Assistant Attorney General (Federal Oversight Unit)

Trial Division, Federal Oversight Unit

The Trial Division is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Federal Oversight Unit (FOU) in the Portland office to handle litigation against the federal government. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of working in the office and remotely.

The Federal Oversight Unit litigates affirmative cases against federal agencies and officials, often in coordination with other states. These cases are staffed by a small number of attorneys assigned to FOU as well as attorneys assigned to other components of the Trial Division and other DOJ Divisions. In 2025, Oregon brought in 52 lawsuits against the federal government, including prevailing at trial in a challenge to the President's federalization of the Oregon National Guard and leading the multistate case challenging tariffs recently affirmed in the U.S. Supreme Court.

If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, including developing complaints and filing and arguing preliminary injunction and dispositive motions. You will work closely with the Attorney General's office and colleagues throughout Oregon DOJ, the leaders of state agencies, and your counterparts in other state Attorney General offices.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Brian Marshall, FOU Attorney-in-Charge, by e-mail or at 503-507-5014, or Dustin Buehler, Special Counsel to the Attorney General, by e-mail or at 503-510-6595.

• At least 5 years of litigation experience.
• Extremely strong legal research and writing skills.
• Willingness and availability to travel occasionally throughout the country for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar (or eligible for and willing to submit a Comity Application to the Oregon State Bar).

• Experience in litigating complex cases in federal courts, especially briefing novel or complex legal issues.
• Experience litigating in trial courts for or against the federal government, including experience with the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
• Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law, including, for example, constitutional issues, health care, federal grants, economic regulation, immigration, and environmental regulation.
• Experience communicating directly with clients and managing multiple client relationships.
• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.

Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview. If you are selected to interview and require particular accommodation during the interview, please inform the person scheduling the interview.

Application Process

• Follow the "Apply" link above and complete the application online and all supplemental questions;
• Attach your resume;
• Attach your cover letter (detailing how you meet the job requirements); and
• Attach your writing sample suitable for assessing analytical and writing ability. A writing sample is not needed from attorneys currently working at the Oregon Department of Justice at the time of application. However, a copy may be requested at a later date if needed.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $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.

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. Any materials emailed 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.