Assistant Attorney General - Federal Oversight ...

Position Type:
Contingent Worker

Position Title:
Assistant Attorney General - Federal Oversight Unit

Job Description:
Trial Division, Federal Oversight Unit

The Trial Division (https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/divisions/trial/) is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Federal Oversight Unit (FOU) in the Portland office, to handle litigation against the federal government. This is a one-year fellowship position and is expected to be extended for at least an additional year, contingent on funding. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of working in the office and remotely.

The Federal Oversight Unit litigates affirmative cases against federal agencies and officials, often in coordination with other states. These cases are staffed by a small number of attorneys assigned to FOU as well as attorneys assigned to other components of the Trial Division and other DOJ Divisions. In 2025, Oregon brought in 52 lawsuits against the federal government (https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/), including prevailing at trial in a challenge (https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/national-guard-federalization-in-portland/) to the President's federalization of the Oregon National Guard and leading the multistate case challenging tariffs (https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/) recently argued in the U.S. Supreme Court.

FOU is seeking an attorney to litigate multistate cases against the federal government. If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, including developing complaints and filing and arguing preliminary injunction and dispositive motions. You will work closely with the Attorney General's office and colleagues throughout Oregon DOJ, the leaders of state agencies, and your counterparts in other state Attorney General offices.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Brian Marshall, FOU Attorney-in-Charge, by e-mail or at 503-507-5014, or Dustin Buehler, Special Counsel to the Attorney General, by e-mail or at 503-510-6595.

Required:

• 3–6 years of litigation experience, especially complex civil litigation.
• Extremely strong legal research and writing skills.
• Experience in writing complex briefs for federal courts.
• Willingness and availability to travel occasionally throughout the country for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar (or eligible for and willing to submit a Comity Application to the Oregon State Bar).

Requested:

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.
• Experience litigating in trial courts for or against the federal government, including experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
• Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law, including, for example, constitutional issues, economic regulation, immigration, and environmental regulation.
• Experience litigating in federal district courts and working in multi-party litigation.
• 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:

• 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 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 position will be filled as a Special Assistant Attorney General position, salary range $9,991.00-$12,094.00 per month, depending primarily on years of legal practice experience and other factors. This is a one-year fellowship position and is expected to be extended for at least an additional year, contingent on funding. Both the position and its benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, are paid by Progressive State Leaders Committee. For any benefit questions, please email Kristele.pyles@pslc.org.

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 doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. 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 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 ten 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. (https://doj.state.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Job-Posting-Additional-Information-click-here.pdf)

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE

Salem OR, 97301

DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov
Phone: (503) 947-4328
Fax: (503) 373-0367