Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit)

Initial Posting Date: 07/27/2026 Application Deadline: 08/18/2026 Agency: Department of Justice Salary Range: $9,063 - $17,597 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit) Job Description: Trial Division, Special Litigation Unit The Trial Division is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Special Litigation Unit (SLU) in the Portland office to handle complex and high-profile litigation. SLU handles some of the most interesting and challenging litigation in the State. Its lawyers defend state statutes and policies against constitutional challenges in state and federal courts. They also handle complex class-action lawsuits, elections litigation, environmental litigation, and other high-profile or sensitive matters in which the State, its agencies, and its employees may be plaintiffs or defendants. In recent years, SLU has handled major environmental disputes with millions and even billions of dollars at stake. It has represented the Secretary of State in challenges to election laws and rules. It has prevented efforts to limit agencies’ ability to communicate to the public information about environmental concerns in the state, and has represented the State in federal court over the proper management of Oregon’s salmon under the Endangered Species Act. SLU attorneys regularly litigate First Amendment and other constitutional issues that many attorneys outside of DOJ see only rarely. They also work closely with senior state officials, including department directors and elected officials, to handle litigation that challenges the work of those agencies. SLU’s current need is for an experienced litigator who can lead complex civil cases. If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, working closely with the Attorney General’s office and the leaders of state agencies, handling extensive motion practice, identifying and interviewing expert and lay witnesses, taking and defending depositions, supervising and examining voluminous discovery, and trying cases. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Jose Kl ei n , Chief Trial Counsel, by e-mail at [email protected] or at 503-385-6635 ; or Carla Scott, SLU Attorney-in-Charge, at 503-798-1664. Required At least three (3) years of experience in civil litigation. Willingness and availability to travel throughout the State for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home. Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application. Requested At least five (5) years of experience in civil litigation. Significant experience with complex civil litigation Experience with environmental law, constitutional claims, elections law, or legally complex civil actions. Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law. Experience in writing complex briefs and arguing those issues in state and federal court. Extremely strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication. Experience communicating directly with clients and managing multiple client relationships. 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. Application Process To apply for this position, 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); and Attach your writing sample (not to exceed seven pages) suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability. A writing sample is not needed from attorneys currently working at the Oregon Department of Justice at the time of application. However, a copy may be requested at a later date if needed. 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 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 our benefits, you can learn here . ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected] . Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline. CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. The Oregon Department of Justice 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. Its over 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including nearly 400 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government. The Attorney General and our 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; Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law. Working for the Department of Justice Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state-elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects. Conduct Expectations The role of the Oregon Department of Justice is to provide justice and uphold the rule of law. Employees of the Department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the Department. Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s Trial Division.  We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.  Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity. For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance , click HERE. Oregon Department of Justice 1162 Court St NE Salem OR, 97301 [email protected] Phone: (503) 947-4328 Fax: (503) 373-0367