Assistant Attorney General (Portland Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

Initial Posting Date:

07/02/2026

Application Deadline:

08/11/2026

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Assistant Attorney General (Portland Child Advocacy & Protection Division)

Job Description:

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. 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 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 joanne.southey@doj.oregon.gov or Deputy Chief Counsel Rahela Rehman at rahela.rehman@doj.oregon.gov. 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.

• Miniumum of two years of practical legal experience in dependency practice, delinquency, family law 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 or successful completion of law school Evidence course.

• 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 obligation