Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation Section)

Initial Posting Date

02/11/2026

Application Deadline

03/15/2026

Agency

Department of Justice

Salary Range

$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation Section)

Job Description

Trial Division, Civil Litigation Section

The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking an experienced civil litigator who can lead complex civil case for a permanent, full-time Assistant Attorney General position in its Civil Litigation Section. 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.

If you are looking for a place with great colleagues and dynamic cases where you can focus on litigation and the excellent practice of law, the Civil Litigation Section is the place for you. Attorneys with a background and interest in land-use, condemnation, contracts, employment, tort, civil rights, or administrative law, will find opportunities to grow their experience and expertise based on the attorney’s interests and capabilities. The Civil Litigation Section strives to provide each attorney with a mix of cases that the attorney finds challenging, interesting, and engaging.

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 attorneys 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 Kristen Boyd, Interim Chief Trial Counsel; or Craig Johnson, Attorney-in-Charge, Civil Litigation Section, at (503) 947-4700.

Required

• At least ten 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 prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of the application.
• 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.
  
  

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $9,063.00 - $17,597.00 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 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 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including over 400 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 Oregon Department of Justice. We are working to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable work environment. Every employee expands our diversity 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