OREGON

Assistant Attorney General (Business Activities Section)

Salem | DOJ | 550 Building Full time

Initial Posting Date:

02/20/2026

Application Deadline:

03/31/2026

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$9,063 - $17,597

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Assistant Attorney General (Business Activities Section)

Job Description:

General Counsel Division, Business Activities Section

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking applicants for an attorney position in the Business Activities Section (BAS) of the General Counsel Division.

The Business Activities Section and Position

BAS attorneys enjoy a diverse and stimulating practice, working closely with over 50 regulatory boards, commissions, and agencies to support their missions of public protection.  Our clients include most health professional licensing and regulatory boards, numerous non-health professional licensing and regulatory boards, all divisions of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Bureau of Labor and Industries, and others.

BAS seeks an experienced lawyer, with a strong interest in public service, as well as excellent research, writing, litigation, and client service skills to join a collaborative, skilled, and experienced team of attorneys. 

The successful applicant will serve Oregonians as a member of our legal team that is primary contact counsel for the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.  Oregon OSHA’s mission is to advance and improve workplace safety and health for all workers in Oregon.  Our legal team plays a critical role in supporting Oregon OSHA’s enforcement efforts to achieve that mission.

During your representation of Oregon OSHA, you will conduct research and provide advice on complex state and federal legal questions related to Oregon occupational safety and health and the Oregon Safe Employment Act.

In this challenging and rewarding position, you will:

  • Represent Oregon OSHA in complex contested hearings before Administrative Law Judges of the Workers’ Compensation Board, defending citations and orders issued to employers;

  • Manage all aspects of the contested case litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, protective orders, preparation of exhibits and witnesses, and representation at hearing;

  • Advise and assist with investigations, including regulatory inspections, administrative warrants, subpoenas, and other inspection related matters;

  • Provide legal counsel on complex state and federal issues related to occupational safety and health in Oregon, including guidance on authority, jurisdiction, and application of laws and rules;

  • Collaborate with colleagues in Trial, Appellate, and Civil Enforcement Divisions on Oregon OSHA related matters pending in state and federal courts and on appeal; and

  • Advise on compliance with Oregon Public Records Law and responses to public records requests.

The General Counsel Division

Attorneys in the General Counsel Division of DOJ provide legal advice and other legal services to Oregon’s state agencies, officials, boards, commissions.  Collectively our clients are responsible for the administration and operations of state government.  These responsibilities include:  protecting consumers, patients, students, and workers; regulating design and construction; building roads and bridges; protecting Oregon’s lands and waters; operating correctional facilities and caring for Oregon’s prison population; operating programs to provide critical services to vulnerable citizens; and performing other critical government functions.  General Counsel Division attorneys analyze and advise on critical questions of constitutional and statutory interpretation, participate in public meetings, and try complex administrative cases.

Office Location/Remote Work:  This position is Salem-based.  However, Section attorneys generally work remotely, subject to personal preference, DOJ policies, and client or operational needs.

Professional Development:  DOJ supports the professional development of its attorneys.  We provide frequent in-house, Oregon State Bar accredited, continuing legal education seminars conducted by DOJ colleagues on topics within their practices and expertise.  In addition, DOJ occasionally hosts seminars conducted by outside organizations, including the National Association of Attorneys General.  Finally, DOJ attorneys receive membership in a national organization offering accredited, high quality continuing legal education seminars across a variety of subject matter areas.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Kyle J. Martin, Attorney-in-Charge, Business Activities Section, at (503) 947-4540.

Required

  • Active membership (in good standing) in the Oregon State Bar, by the time of appointment.

  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working environment where diverse individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

  • Five years of legal experience that includes three years of litigation experience that involved contested case hearings or trial work or an equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the applicant to perform the job responsibilities.

  • Exceptional writing skills and a superior analytical and presentation ability.

  • Demonstrated ability to handle a heavy and challenging case and workload.

  • Willingness and ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues and clients in both a remote and in-person environment.

  • Strong work ethic and commitment to public service.

  • Excellent in-person and virtual communication skills.

  • Willingness to travel within Oregon as needed.

Desired

  • Knowledge and experience with Oregon, another state, or federal occupational safety and health laws and processes.

  • Knowledge of administrative law and experience litigating complex contested cases in Oregon; in particular, before the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board.

  • Litigation experience that includes depositions, administrative subpoenas and warrants, and handling of complex contested case hearings.

  • Knowledge and experience with Oregon Public Records Law.

  • Knowledge and experience with Oregon APA rulemaking laws and processes.

  • Self-directed ability to prioritize and handle a heavy contested case load.

You may still be considered if you do not have the desired experience, however, you must demonstrate a genuine interest in developing the skills in the above-mentioned areas.  Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview.  This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Application Process

  • Follow the "Apply" link above.  Current State of Oregon applicants are asked to use their state-issued log-in to access and apply in Workday.  Using an external account disrupts the hiring process.

  • Attach your resume.

  • Attach your cover letter.

  • Attach your writing sample.

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, cover letter, and any other required documents.  Drag and drop all into Workday when prompted to upload your resume.  If you are concerned that any of your documents may not have attached to your application, please email a copy to doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Material 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 Career Worklet located on your home page.  Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates.  Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).

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.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the Department’s General Counsel Division.  We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.  Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

 

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
DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov

Phone: (503) 947-4328

Fax: (503) 373-0367