Bracken McKey is an attorney and the owner of McKey Law in Washington County, Oregon. He brings more than 25 years of legal experience, including serving as Chief Deputy District Attorney, where he handled many of the region’s most serious and high-profile felony cases.
Bracken McKey is an Oregon-based attorney and the owner of McKey Law, a criminal defense and personal injury firm in Washington County. He is best known for his 26-year career as a prosecutor with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled some of the state’s most serious and high-profile criminal cases. Over the course of his public service, McKey prosecuted thousands of cases and conducted more than 250 trials, developing extensive courtroom and trial strategy experience.
McKey served as Chief Deputy District Attorney from 2019 to 2024, overseeing major prosecutions and helping shape legal strategy across the office. His work contributed to legislative reform, including involvement in a case that led to the passage of Oregon’s Anna and Abigail’s Law in 2018. In addition to violent crime prosecution, he collaborated with private industries on complex cases, earning recognition from organizations such as the Recording Industry Association of America. Since entering private practice in 2024, he has applied his prosecutorial experience to criminal defense, personal injury, and critical incident representation.
Bracken McKey was raised in Pendleton, Oregon, where early exposure to a close-knit community helped shape his emphasis on accountability and reputation. He attended Walla Walla Valley Academy before continuing his education at Walla Walla University in Washington. McKey later earned his Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law, where he attended on an academic scholarship and served as the 3L class president, demonstrating early leadership and organizational ability.
After being admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1998, McKey began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. From the outset, he was assigned to serious felony cases, developing a reputation for thorough preparation and methodical case-building. His work on the Major Crimes Team involved prosecuting violent offenses, including homicide, attempted murder, and sexual assault.
In 2007, McKey was promoted to Senior Deputy District Attorney, where he continued to handle complex and high-profile prosecutions. Over time, his caseload expanded to include some of the most closely watched criminal cases in Washington County. His approach emphasized detailed evidence construction, effective jury presentation, and long-term case strategy.
One of the notable aspects of McKey’s career was his involvement in a hit-and-run case that exposed a gap in Oregon law regarding pedestrian fatalities outside designated roadways. His work contributed to the legislative effort that resulted in the passage of Anna and Abigail’s Law in 2018, closing the loophole and strengthening legal accountability.
In 2019, McKey was appointed Chief Deputy District Attorney for Washington County. In this leadership role, he oversaw prosecutorial operations, guided legal teams, and ensured consistency in handling serious criminal matters. The position marked a transition from individual casework to broader institutional leadership, where he focused on mentoring attorneys, setting standards, and managing high-volume, high-stakes caseloads.
During his tenure, McKey prosecuted numerous high-profile cases, including murder convictions, attempted murder cases involving law enforcement, and complex sexual assault prosecutions. His career totals include thousands of cases prosecuted and more than 250 trials conducted, reflecting a significant depth of courtroom experience.
After more than two decades in public service, McKey retired from the District Attorney’s Office in 2024 and transitioned into private practice. He founded McKey Law in Washington County, Oregon, where he now focuses on criminal defense, personal injury, and representation in critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings. His work in private practice draws on his extensive experience within the criminal justice system, offering clients insight into both prosecutorial strategy and defense advocacy.
Outside of his professional career, McKey has remained active in his community, particularly through involvement in youth baseball programs with his sons. He also maintains long-standing interests in outdoor activities such as water skiing and snow skiing.
Bracken McKey’s legal philosophy centers on preparation, accountability, and practical outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience in high-stakes prosecution, he approaches legal work with an emphasis on understanding how cases develop over time and how decisions impact long-term results. His transition into private practice reflects a focus on applying that knowledge to guide clients through complex legal situations, ensuring they are represented with clarity, strategy, and a realistic understanding of the legal process.
Bracken McKey has received recognition for his contributions to both law enforcement and cross-industry collaboration. In 2009, he was awarded the Recording Industry Association of America Gold Record Law Enforcement Award for his work on intellectual property crime cases involving coordination between legal authorities and the music industry. In 2014, he received the Oregon Construction Industry Crime Prevention Law Enforcement Partner Award, recognizing his role in developing cooperative strategies between prosecutors and the construction sector to address organized and financial crime.
These awards reflect not only his work in traditional criminal prosecution but also his ability to engage with broader systems and institutions to improve crime prevention and enforcement outcomes.
