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

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 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.

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 .

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).
• 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…