Assistant Attorney General (General Counsel Division, Chief Counsel’s Office)

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General Counsel Division, Chief Counsel’s Office

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ), General Counsel Division, is seeking an attorney to provide general counsel services to state government, primarily around issues related to insurance and risk management.

The Oregon Department of Justice promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among our employees and seeks an applicant with awareness and commitment to these values. As we advise our clients and engage with one another, these values motivate and guide our actions.

Duties of this position would include:

• Serving as legal counsel for the Department of Administrative Services Risk Management Division (DAS Risk), the entity that manages the state’s insurance for the people, property and activities of state government.

• Regularly conducting extensive legal research and producing comprehensive written legal advice around complex issues.

• Working with agencies across state government on strategic legal advice and transactional matters involving risk management and insurance.

• Assisting other Assistant Attorney Generals develop advice regarding legal questions around insurance and risk management.

• Assist with drafting and review of provisions of transactional documents that relate to insurance and risk management.

• Providing occasional general counsel support for litigation attorneys, including providing coverage opinions and other advice regarding DAS Risk self-insurance policies and the state’s commercial insurance policies.

• Working closely with our client agencies to develop a deep understanding of Oregon’s self-insurance functions and commercial insurance needs.

• Working cooperatively with other lawyers within the section and across the General Counsel Division to ensure correct and coordinated legal services.

• Other legal duties as assigned by management.

Office Location/Remote Work:

This position is Salem-based with opportunities for working remotely on a hybrid schedule.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Law degree from a fully accredited law school and an active member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar by the time of appointment.

• At least three (3) years of either legal experience or a combination of career and legal experience relevant to the position duties.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging where individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

• A growth mind-set and openness to receiving constructive feedback.

• Exceptional legal research, analysis and writing skills.

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to efficiently and successfully explain complex legal concepts to clients.

• Accountability for work product and time management skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues and clients.

• A commitment to public service and an interest in providing timely and effective legal support to help state agencies achieve their missions.

• A recognition of the DOJ’s unique role as the single legal representative for the state of Oregon, and the importance of coordinated and consistent representation between AAGs across projects and agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years of legal experience with a focus on insurance coverage or insurance defense or related area.

• History of working with insurance policies, subrogation, indemnification and insurance provisions in litigation or transactional documents.

• Familiarity with commercial insurance law.

• Familiarity with self-insurance models generally, and Oregon’s risk management model specifically.

• Familiarity with the Oregon Tort Claims Act.

• Experience analyzing, applying, and drafting state or local statutes, ordinances, policies, and rules.

• Experience working with governmental entities.

Applicants are asked to provide details in their cover letter and resume that explain how their education, training, and experience meet the minimum qualifications. You may still be considered if you don't have all or some of the “Preferred” experience. Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Sarah Weston, Deputy Chief Counsel for the General Counsel Division, at 503-508-6778 or sarah.weston@doj.oregon.gov.

Application Process:

Follow the "Apply" link above.  Current State of Oregon applicants are asked to use their state-issued log-in to access and apply in Workday.  Using an external account disrupts the hiring process.

• Attach your resume.

• Attach your cover letter.

• Attach a writing sample (not to exceed seven pages) suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability). A writing sample is not needed from attorneys currently working at the Oregon Department of Justice at the time of application. However, a copy may be requested at a later date if needed.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $8,298.00 - $16,113.00 per month, depending primarily on years of legal practice experience and other factors. Employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS; the salary range noted reflects base salary only. For a partial list of our benefits, you can learn here.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume, cover letter, and any other required documents. Please drag and drop all of your material into our applicant program called Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that any of the required documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login, and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).

Working for the Department of Justice

Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state-elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects.

Conduct Expectations

The role of the Oregon Department of Justice is to provide justice and uphold the rule of law. Employees of the Department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the Department.

The Department of Justice

The Mission of the Oregon Department of Justice is to serve state government and to support safe and healthy communities throughout Oregon by providing essential justice services.  Its over 1,400 employees in ten divisions, including more than 300 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government.  

The Attorney General and our ten divisions are dedicated to:

• Providing ethical, independent and high quality legal services to state government;

• Safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices;

• Fighting crime and helping crime victims; 

• Advocating for vulnerable children;

• Supporting families through the collection of child support;  

• Enforcing environmental protections; 

• Defending the civil rights of all Oregonians;

• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.  

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s General Counsel Division.  We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.  Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

For additional information regarding benefits and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR, 97301
DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov

Phone: (503) 947-4328
Fax: (503) 373-0367