Assistant Attorney General; Civil Litigation Section

Overview

Position Title
Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation Section)

Initial Posting Date
02/11/2026

Final date to receive applications
03/15/2026

Agency
Department of Justice

Salary Range
$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type
Employee

Job Description
The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a litigator for a permanent, full-time Assistant Attorney General position in its Civil Litigation Section. The position may be filled by a candidate who currently has the background to fulfill a second chair support role and who has the motivation and potential to develop into a strong first chair trial lawyer.

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. The Civil Litigation Section offers opportunities to grow experience in land-use, condemnation, contracts, employment, tort, civil rights, or administrative law, with a mix of cases that are challenging and engaging.

DOJ’s Trial Division has flexible remote working policies and a hybrid schedule, with at least one day per week in the office. This position can be based out of Portland or Salem.

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. Those with backgrounds and interests in land-use, condemnation, contracts, employment, tort, civil rights, or administrative law will find opportunities to grow based on interests and capabilities.

Based in Portland or Salem. Civil Litigation Section attorneys work a hybrid schedule with at least one day per week in the office, with accommodations for additional in-office time as needed.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Kristen Boyd, Interim Chief Trial Counsel; or Craig Johnson, Attorney-in-Charge, Civil Litigation Section, at .

Required

• At least four years of experience litigating in state or federal court as an attorney.
• An active interest in litigation, 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.

Desired

• 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.

• Follow the "Apply" link and complete the online application and 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).

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, with a salary range of $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 benefits, you can learn here.

All Applicants: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or have questions, contact doj.recruitmentgon.gov. Materials emailed will be associated if received before the posting deadline.
Current state employees:
Log in to Workday and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet. Private accounts may disrupt the hiring process.

The Oregon Department of Justice Mission:
The Department serves state government and supports safe and healthy communities by providing essential justice services. We are committed to ethical, independent legal services, safeguarding consumers, fighting crime, advocating for vulnerable children, and defending civil rights. Diversity is a core value; candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department is an equal opportunity employer. For information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, .

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR,…