Assistant Attorney General (Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 101,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Child Advocacy & Protection Division, based in Salem with hybrid remote options. The role emphasizes litigation in juvenile dependency and related matters, with frequent court appearances and travel.

This entry-level position supports attorneys building their practice and offers meaningful skill development in dependency law within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• 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 or successful completion of law school Evidence course.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and litigation services to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program in juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases.
• Balance court appearances with advisory work and client communications in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with agency clients and staff to promote child safety and optimal outcomes for children and families.

Skills

Bar admission

Litigation

Oral advocacy

CJIS background

Evidence knowledge

Travel

Driver's license

Education

Oregon State Bar membership

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Attorney General (Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

Initial Posting Date

09/25/2026

Application Deadline

10/21/2026

Agency

Department of Justice

Salary Range

$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Assistant Attorney General (Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

Job Description

Child Advocacy and Protection Division 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 Salem 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 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 [e-mail] or Deputy Chief Counsel Rahela Rehman at [e-mail]. 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.

Required Experience

• 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 or successful completion of law school Evidence course.
• 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.

Desired Experience

• 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.

Diversity

Diversity is a core value of the Oregon Department of Justice. We are working to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable work environment. Every employee expands our diversity by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

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.

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.

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.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR, 97301
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]