Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit)

Job Description :

Duties and Responsibilities

The Trial Division is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Special Litigation Unit (SLU). SLU handles some of the most interesting, complex, and challenging litigation in the State.

Section lawyers defend state statutes and policies against constitutional challenges in state and federal courts. They also handle complex class-action lawsuits, elections litigation, environmental litigation, and other high-profile or sensitive matters in which the State, its agencies, and its employees may be plaintiffs or defendants.

In recent years, SLU has handled litigation involving major environmental disputes with millions and even billions of dollars at stake.

It has represented the Secretary of State in challenges to election laws and rules. It has prevented efforts to limit agencies’ ability to communicate to the public information about environmental concerns in the state, has defended free-speech challenges to tobacco marketing restrictions, and has represented the State in federal court over the proper management of Oregon’s salmon under the Endangered Species Act and Indian treaties.

All disputes over surface and ground water rights, including those in the Klamath Basin, are handled by SLU. SLU attorneys regularly litigate First Amendment and other constitutional issues that many attorneys outside of DOJ see only rarely.

Its lawyers work closely with senior state officials, including department heads and elected officials, to defend challenges to the work of those agencies.

If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, including extensive motion practice, identifying and interviewing expert and lay witnesses, handling depositions, supervising voluminous discovery, trying cases before judges or juries, and working collaboratively with agency leadership and employees.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Sheila Potter, Chief Trial Counsel, at 503-269-1737, or Carla Scott, SLU Attorney in Charge, at 503-798-1664.

Required

Experience in civil litigation, especially complex civil litigation.

Extremely strong legal research and writing skills, and experience in writing complex briefs and arguing those issues in state and federal court.

Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.

Willingness and availability to travel throughout the State for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home.

Requested

Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.

Experience with class action lawsuits, environmental law, constitutional claims, or civil rights actions.

Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law.

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

To apply for this position :

• Follow the "Apply" link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions;
• Attach your resume;

Attach your cover letter; and

Attach your writing sample.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $8,298.

00 - $16,113.00 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 .

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES : Login to Workday using your state-issued login, and apply via the Career Worklet located on your home page.

Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply" , update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).

The Oregon 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 1,400 employees in ten divisions, including over 300 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 with the Department of Justice and application assistance,

Oregon Department of Justice

1162 Court St NE

Salem, OR 97301

Phone : (503) 947-4328

Fax : (503) 373-0367