Assistant Attorney General (Government Services)

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

General Counsel Division, Government Services Section

The Oregon Department of Justice, General Counsel Division, seeks a full-time attorney to join our Government Services team of twelve accomplished and collegial general counsel attorneys.  We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. While this position is located in Salem, Oregon in a beautiful, newly-renovated space, we also offer a hybrid remote work option.

The successful applicant will work primarily within our Public Safety practice group to provide advice and trainings to the Oregon Department of Corrections, one of our nation’s most progressive adult corrections and community corrections agencies.  Other work may include providing advice to other public safety-related agencies, such as the Oregon Parole Board, the Oregon Youth Authority, and the Oregon State Police, as well as other work as assigned by management.

Specific areas of work will include addressing legal questions and issues related to or affecting statewide corrections operations and programs, criminal sentencing laws, and post-prison supervision and community corrections and providing agency trainings; however, there may be opportunities to diversify your practice into different subject areas.  A strong applicant will have at least three years’ experience advising Oregon governments regarding public safety, public records, constitutional and statutory or ordinance analysis, or corrections issues.  An ideal applicant will have over five years’ experience advising Oregon governments and a demonstrated expertise in constitutional issues regarding prisoner/civil rights, sentencing, or incarceration matters; parole and post-prison supervision; statutory analysis, and Oregon’s public records law.  A successful applicant will care deeply about providing rigorous legal review, as well as thinking creatively and collaboratively to assist our clients in resolving issues of statewide significance.  For a complete list of minimum requirements and preferred experience see our lists below.

Minimum Requirements:

• Active membership and in good standing with the Oregon State Bar by the time of appointment;

• At least one year of experience advising or litigating on behalf of governments, in Oregon or elsewhere;

• Strong drafting, research, relational and communication skills with both clients and colleagues;

• Demonstrated ability to handle a full workload effectively;

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues and clients;

• Strong work ethic and demonstrated commitment to public service;

• Willingness to travel within Oregon as needed and willingness to take client calls outside of normal working hours;

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working environment where diverse individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

Preferred Experience:

• Excellent drafting, research, and relational and communication skills with both clients and colleagues;

• At least three years’ experience providing general counsel advice to Oregon governments or at least three years’ experience representing Oregon governments in civil or criminal litigation, plus any two of the following:

  • A demonstrated expertise in constitutional issues regarding prisoner’s rights, sentencing, or incarceration matters;

  • A demonstrated expertise in parole and post-prison supervision matters;

  • Experience advising government clients or litigating matters involving statutory or ordinance analysis; government authority; or public records law.

The Government Services Section:  DOJ lawyers are widely recognized as some of the most accomplished and dedicated government attorneys in our state.  The Government Services Section is a small group within the DOJ’s General Counsel division.  We offer a professional, supportive, and stimulating general counsel practice.  Our team strives to create a productive, supportive, and friendly workplace, whether we are working remotely or in person.  We value our attorneys’ professional autonomy and support them with team collaboration.  The DOJ promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging among our employees and seeks an applicant with awareness and commitment to these values.  These values motivate and guide our actions. 

We provide our clients with clear, timely, and consistent expert advice and other legal services, serving a wide variety of state agencies, including:  the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon State Police, the Oregon Youth Authority, the Secretary of State, the Department of Education, and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

We encourage you to apply.  Questions regarding this position should be directed to Christy Monson, Attorney-in-Charge at Christy.monson@doj.oregon.gov.

Application Process

• Follow the "Apply" link above.   Current State of Oregon applicants are asked to use their state-issued log-in to access and apply in Workday.   Using an external account disrupts the hiring process. 

• Attach your resume.

• Attach your cover letter.

• 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 more here.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov​.  Material will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub 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). 

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.

The 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 more than 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; and

• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.  

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s General Counsel 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 for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court St NE
Salem OR, 97301
DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov 

Phone: (503) 947-4328
Fax: (503) 373-0367