Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Trial Division of the Oregon Department of Justice is seeking applications for a permanent, full-time Assistant Attorney General in its Corrections Litigation Unit (CLU). 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. 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 Kristen Boyd, Interim Chief Trial Counsel or Nathan Riemersma, Attorney-in-Charge, Corrections Litigation Unit, at [phone]. 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. For a partial list of our benefits, you can learn here.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney.
• An active interest in litigation, and a willingness to take appropriate cases to trial, while recognizing the cases best suited for a reasonable settlement.
• Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in a state or federal court.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of the application.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Experience litigating civil rights claims.
• Civil trial experience.
• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.

Responsibilities

• Independently managing high-volume, fast-paced caseloads, with cases in Oregon’s state and federal trial courts.
• Handling 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.
• Handling federal cases brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the federal constitution, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
• Researching and writing on novel areas of constitutional law
• Regularly appear in court and try cases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed