
Why Jury Trials Still Matter in the Modern Justice System
Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system. Despite advances in technology, changes in law, and evolving methods of dispute resolution, the
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.

Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system. Despite advances in technology, changes in law, and evolving methods of dispute resolution, the

One of the most important aspects of working in criminal law is recognizing the role victims and their families play in the justice system. During

My years prosecuting violent crime cases shaped how I understand the courtroom, evidence, and trial strategy. Those experiences did not stop being useful when I

Criminal trials often capture public attention, especially when the charges are serious or the case is high profile. Many people form opinions about how trials

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