Inside the Major Crimes Team: How Complex Cases Are Built
For many years, I had the privilege of serving on Washington County’s Major Crimes Team. When people hear that phrase, they often picture flashing lights, courtroom drama, and high profile headlines. Those moments do happen, but they are only the surface. What most people never see is the long, disciplined process behind building a complex […]
What Prosecuting Major Crimes Taught Me About Building a Case
For more than two decades, I had the privilege and responsibility of serving as a Deputy District Attorney in Washington County. Much of that time was spent handling serious felony cases and serving on the Major Crimes Team. Those cases were complex, emotional, and often life changing for everyone involved. They required long hours, careful […]
What Justice Really Looks Like in the Courtroom: Reflections on an Acquittal and the Role of Law in Our Lives
Anyone who has spent time working in criminal law knows the power and weight of a courtroom decision. Trials are not spectacles. They are where our community’s most serious questions about guilt, innocence, and fairness are decided. Recently I had the opportunity to represent a client in a case that brought all of these themes […]
What Winning at Trial Really Takes: Preparation, Discipline, and Focus in the Courtroom
People often think trials are won in dramatic moments. A sharp cross examination. A surprise piece of evidence. A closing argument that leaves the courtroom silent. Those moments matter, but they are not where cases are truly decided. In my experience, winning at trial comes down to three things that rarely make headlines: preparation, discipline, […]
The Intersection of Outdoor Recreation and Legal Practice: How Pursuing Passions Enhances Professional Performance
Throughout my career as a prosecutor and now as an attorney and owner of McKey Law, I’ve discovered that balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions is essential for sustained success and well-being. For me, outdoor recreation, particularly water skiing and snow skiing, has played a crucial role in maintaining my mental and physical health. Today, […]
Navigating High-Profile Cases: Strategies and Insights from a Veteran Prosecutor
As a prosecutor with over two decades of experience handling Oregon’s most serious and high-profile cases, I’ve learned that achieving a successful outcome requires, preparation, communication, and resilience. High-profile cases bring immense public scrutiny, and often intense emotional stakes. Today, I want to share some of the key strategies and insights I’ve developed through the […]