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Child Advocacy and Protection Division

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking self-motivated individuals to consider for the position of Assistant Attorney General in the Child Advocacy and Protection Division (CAPD). This position is based in Portland with opportunities for a hybrid remote work schedule.  Frequent travel to court and client offices will be required. As an entry-level role, this position supports attorneys building their litigation practice in juvenile dependency law, and candidates seeking meaningful skill development in this area are encouraged to apply. 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.

Questions may be directed to Chief Counsel Joanne Southey at [email protected] or Deputy Chief Counsel Rahela Rehman at [email protected]. In an ongoing effort to attract and retain diverse candidates, we are hopeful you’ll share our recruitment with members of your association, organization, or section members. We are available by phone or email if you have questions.

Required Experience

• 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, judicial clerkship, or litigating criminal matters within the past seven years.

• The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

• Demonstrated oral advocacy proficiency.

• Practical knowledge of the Oregon Rules of Evidence.

• Willingness and availability to travel, which may include overnight stays—must have valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to independently transport substantial amount of hearing or trial materials to court and client offices.

Desired Experience

• Familiarity and experience with Oregon juvenile dependency law.

• Demonstrated expertise with managing a high-volume workload.

• Demonstrated ability to balance administrative obligations, advice requirements and fast paced litigation practice.

• Experience working in a team supported environment.

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

Diversity is a core value of the Oregon Department of Justice.  We are working to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable work environment.  Every employee expands our diversity by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

• 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.  For a partial list of our benefits, you can learn 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 [email protected]. 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.

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 1,600 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 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;

• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.  

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.

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
[email protected]

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