Assistant Attorney General (Federal Oversight Unit)

State of Oregon

5d•$9,063 - $17,597•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 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 affirmed in the U.S. Supreme Court. 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.

Requirements

At least 5 years of litigation experience
Extremely strong legal research and writing skills
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

Experience in litigating complex cases in federal courts, especially briefing novel or complex legal issues
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, health care, federal grants, economic regulation, immigration, and environmental regulation
Experience communicating directly with clients and managing multiple client relationships
Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application

Responsibilities

Handling a high-intensity caseload
Developing complaints
Filing and arguing preliminary injunction and dispositive motions
Working closely with the Attorney General’s office and colleagues throughout Oregon DOJ
Working with leaders of state agencies
Working with counterparts in other state Attorney General offices
Litigating affirmative cases against federal agencies and officials, often in coordination with other states