
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,
Bracken McKey, based in Washington County, was raised in Pendleton, Oregon, where he developed a love for waterskiing, snow skiing, and spending time with his family. He attended college in Walla Walla, Washington, and pursued law at Willamette University on an academic scholarship. During his time there, he distinguished himself as the 3L class president.
After passing the Oregon State Bar in 1998, Bracken started his career as a deputy district attorney for the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, advancing to Senior Deputy District Attorney in 2007 and Chief Deputy District Attorney in 2019. In his role until retiring in 2024, he handled many of Oregon’s most serious and high-profile cases.
Outside of his professional life, Bracken enjoys water skiing and snow skiing. He is also actively involved in his sons’ baseball teams, demonstrating his commitment to family and community. Bracken’s contributions to law enforcement and the community have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the Oregon Construction Industry Crime Prevention Law Enforcement Partner Award in 2014 and the Recording Industry Association of America Gold Record Law Enforcement Award in 2009.
Today, Bracken McKey continues to serve the legal community as an attorney and owner at McKey Law, where he brings his extensive experience and dedication to his clients in Washington County.

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,

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

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

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

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

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,