
Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation Section)
Department of Justice See More Job Openings by This EmployerInitial Posting Date:
07/17/2025Application Deadline:
08/21/2025Agency:
Department of JusticeSalary Range:
$8,842 - $17,168Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation Section)Job Description:
Trial Division, Civil Litigation Section
The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice is seeking an experienced lawyer for a permanent, full-time Assistant Attorney General position in its Civil Litigation Section (CLS). The individual selected for this position will join a team of skilled lawyers who represent the state, its agencies, officers, and employees in complex civil lawsuits in state and federal trial courts. Lawyers with employment experience would be of particular interest, as would those with experience handling major litigation in other areas, including general tort litigation, contract disputes, and civil rights challenges.
CLS provides an opportunity for attorneys to develop experience and expertise in a variety of practice areas, based on each individual attorney’s interests and capabilities. The Division strives to provide each lawyer with a mix of cases that the lawyer finds challenging, interesting, and engaging, so that the lawyers may each grow in their own best direction. Experienced and capable trial lawyers are preferred. Courtroom experience in jury trials is also preferred.
DOJ’s Trial Division has developed flexible remote working policies that provide our attorneys with the ability to optimize work-life balance while maintaining an active and varied litigation practice. Civil Litigation Section AAGs work a hybrid schedule with everyone working 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. Those who wish to be in the office more often have all been cheerfully accommodated.
This position can be based out of Portland or Salem.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Sheila Potter, Chief Trial Counsel; Kristen Boyd, Deputy Chief Trial Counsel; or Craig Johnson, Attorney-in-Charge, Civil Litigation Section, 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 $8,842.00 - $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.
- At least four years of experience litigating in state or federal court as an attorney.
- An active interest in jury trials, and a willingness to take appropriate cases to trial, while recognizing the cases best suited for a reasonable settlement.
- Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in a state or federal court.
- Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- A high level of professionalism and collegiality, and a desire to work with smart and thoughtful clients who are dedicated to doing the right thing for the State of Oregon.
- Willingness and availability to travel throughout the State for court appearances and trials.
Requested
- Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar. (OSB membership to be obtained promptly, otherwise.)
- Experience negotiating and resolving claims brought in civil actions.
- Civil jury 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
Follow the "Apply" link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions;
Attach your resume;
Attach your cover letter (detailing how you meet the job requirements); and
Attach your writing sample (not to exceed seven pages) suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability.
ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required application materials. Drag and drop both resume, cover letter, and any other materials into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or more 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 Oregon 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 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
- $8,842 - $17,168