Duke-Driessen appointed to lead County Counsel

Posted September 1, 2026

Former Deputy County Counsel Cortney Duke-Driessen has been chosen by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as the chief attorney to direct the Office of County Counsel, the organization's in-house legal team. Duke-Driessen has been serving in an interim leadership role since July 14, taking over for Alex Barnett.

Duke-Driessen has served Washington County for the past 13 years, providing legal counsel on a range of matters, including capital projects, transportation, facilities, parks and Washington County's use of millions of federal dollars to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her service includes a prior interim appointment as the lead attorney in County Counsel from June 2024 to June 2025.

"Cortney is an experienced leader and accomplished attorney with an enormous commitment to the Washington County organization and the people we serve. I'm grateful that she agreed to provide management and strategic direction for the Office of County Counsel as part of our One Washington County team," said Board Chair Kathryn Harrington.

Prior to joining Washington County, Duke-Driessen was a managing partner with Schroeder Law Offices where her clients included special districts and agricultural water organizations. Her 10-years of work at Schroeder included negotiating intergovernmental agreements, engaging in civil litigation and contested case hearings, advising clients on public meetings and records law and other matters. Duke-Driessen earned her bachelor's degree in health and fitness management from Concordia University in Oregon and her juris doctoral degree from Valparaiso School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana.

"I'm thankful to the board for this appointment and to Alex for his leadership during his tenure with Washington County," said Duke-Driessen. "I'd also like to acknowledge the talent, knowledge and skill that my colleagues in County Counsel bring to the Washington County organization every day."

The Office of County Counsel provides legal advice to the Washington County government and affiliated agencies. The office represents the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrative Office, all county departments, including the Sheriff's Office, along with the Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, North Bethany County Service District for Roads, Service District for Lighting and Cooperative Library Services. The office is supported by an annual budget of $6.2 million and is staffed by 16 full-time-equivalent positions.

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