State of Oregon
Chief Counsel - Criminal Justice Division
State of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Initial Posting Date: 10/24/2025
Application Deadline: 11/16/2025
Agency: Department of Justice
Salary Range: $12,888 - $19,958
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Chief Counsel - Criminal Justice Division
Job Description 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 and meets weekly to advise the Attorney General.
Our successful candidate will share the Attorney General’s 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 value dedication to developing leaders within the Division, strong relationships with criminal‑justice partners, commitment to victims’ rights, and a capacity to hold a global perspective of the Department’s mission.
Values
Customer Service
Problem Solver
Out of the box 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 Criminal Justice Division provides statewide support to law enforcement, comprising three parts: Prosecutorial, Investigative, and Intelligence. The Division has three sections: Special Investigations and Prosecutions, Organized Crime, and Analytical & Criminal Investigative Services (ACISS). It employs approximately 22 attorneys and 89 staff.
Responsibilities
Advance the Attorney General’s strategic priorities.
Build strong partnerships with local law enforcement and public‑safety partners to protect children and keep communities safe.
Develop professional relationships with the Governor’s Office and state‑wide leadership.
Advise the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on criminal‑justice issues.
Coordinate with other legal divisions on state legal positions.
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 implementation.
Formulate and implement internal management and work‑processing systems.
Actual duties may vary based on Division needs and applicant qualifications.
Contact Information 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 . This position requires travel as needed; the incumbent must reside in Oregon by the time of appointment.
Ideal Candidate
Four years of management or other relevant experience, including managing 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 prosecutorial experience, including supervision of prosecutors.
Understanding of Oregon law and state government structure.
Ability to formulate sound state legal policy in complex criminal‑justice areas.
Ability to provide high‑quality legal work and leadership to a diverse staff.
Willingness and availability to travel.
The position will be filled at the Legal Practice Attorney Administrator 2 level. This is a full‑time, Executive Service position.
Benefits
Permanent, full‑time employment in Portland or Salem.
Excellent health insurance and low premiums: 95‑99% employer‑paid medical, vision, and dental.
Pension and retirement programs.
Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays and special paid time off.
Valued membership in the state’s management team.
Public‑service‑minded workplace where contributions are recognized.
Application Process 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.
Click “Apply” and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
Attach your resume.
Attach your cover letter.
In your cover letter, explain why you are attracted to this position and what motivates you as a leader.
All applicants must upload the required resume and cover letter in one submission. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, have questions, or need assistance, contact
doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov
before the posting deadline.
For additional information and assistance, click
here .
Contact Oregon Department of Justice 1162 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301 Email:
doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov Phone: (503) 947‑4328 Fax: (503) 373‑0367
Equal Opportunity Statement The Oregon Department of Justice is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.
Legal Applicants with a criminal record will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline: 11/16/2025
Agency: Department of Justice
Salary Range: $12,888 - $19,958
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Chief Counsel - Criminal Justice Division
Job Description 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 and meets weekly to advise the Attorney General.
Our successful candidate will share the Attorney General’s 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 value dedication to developing leaders within the Division, strong relationships with criminal‑justice partners, commitment to victims’ rights, and a capacity to hold a global perspective of the Department’s mission.
Values
Customer Service
Problem Solver
Out of the box 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 Criminal Justice Division provides statewide support to law enforcement, comprising three parts: Prosecutorial, Investigative, and Intelligence. The Division has three sections: Special Investigations and Prosecutions, Organized Crime, and Analytical & Criminal Investigative Services (ACISS). It employs approximately 22 attorneys and 89 staff.
Responsibilities
Advance the Attorney General’s strategic priorities.
Build strong partnerships with local law enforcement and public‑safety partners to protect children and keep communities safe.
Develop professional relationships with the Governor’s Office and state‑wide leadership.
Advise the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on criminal‑justice issues.
Coordinate with other legal divisions on state legal positions.
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 implementation.
Formulate and implement internal management and work‑processing systems.
Actual duties may vary based on Division needs and applicant qualifications.
Contact Information 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 . This position requires travel as needed; the incumbent must reside in Oregon by the time of appointment.
Ideal Candidate
Four years of management or other relevant experience, including managing 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 prosecutorial experience, including supervision of prosecutors.
Understanding of Oregon law and state government structure.
Ability to formulate sound state legal policy in complex criminal‑justice areas.
Ability to provide high‑quality legal work and leadership to a diverse staff.
Willingness and availability to travel.
The position will be filled at the Legal Practice Attorney Administrator 2 level. This is a full‑time, Executive Service position.
Benefits
Permanent, full‑time employment in Portland or Salem.
Excellent health insurance and low premiums: 95‑99% employer‑paid medical, vision, and dental.
Pension and retirement programs.
Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays and special paid time off.
Valued membership in the state’s management team.
Public‑service‑minded workplace where contributions are recognized.
Application Process 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.
Click “Apply” and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.
Attach your resume.
Attach your cover letter.
In your cover letter, explain why you are attracted to this position and what motivates you as a leader.
All applicants must upload the required resume and cover letter in one submission. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, have questions, or need assistance, contact
doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov
before the posting deadline.
For additional information and assistance, click
here .
Contact Oregon Department of Justice 1162 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301 Email:
doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov Phone: (503) 947‑4328 Fax: (503) 373‑0367
Equal Opportunity Statement The Oregon Department of Justice is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.
Legal Applicants with a criminal record will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
#J-18808-Ljbffr