Assistant Attorney General - Federal Oversight Unit

State of Oregon

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Trial Division is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Federal Oversight Unit (FOU) in the Portland office, to handle litigation against the federal government. This is a one-year fellowship position and is expected to be extended for at least an additional year, contingent on funding. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of working in the office and remotely. The Federal Oversight Unit litigates affirmative cases against federal agencies and officials, often in coordination with other states. These cases are staffed by a small number of attorneys assigned to FOU as well as attorneys assigned to other components of the Trial Division and other DOJ Divisions. In 2025, Oregon brought in 52 lawsuits against the federal government, including prevailing at trial in a challenge to the President’s federalization of the Oregon National Guard and leading the multistate case challenging tariffs recently argued in the U.S. Supreme Court. FOU is seeking an attorney to litigate multistate cases against the federal government. If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, including developing complaints and filing and arguing preliminary injunction and dispositive motions. You will work closely with the Attorney General’s office and colleagues throughout Oregon DOJ, the leaders of state agencies, and your counterparts in other state Attorney General offices. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Brian Marshall, FOU Attorney-in-Charge, by e-mail or at 503-507-5014, or Dustin Buehler, Special Counsel to the Attorney General, by e-mail or at 503-510-6595.

Requirements

3–6 years of litigation experience, especially complex civil litigation.
Extremely strong legal research and writing skills.
Experience in writing complex briefs for federal courts.
Willingness and availability to travel occasionally throughout the country for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home.
Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar (or eligible for and willing to submit a Comity Application to the Oregon State Bar).

Nice To Haves

Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.
Experience litigating in trial courts for or against the federal government, including experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law, including, for example, constitutional issues, economic regulation, immigration, and environmental regulation.
Experience litigating in federal district courts and working in multi-party litigation.
Experience communicating directly with clients and managing multiple client relationships.

Responsibilities

Handling a high-intensity caseload, including developing complaints and filing and arguing preliminary injunction and dispositive motions.
Work closely with the Attorney General’s office and colleagues throughout Oregon DOJ, the leaders of state agencies, and your counterparts in other state Attorney General offices.