Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice is seeking applications for two permanent, full-time Assistant Attorneys General in its Corrections Litigation Unit (CLU).  The individuals selected for this position will join a team of lawyers who specialize in defending Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody (AICs).  CLU attorneys are responsible for independently managing high-volume, fast-paced caseloads, with cases in Oregon’s state and federal courts.

The state cases that CLU attorneys handle include state habeas cases (in which AICs bring state and federal constitutional claims related to their current conditions of confinement), civil torts, and mandamus cases.  The federal cases that CLU attorneys handle include cases brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the federal constitution, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cases, and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) cases. 

CLU’s team is at the forefront of constitutional issues facing ODOC, one of our nation’s most progressive adult corrections agencies.  CLU cases present a diverse range of issues.  These include, for example, First Amendment issues (e.g., religious, mail, access to courts, and visitation cases), Eighth Amendment issues (e.g., use of force and conditions of confinement cases), Fourteenth Amendment issues (e.g., equal protection and due process cases), and issues related to medical care.  CLU’s team has many opportunities for individuals who enjoy researching and writing on novel areas of constitutional law, as well as for those who want opportunities to regularly appear in court and try cases.

DOJ’s Trial Division has flexible remote working capabilities. Corrections Litigation Unit AAGs are able to work remotely and from the office.  Everyone works at least one day per week in the office, plus additional occasions when the requirements of the job make it necessary to be in the office or in court.  This position can be based out of Portland, Salem, or Eugene. 

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Sheila Potter, Chief Trial Counsel or Nathan Riemersma, Attorney-in-Charge, Corrections Litigation Unit, at (503) 947-4700.

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.

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.

• At least three years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney.

• Able to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication. 

• Willing and available to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial.

Requested

• Strong research and writing skills.

• Experience litigating civil rights claims.

• Civil trial experience.

• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.

Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview.  If you are selected to interview and require particular accommodation during the interview, please inform the person scheduling the interview.

Application 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.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will have only one opportunity to upload the required material. 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 Career 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). ​

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 over 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.  

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.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s Trial 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 working for the Department of Justice 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