Rob Bovett, a seasoned attorney with decades of public service experience, has been chosen unanimously as Lane County’s new county counsel and will lead the team of legal staff working on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and County departments. Bovett was selected after a competitive national search.

“We are so pleased to welcome Rob to Lane County,” said Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair David Loveall. “His depth of experience working on behalf of counties and as an elected official himself will make him an invaluable partner in our work. We’re excited to have him hit the ground running.”

The position serves as the county’s chief legal officer and provides public policy, legal advice, and representation to the County, including elected and appointed officials. County Counsel also serves as a department director and manages the Office of County Counsel. It is one of three positions hired by and reporting directly to the Board of County Commissioners.

“I’m so grateful to the Board for this exciting opportunity,” said Bovett. “I look forward to joining and leading Lane County’s highly talented legal team.”

Bovett most recently served as senior assistant county counsel in Washington County. He brings a wealth of experience in government service, covering the wide array of legal considerations necessary for Oregon counties providing core public services to their communities. Bovett is an experienced litigator and has received numerous awards during his career to date. Most recently, he was selected to receive the 2023 Snider Award by the Oregon County Counsels Association. Prior to his role at Washington County, Bovett served as legal counsel for the Association of Oregon Counties from 2014 to 2021, as the Lincoln County District Attorney from 2009 to 2014, and as an assistant county counsel at Lincoln County for 17 years before taking office.

He is a graduate of the University of La Verne in California and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and political science. Bovett also has a juris doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. He is adjunct law professor at Lewis & Clark and serves as the current vice chair of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.