Deputy Chief Trial Counsel

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

3d•$12,311 - $19,047•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking a Deputy Chief Trial Counsel to join its Trial Division, which defends the State of Oregon, its agencies, and employees in civil litigation and pursues affirmative litigation. The Deputy Chief is an executive leader who works closely with the Chief Trial Counsel to shape the division’s strategic direction, operational strength, and legal impact. The position oversees multiple legal sections and supports section managers and senior trial attorneys in meeting performance standards and organizational goals. The Deputy Chief leads and coordinates significant civil litigation and legal services involving complex, high-profile, and sensitive matters of statewide importance. The role also advises attorneys, state agencies, and state officials on nuanced legal issues and promotes continuous improvement in legal strategy, case management, and quality assurance. Responsibilities include contributing to budget planning, monitoring expenditures, optimizing resources, and evaluating program performance through data-driven analysis. As a people-centered leader, the Deputy Chief mentors attorneys and staff, leads training initiatives, conducts performance evaluations, and fosters an inclusive environment focused on employee engagement and continuous learning. The position may be based in the Portland or Salem office and includes regular travel to other offices, typically at least one or two days each month and potentially several days per week depending on division needs. Hybrid work is available, with at least two days per week expected in a DOJ office.

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.
Skill in mentoring, coaching, and developing attorneys at varying experience levels, with the ability to provide constructive feedback and support skill-building and succession planning.
Ability to manage attorney workloads, oversee case progress, balance team capacity, monitor deadlines, and address performance issues fairly and clearly.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and build trust with agency clients, colleagues, and external partners.
Ability to model ethics, public service, and accountability; maintain composure under pressure; handle sensitive matters with discretion; and support team resilience.

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 achieving performance standards and organizational goals.
Lead and coordinate significant civil litigation and legal services involving complex, high-profile, and sensitive statewide matters.
Advise attorneys, state agencies, and state officials on nuanced legal issues.
Improve legal strategy, case management standards, and quality assurance practices.
Build partnerships across teams, resolve cross-functional challenges, and promote transparent decision-making.
Contribute to budget planning, monitor expenditures, optimize resource allocation, and evaluate program performance using data-driven analysis.
Mentor attorneys and staff, lead training initiatives, conduct performance evaluations, and foster an inclusive, growth-oriented work environment.
Guide attorneys through complex litigation, develop sound case strategies, assess risk, and promote consistency in the state’s legal positions.
Manage attorney workloads and case progress, monitor deadlines, ensure high-quality work products, and address performance issues.