Assistant Attorney General; Corrections Litigation Unit

Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

Initial Posting Date: 02/19/2026

Final date to receive applications: 03/24/2026

Agency: Department of Justice

Salary Range: $9,063 - $17,597 per month (Base only; PERS participants receive a 6.95% increase)

Position Type: Employee

Location: Portland or Salem; flexible remote work with at least one office day per week.

The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice is seeking a full‑time Assistant Attorney General for its Corrections Litigation Unit (CLU). CLU attorneys defend the Oregon Department of Corrections and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody (AICs). The role involves independently managing a high‑volume, fast‑paced caseload in Oregon state and federal trial courts, covering issues from habeas petitions and civil torts to statutory and constitutional challenges under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

CLU attorneys tackle a wide range of constitutional matters—including First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment challenges, religious freedom, mail and visitation rights, use of force, and medical care—providing opportunities for research, writing, and frequent courtroom appearances.

• Represent the Oregon Department of Corrections and its personnel in civil litigation and institutional claims.

• Conduct research, draft pleadings, motions, and arguments for state and federal courts.

• Participate in all pre‑trial, trial, and post‑trial activities, including settlement negotiations and appellate work when appropriate.

• Maintain client communication and coordinate with other DOJ attorneys and external counsel.

• Travel throughout Oregon for court appearances and other work‑related duties as needed.

• At least two years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney.
• Active interest in litigation and willingness to take appropriate cases to trial while recognizing settlement opportunities.
• Experience drafting and arguing motions to dismiss or for summary judgment in state or federal court.
• Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.
• High level of professionalism and collegiality, and desire to work with clients dedicated to the State of Oregon.
• Willingness and availability to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances.

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Experience litigating civil rights claims.
• Civil trial experience.
• Experience providing depositions in state or federal court actions.

Applicants should complete the online application through the “Apply” link, attach the following documents, and upload them in Workday:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing sample (not to exceed seven pages; not required for current DOJ attorneys at the time of application)

ALL APPLICANTS: You have only one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. If documents are missing or you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the interview, contact doj.recruitmentgon.gov. Any materials emailed before the posting deadline will be associated with your application.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday with your state‑issued credentials and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Kristen Boyd, Interim Chief Trial Counsel, or Nathan Riemersma, Attorney‑in‑Charge, Corrections Litigation Unit, at .

The Oregon Department of Justice serves state government and supports safe, healthy communities by providing essential justice services. With over 1,600 employees across ten divisions—including nearly 400 lawyers—the DOJ is dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon.

Our mission includes:

• Provid…