Closing Date: 4th March, 2025
Description:
Job Description: Trial Division, Civil Litigation SectionThe Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice is seeking applications for permanent, full-time Assistant Attorneys General in its Civil Litigation Section (CLS). The individuals selected for this position will join a team of lawyers who represent the state, its agencies, officers, and employees in civil lawsuits in state and federal trial courts. The cases handled by the successful candidate will focus on a wide variety of civil claims, including defense of agencies, officers, and employees in general tort, employment, contract, civil rights, and petitions for judicial review of agency orders. The assigned cases and caseload will vary, depending on the hired attorney's level of experience.
The Division has more than one position to fill. It is seeking at lawyers with experience as a first-chair trial lawyer, or who has the background and skills to take a first-chair role in cases. In addition to its need for experienced trial counsel, though, the Division is also open to candidates who currently have the background and skill to fulfill a strong second-chair support role, and who have the motivation and potential to develop into a first-chair trial lawyer.
DOJ Trial Division has developed flexible remote working capabilities. Civil Litigation Section AAGs are able to work remotely and also from the office. Everyone works at least one day per week in the office; there will also be occasions when the requirements of the job make it necessary to be in the office or in court more often.
This position can be based out of Portland or Salem.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Sheila Potter, Chief Trial Counsel; Kristen Boyd, Deputy Chief Trial Counsel; or Craig Johnson, Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Litigation Section, at their e-mail addresses in the OSB directory, or at the main number, (503) 947-4700.
This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $8,842.00 - $17,168.00 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:
- Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Professionalism and collegiality with all, including pro se litigants.
- Experience writing and arguing dispositive motions in state or federal court.
- Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the State for court appearances and trials.
Requested:
- Experience litigating general tort, employment, contract, civil rights, land use and/or condemnation, public records issues, or petitions for judicial review of agency orders.
- Civil jury trial experience.
- For candidates interested in the position for experienced first-chair counsel: at least four years' experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney.
- Completion of each of the following tasks during a trial in state or federal court: Opening statement; Closing argument; Direct examination of a fact witness; Cross examination of a fact witness; Direct examination of an expert witness; Cross examination of an expert witness; and Jury selection.
- Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.