Assistant Attorney General; Portland Child Advocacy & Protection Division

Position Title

Assistant Attorney General (Portland Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

09/09/2026

09/27/2026

Department of Justice

$9,063 - $17,597

Employee

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking self-motivated individuals to consider for the position of Assistant Attorney General in the Child Advocacy and Protection Division (CAPD).

This position is based in Portland with opportunities for a hybrid remote work schedule. Frequent travel to court and client offices will be required.

As an entry-level role, this position supports attorneys building their litigation practice in juvenile dependency law, and candidates seeking meaningful skill development in this area are encouraged to apply.

CAPD attorneys are responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and litigation services to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program (ODHS) in all phases of juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases. CAPD attorneys work closely with ODHS regarding child safety and to improve outcomes for children and families in child abuse and neglect cases. Attorneys must effectively balance providing legal advice with frequent court appearances, from short hearings to multi-day complex trials.

This position also requires the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

This litigation-focused position requires significant time in the court, strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively with agency-client representatives and internal support staff teams. You would join a close-knit team of dedicated professionals who share a passion for this important and meaningful work and enjoy making a difference in their communities.

Questions may be directed to Chief Counsel Joanne Southey at joanne.southeygon.gov or Deputy Chief Counsel Rahela Rehman at rahela.rehmangon.gov
. In an ongoing effort to attract and retain diverse candidates, we are hopeful you’ll share our recruitment with members of your association, organization, or section members. We are available by phone or email if you have questions.

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity actively pending.
• Minimum of one year of practical legal experience in dependency practice, delinquency, family law, judicial clerkship, or litigating criminal matters within the past seven years.
• The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• Demonstrated oral advocacy proficiency.
• Practical knowledge of the Oregon Rules of Evidence.
• Willingness and availability to travel, which may include overnight stays—must have valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to independently transport substantial amount of hearing or trial materials to court and client offices.

• Familiarity and experience with Oregon juvenile dependency law.
• Demonstrated expertise with managing a high-volume workload.
• Demonstrated ability to balance administrative obligations, advice requirements and fast paced litigation practice.
• Experience working in a team supported environment.

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.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level,…