trial Division.

Requirements

Three years of management or other relevant experience, including management of practicing attorneys.
Juris Doctor degree.
Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar, or eligibility for reciprocity in progress at the time of application.
At least ten 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.
Strong analytical thinking and clear, principled decision-making.
Ability to mentor, coach, and develop attorneys of varying experience levels.
Ability to build a positive, inclusive team culture, provide constructive feedback, and support growth, skill-building, and succession planning.
Ability to manage attorney workloads, oversee case progress, and ensure high-quality work products.
Ability to balance team capacity, monitor deadlines, and address performance issues with fairness and clarity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly, foster collaboration across sections, and build trust with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
Model DOJ values, including ethics, public service, and accountability; maintain composure under pressure; handle sensitive matters with discretion; and support team resilience in high-volume or high-conflict environments.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Chief Trial Counsel to develop and implement division-wide policies, long-term operational plans, and strategic objectives.
Oversee multiple legal sections, provide direction, and support section managers and senior trial attorneys in meeting performance standards and organizational goals.
Lead and coordinate significant civil litigation and legal services involving complex, high-profile, sensitive matters of statewide importance.
Ensure legal strategies are well-reasoned, risk-aware, and aligned with public policy priorities.
Advise attorneys, state agencies, and state officials on nuanced legal issues.
Promote continuous improvement in legal strategy, case management standards, and quality assurance practices.
Build partnerships across teams, resolve cross-functional challenges, and promote transparency in decision-making.
Contribute to budget planning, monitor expenditures, optimize resource allocation, and evaluate program performance through data-driven analysis.
Mentor attorneys and staff, lead training initiatives, conduct performance evaluations, and cultivate an inclusive environment supporting engagement and continuous learning.
Understand the agency’s affirmative action goals and objectives and develop and implement plans to meet them.
Recognize individual and cultural differences and create work environments in which differences are valued and people are treated with dignity and respect.
Guide attorneys through complex litigation, develop case strategies, evaluate risk, and promote consistency in the state’s legal positions.
Manage attorney workloads and case progress, balance team capacity, monitor deadlines, and address performance issues fairly and clearly.