Assistant Attorney General – Corrections Litigation Unit

Jobtailor; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced attorney to defend the Oregon Department of Corrections in civil lawsuits and manage a high-volume caseload in state and federal courts.

You will handle habeas matters, civil torts, and mandamus cases, arguing motions for dismissals and summary judgments while maintaining strong client communication. Travel across Oregon is required during trials.

Qualifications

• At least ten (10) years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment, or reciprocity in progress.
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in state or federal court.
• Active interest in litigation and willingness to take appropriate cases to trial.
• Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining client communication.
• Strong research and writing skills; high level of professionalism and collegiality.
• Experience litigating civil rights claims.

Responsibilities

• Defend Oregon’s Department of Corrections and its officers in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody.
• Independently manage a high-volume, fast-paced caseload in Oregon state and federal trial courts.
• Handle state habeas matters, civil torts, and mandamus cases.
• Litigate federal cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal constitution, the ADA, and RLUIPA.
• Research and write on novel areas of constitutional law.
• Regularly appear in court and try cases as appropriate.
• Write and argue motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.
• Balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining client communication.
• Take appropriate cases to trial while recognizing cases best suited for reasonable settlement.
• Mentor less-experienced attorneys
• Contribute to strategic decisions affecting the entire unit
• Travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial

Skills

Civil Litigation Experience

Motions Practice

Trial Experience

Research and Writing Skills

Oregon State Bar Membership

Job description

• Defend Oregon’s Department of Corrections and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody
• Independently manage a high-volume, fast-paced caseload in Oregon state and federal trial courts
• Handle state habeas matters, civil torts, and mandamus cases
• Litigate federal cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
• Research and write on novel areas of constitutional law
• Regularly appear in court and try cases as appropriate
• Write and argue motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment
• Balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining client communication
• Take appropriate cases to trial while recognizing cases best suited for reasonable settlement
• Mentor less-experienced attorneys
• Contribute to strategic decisions affecting the entire unit
• Travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial

Requirements

• At least ten (10) 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 application
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in state or federal court
• Active interest in litigation and willingness to take appropriate cases to trial
• Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication
• High level of professionalism and collegiality
• Willingness and availability to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial
• Strong research and writing skills
• Experience litigating civil rights claims
• Civil trial experience
• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions
• Resume, cover letter, and writing sample of no more than seven pages required for application, except writing sample may not be needed for current Oregon DOJ attorneys

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive experience in civil litigation, particularly in state and federal courts, with strong capabilities in writing and arguing motions. Proven ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining client communication and professionalism.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Civil Litigation Experience
• Motions Practice
• Trial Experience
• Research and Writing Skills
• Oregon State Bar Membership

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Litigating Civil Actions
• Writing Motions to Dismiss
• Arguing Motions for Summary Judgment
• Handling State Habeas Matters
• Civil Torts Litigation
• Mandamus Cases
• Civil Rights Claims Litigation
• Taking and Defending Depositions
• Trial Preparation
• Constitutional Law Research

Soft Skills

• Client Communication
• Professionalism
• Collegiality
• Mentoring
• Strategic Decision-Making

Certifications & Qualifications

• Active Membership in Oregon State Bar

Industry Keywords

• Federal Constitution
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
• Oregon State Courts
• Federal Courts