2027 DOJ Honors Attorney Program

Initial posting date: 08/14/2026 • Application deadline: 09/20/2026 • Agency: Department of Justice • Salary range: $9,063.00–$9,519.00 per month

About the role

The Oregon Department of Justice is accepting applications for the 2027 Honors Attorney Program. Placement will begin September 2027 following a comprehensive recruitment and evaluation process. Depending on assignment, selected candidates may be located in Salem or Portland offices. Hybrid/remote options may be available for in-state candidates.

The Honors Attorney Program is designed to provide recent law school graduates, who have not yet engaged in the practice of law, the opportunity to gain public law experience. Honors Attorneys will be assigned to work on ongoing cases or client advice and will have the opportunity to work on some of the most pressing issues facing Oregon. Whether you are interested in complex litigation, criminal law, defending state agency orders in administrative hearings, protecting Oregon's children, or constitutional issues, the program enables new attorneys to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in a wide range of legal disciplines alongside more experienced attorneys.

Honors Attorneys serve as Assistant Attorneys General for two years, typically rotating from one division to another after their first year. This is a limited-duration position from September 2027 through August 2029. Participants are eligible to apply for permanent positions with the department after completing their first year but should not expect the appointment to extend beyond two years.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State of Oregon and its agencies in administrative, civil, juvenile dependency, and criminal proceedings
• Work on significant and complex legal issues, including:
  • Protecting children and prosecuting crimes
  • Defending criminal convictions and state agency actions
  • Protecting consumers, seniors, and natural resources
  • Fighting discrimination and federal overreach
  • Providing legal advice to state agencies, boards, commissions, and elected officials
• Advocate for children in dependency proceedings
• Combat internet crimes against children and disrupt organized crime networks
• Enforce data-privacy safeguards and return money to Oregonians harmed by unlawful business practices
• Support Oregon families through the Child Support Program by establishing parentage and enforcing child support orders

Requirements

• Recent law school graduate (includes those serving as judicial clerks)
• Must not have engaged in the practice of law prior to appointment
• Must be admitted to the Oregon Bar (or anticipate admission shortly after appointment in September 2027) and be eligible to practice law in Oregon courts by or soon after September 2027

Qualifications

In reviewing applications, the Department considers:

• Individual background and perspective
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Contributions to an inclusive work environment
• Enthusiasm for public service
• Educational achievements and class standing
• Quality of written work

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Justice is the largest law firm in Oregon, with over 1,600 employees, including more than 400 attorneys. The department is committed to being the best public law office in the nation, offering a challenging, rewarding, and fun work environment with great benefits. The size and volume of legal work allow attorneys to take on meaningful responsibility while growing their knowledge and skills.

The department values diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that unique perspectives and experiences strengthen its mission. Veterans’ preference is recognized as provided by law.

Assistant Attorneys General represent the State of Oregon and its agencies in most administrative and civil proceedings, all juvenile dependency proceedings, and many criminal proceedings. The department offers opportunities to work on significant and complex issues across virtually every area of legal practice.