Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

Oregon Department of Justice; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Justice, Trial Division, Corrections Litigation Unit, seeks an experienced Assistant Attorney General to defend the state's Department of Corrections and its officers in civil actions. The role requires handling high-volume cases, mentoring junior attorneys, and participating in significant strategic decisions.

Remote work with regular in-office presence is available. Ideal candidates have extensive civil litigation experience, strong research and writing abilities, and

Qualifications

• At least ten years of civil litigation in state or federal court.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or for summary judgment.
• Ability to take cases to trial and balance frequent court appearances with client communication.
• Willingness to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances.

Responsibilities

• Mentor less-experienced attorneys and contribute to unit-wide strategic decisions.
• Independently manage high-volume, fast-paced civil cases for ODOC and officers.
• Appear in state and federal trial courts and argue motions.
• Research complex constitutional issues as needed across First Amendment, due process, and civil rights areas.

Skills

Litigation experience

Court appearances

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Motions practice

Education

Active Oregon State Bar member in good standing

Job description

Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

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)

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. 1983 and the federal constitution, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

• 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 [phone] or [e-mail].

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.

Required

• 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 the application.
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in a state or federal court.
• 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.

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.

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.

Oregon Department of Justice

1162 Court St NE

Salem OR, 97301

[e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]