Assistant Attorney General (Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

Child Advocacy and Protection Division

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking self-motivated individuals for the position of Assistant Attorney General in the Child Advocacy and Protection Division (CAPD). This position may be based in Portland or Pendleton with opportunities for a hybrid remote work schedule. Frequent travel to court and client offices in Eastern Oregon will be required.

About the role

CAPD attorneys are responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and litigation services to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program (ODHS) in all phases of juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases. CAPD attorneys work closely with ODHS regarding child safety and to improve outcomes for children and families in child abuse and neglect cases. Attorneys must effectively balance providing legal advice with frequent court appearances, from short hearings to multi-day complex trials. This position also requires the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

This litigation-focused position requires significant time in the court, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with agency-client representatives and internal support staff teams. You would join a close-knit team of dedicated professionals who share a passion for this important and meaningful work and enjoy making a difference in their communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal advice and litigation services to ODHS in juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases.
• Work closely with ODHS to ensure child safety and improve outcomes for children and families in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Balance legal advice with frequent court appearances, including short hearings and multi-day complex trials.
• Manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Collaborate with agency-client representatives and internal support staff teams.
• Travel frequently to court and client offices in Eastern Oregon, including overnight stays.
• Independently transport substantial amounts of hearing or trial materials to court and client offices.

Requirements

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity actively pending.
• Minimum of one year of practical legal experience in dependency practice, delinquency, family law, or litigating criminal matters within the past five years.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• Demonstrated oral advocacy proficiency.
• Practical knowledge of the Oregon Rules of Evidence or successful completion of a law school Evidence course.
• Willingness and availability to travel, including overnight stays—must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to independently transport substantial amounts of hearing or trial materials.

Qualifications

• Familiarity and experience with Oregon juvenile dependency law.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing a high-volume workload.
• Demonstrated ability to balance administrative obligations, advice requirements, and a fast-paced litigation practice.
• Experience working in a team-supported environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with clients and opposing counsel.

Pay

This position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, with a salary range of $9,063.00 - $17,597.00 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.

Benefits

For a partial list of benefits, visit this link.