Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Defending Oregon’s Department of Corrections (ODOC) and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody (AICs).
• Independently managing high-volume, fast-paced caseloads, with cases in Oregon’s state and federal trial courts.
• Handling state habeas matters, 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 appearing in court and trying cases.
• Mentoring less-experienced attorneys.
• Contributing to strategic decisions that affect the entire unit.

Benefits

• Flexible remote working capabilities.
• PERS participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.

What This Job Offers

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