Department of Justice – Chief Counsel – Criminal Justice Division

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 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 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 boxer 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

The programs and functions administered and performed within the Criminal Justice Division provide support and line services, as well as act as a statewide multipurpose catalyst to Oregon law enforcement efforts. The Division comprises three parts: Prosecutorial, Investigative, and Intelligence. The Division has three sections: The Special Investigations and Prosecutions section, the Organized Crime section, and the Analytical & Criminal Investigative Services section (ACISS). The Division employs approximately 22 attorneys and 89 total staff.

The Chief Counsel reports to the Deputy Attorney General and is a member of the DOJ Executive Staff. The Chief Counsel is responsible for the day-to-day operations and long-range planning and management of the Criminal Justice Division. For example, the Chief Counsel must:

• Work to advance the Attorney General’s strategic priorities;
• Build strong partnerships with local law enforcement, district attorneys, and public safety partners in our work 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 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; and
• Formulate and implement internal management and work-processing systems to best process and monitor the Division’s work.

The duties described are representative of the assignments expected; actual duties may depend on the needs of the Division and on the talent, skills, experience, and interests of the successful applicant.
Questions may be addressed to Berri Leslie, Chief Operating Officer, at berri.leslie@doj.oregon.gov or Ben Gutman, Interim Deputy Attorney General, at benjamin.gutman@doj.oregon.gov

In an ongoing effort to attract and retain diverse candidates, we are hopeful you’ll share our recruitment with members of your association, organization, or section members.  I am available by phone or email if you have questions.

Apply here!

REQ-189686 Chief Counsel – Criminal Justice Division

Internal Applicant Link | External Applicant Link

Closes end of day November 16, 2025