Assistant Attorney General (Corrections Litigation Unit)

Trial Division, Corrections Litigation Unit

About the role

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. 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 bring a state or federal constitutional claim challenging the authority for confinement or the conditions of confinement, civil torts, and mandamus cases. The federal cases 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.

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.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Nathan Riemersma, Attorney-in-Charge, at (503) 947-4700 or Nathan.k.riemersma@doj.oregon.gov.

Responsibilities

• Mentor less-experienced attorneys and contribute to strategic decisions that affect the entire unit.
• Independently manage high-volume, fast-paced caseloads in Oregon’s state and federal trial courts.
• Handle state habeas matters, civil torts, mandamus cases, and federal cases under 42 U.S.C. 1983, the federal constitution, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
• Address constitutional issues including First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment challenges, as well as issues related to medical care.
• Research and write on novel areas of constitutional law.
• Appear in court and try cases regularly.
• Balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication.
• Travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong research and writing skills.
• Experience litigating civil rights claims.
• Civil trial experience.
• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.

Benefits

For a partial list of benefits, visit this link.

Pay

This OAJA-represented 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.

About the Department

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 1,600 employees in ten divisions, including nearly 400 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government. The Attorney General and the 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;
• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.

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.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department’s Trial Division. We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.