Assistant Attorney General (Civil Recovery Section)

Initial Posting Date:

11/25/2025

Application Deadline:

12/29/2025

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$8,842 - $17,168

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Assistant Attorney General (Civil Recovery Section)

Job Description:

Civil Enforcement Division, Civil Recovery Section

Duties and Responsibilities

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking an experienced civil litigator to join the Civil Recovery Section of the Civil Enforcement Division. This position may be based in our Salem or Portland offices, with opportunities for remote work.  The Civil Recovery Section represents all state agencies, boards, and commissions in a broad plaintiff-side civil litigation practice. Section attorneys also represent the state in probate, collections and bankruptcy proceedings. 

The successful applicant will have a unique opportunity to work on wildfire investigations and cost recovery litigation.  The Civil Recovery Section represents the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon State Fire Marshal, and other state agencies in recovering wildfire-related costs.   This work will allow the successful applicant to develop strong client relationships and build cases from the ground up. The successful applicant will assist agencies in investigating the origins and causes of wildfires, work with investigators and other experts, and engage in investigative discovery (including investigative depositions) to identify a responsible party.  When a responsible party is identified, the successful applicant will represent state agencies in litigation to recover their wildfire-related costs and damages.

In addition to wildfire work, the successful applicant may also work in other types of cases within the Civil Recovery Section, including claims arising from:

• Contracts.

• Damage to State Property.

• Fraud and Overpayments.

• Injunctive Relief.

• Real Property Disputes.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Michael Grant, Attorney-in-Charge, Civil Recovery Section, at 503-934-4400.

Required

• Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar by the time of appointment.

• At least five (5) years of experience in civil litigation in Oregon state or federal court, including first chair trial experience and experience in torts, contracts, real property and/or commercial litigation.

• Possess superior analytical, advocacy, research, verbal communication, and writing skills.

• Strong work ethic.

• Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions.

• Collaborative work history with lawyers and non-lawyers.

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

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

Desired Experience

• Experience representing clients in wildfire investigations and cost recovery litigation is preferred, but is not required.

• Experience communicating directly with clients and managing client relationships.

• Experience negotiating and resolving claims brought in civil actions, including multi-party settlement negotiations.

• Commercial and other complex litigation experience is a plus.

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 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 (not to exceed seven pages) 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 $8,842.00 - $17,168.00 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 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.

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 Civil Enforcement 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