Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit)

Initial Posting Date:

11/14/2025

Application Deadline:

12/16/2025

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$8,842 - $17,168

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit)

Job Description:

Trial Division, Special Litigation Unit

The Trial Division is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join the Department of Justice's Special Litigation Unit (SLU) in the Portland office to handle complex and high-profile litigation. SLU handles some of the most interesting and challenging litigation in the State. Its lawyers defend state statutes and policies against constitutional challenges in state and federal courts. They also handle complex class-action lawsuits, elections litigation, environmental litigation, and other high-profile or sensitive matters in which the State, its agencies, and its employees may be plaintiffs or defendants.

In recent years, SLU has handled major environmental disputes with millions and even billions of dollars at stake. It has represented the Secretary of State in challenges to election laws and rules. It has prevented efforts to limit agencies’ ability to communicate to the public information about environmental concerns in the state, and has represented the State in federal court over the proper management of Oregon’s salmon under the Endangered Species Act. SLU attorneys regularly litigate First Amendment and other constitutional issues that many attorneys outside of DOJ see only rarely. They also work closely with senior state officials, including department directors and elected officials, to handle litigation that challenges the work of those agencies.  

SLU’s current need is for an experienced litigator who can lead complex civil cases. If selected, you will be responsible for handling a high-intensity caseload, working closely with the Attorney General’s office and the leaders of state agencies, handling extensive motion practice, identifying and interviewing expert and lay witnesses, taking and defending depositions, supervising and examining voluminous discovery, and trying cases before judges or juries. 

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Kristen Boyd, Interim Chief Trial Counsel, by e-mail or at 503.798.6184; or Carla Scott, SLU Attorney in Charge, at 503-798-1664.

Required

• At least seven years of experience in civil litigation, especially complex civil litigation.

• Extremely strong legal research and writing skills.

• Experience in writing complex briefs and arguing those issues in state and federal court.

• Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication. 

• Willingness and availability to travel throughout the State for court appearances and other case-related work, including overnight stays away from home.

Requested

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment or reciprocity in progress at the time of application.

• Experience with environmental law, constitutional claims, elections law, or complex civil actions.

• Experience working on a variety of cases involving diverse subject matter and areas of law.

• Experience communicating directly with clients and managing multiple client relationships.

Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Applicants most closely m