DOJ Law Clerk

Initial Posting Date: 12/09/2025

Final date to receive applications: 01/13/2026

Agency: Department of Justice

Salary Range: $20.47-$22.24

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: DOJ Law Clerk Recruitment 2026

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. The Agency has more than 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including more than 400 lawyers, 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; and pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking outstanding, current first‑ and second‑year law students to fill law clerk positions beginning May 2026. Positions are located in Salem, Portland, Eugene, and Medford and will be full‑time during the summer with the hope that successful candidates will consider continuing employment on a part‑time basis throughout the following school year. Many clerks are encouraged to stay with the Department until graduation.

Law students are employed to provide legal support to Assistant Attorneys General. The volume and scope of our legal work allow us to entrust each law clerk with a significant level of responsibility, which helps ensure clerks stay engaged and facilitates growth and career development. Assignments can vary depending on division and section placement, business need, and the individual strengths and interests of a given law clerk.

Attorneys‑in‑Charge or designated law clerk supervisors assign law clerks to work with individual mentor attorneys on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Conducting library and legal research, delivering written legal analysis or oral briefing.
• Assisting with civil, criminal, juvenile, or administrative litigation.
• Appearing in court on behalf of a state agency (for court‑certified law students).
• Working on projects that vary from minutes to months.
• Working for one or multiple attorneys and balancing workload.
• Case organization and strategy assessment.
• All manner of other assignments as they arise in the Department’s work.

When court‑certified, law clerks in some sections appear in court, argue motions, and present evidence, including examination of witnesses.

Pay for law clerks does not include benefits, except as required by law. The term of appointment is usually three months over the summer and continuing for the next nine months, subject to extension, but is statutorily subject to termination at any time without cause. Clerks are expected to work full, 40‑hour weeks during the summer months and to commit at least ten weeks during the summer.

During the school year clerks are generally expected to work up to 20 hours per week on average, with exceptions allowed under certain circumstances.

Many divisions prefer clerks who will work during both the summer and will remain available during the succeeding school year. Depending on the assigned legal division, there may be opportunities for some remote work. Finalists must reside in the state of Oregon by the first day of employment.

Employees of the Department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct, confidentiality, and ethics while on the job and to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the Department.

• Current first‑ or second‑year law student enrolled in an accredited law school.

Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the positions will be invited to interview.

To apply for this position, apply online and complete all supplemental questions; attach your resume (1‑2 pages);…