Initial Posting Date:
07/24/2026

Application Deadline:
08/24/2026

Agency:
Department of Justice

Salary Range:
$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

Job Description:

Trial Division, Corrections Litigation Unit

Duties and Responsibilities

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ), Trial Division is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and motivated litigator to join the Corrections Litigation Unit (CLU) as a permanent, full time Assistant Attorney General. As an experienced litigator you will mentor less-experienced attorneys; and contribute to strategic decisions that affect the entire unit. The individual selected for this position will join a team of lawyers who specialize in defending Oregon's Department of Corrections (ODOC) and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody (AICs). CLU attorneys are responsible for independently managing high-volume, fast-paced caseloads, with cases in Oregon's state and federal trial courts.

The state cases that CLU attorneys handle include state habeas matters in which AICs brings a state or federal constitutional claim challenging the authority for confinement or the conditions of confinement, civil torts, and mandamus cases. The federal cases that CLU attorneys handle include cases brought under 42 U.S.C. a7 1983 and the federal constitution, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

CLU's team is at the forefront of constitutional issues facing ODOC, one of our nation's most progressive adult corrections agencies. CLU cases present a diverse range of issues, including First Amendment challenges (e.g., religious, mail, access to courts, and visitation cases), Eighth Amendment challenges (e.g., use of force and conditions of confinement cases), Fourteenth Amendment challenges (e.g., equal protection and due process cases), and issues related to medical care. CLU's team has many opportunities for individuals who enjoy researching and writing on novel areas of constitutional law, as well as for those who want opportunities to regularly appear in court and try cases.

DOJ's Trial Division has flexible remote working capabilities. Corrections Litigation Unit AAGs are able to work remotely and from the office. Everyone works 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. This position can be based out of Portland or Salem.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Nathan Riemersma, Attorney-in-Charge, at [redacted] or

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.

Required

• At least two (2) years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney or comparable experience.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of the application.
• An active interest in litigation, and a willingness to take appropriate cases to trial, while recognizing the cases best suited for a reasonable settlement.
• Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.
• 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.
• Willing and available to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial.

Requested

• Strong research and writing skills.
• Experience litigating civil rights claims.
• Civil trial experience.
• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in a state or federal court.

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 2Apply2 link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions.

• Attach your resume.
• Attach your cover letter.
• Attach a 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.

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 didn7t 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.