Assistant Attorney General (Charitable Activities Section)

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Civil Enforcement Division, Charitable Activities Section

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has an immediate opening for a full-time, Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the Charitable Activities Section of the Civil Enforcement Division. We are seeking a seasoned civil litigator, who is also a skilled negotiator. This position is based in Portland and is eligible for a flexible hybrid work schedule to the extent it is consistent with DOJ policy.

The Attorney General regulates and oversees charitable entities, trusts, their fiduciaries, and their fundraisers. Attorneys in the Charitable Activities Section protect the public’s interest in charitable organizations and their assets, including by leading investigations, identifying legal violations, negotiating voluntary resolutions, and litigating cases. This position provides an opportunity to work on a wide variety of matters involving many areas of the law that intersect with charitable organizations. Areas of focus include developing and litigating court cases involving fraudulent charitable solicitations, nonprofit governance failures, and fiduciaries’ diversion or mismanagement of charitable assets. In addition, the Section brings administrative actions to enforce charities’ financial reporting and other regulatory requirements. The Section’s attorneys also participate in efforts to educate the charitable sector about their legal obligations.

The ideal candidates will have experience understanding financial documents and analysis, working with investigators to develop facts, and building case strategy, including planning next steps, anticipating obstacles, and taking appropriate action to drive cases forward. Successful attorneys in this Section are self-directed but also enjoy working collaboratively and thinking creatively and strategically about legal issues and how to resolve cases to advance the public interest. This is a dynamic area of the law that requires creativity, flexibility, and big-picture thinking.

Responsibilities

AAGs participate in all aspects of charitable regulation and enforcement. Typical duties include:

• Collaborating with attorneys, investigators and support staff within DOJ and with other state and federal enforcement partners;

• Working with charities and fiduciaries to bring organizations into voluntary compliance with their legal obligations;

• Initiating and resolving administrative proceedings to address regulatory violations;

• Investigating potential violations of charitable laws;

• Issuing civil investigative demands, reviewing and organizing document productions, and interviewing witnesses;

• Evaluating cases and making recommendations to internal decisionmakers;

• Drafting and filing court complaints against charities, fiduciaries, or fundraisers engaging in fraudulent or deceptive solicitations, misuse of charitable assets, or other law violations;

• Preparing and arguing motions;

• Managing discovery and preparing cases for trial;

• Negotiating settlements; and

• Presenting educational information about nonprofit legal requirements.

Questions regarding these positions may be directed to Heather Weigler at Heather.L.Weigler@doj.oregon.gov.

Required Qualifications

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.

• At least five years of recent civil litigation experience.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a caseload and move cases forward through all phases of litigation or resolution.

• Superior writing and oral advocacy skills, excellent analytical skills, and ability to think creatively about complex legal problems.

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

• Strong work ethic and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and an inclusive working environment where diverse individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

• Willingness and ability to travel, which may include overnight stays.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience handling state or federal public enforcement actions, fraud, deceptive trade practices, and/or administrative actions;

• Experience with financial records and analysis;

• Experience with complex litigation;

• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and applicable legal requirements; and

• Experience with collaborative resolutions and settlement negotiations.

Applicants most closely matching the needs of the position will be invited to interview.

Application Process

To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions.

• 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 $8,842.00 - $17,168.00 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 and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested 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.

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 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including nearly 400 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 Civil Enforcement 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