The Oregon Department of Justice is accepting applications for our 2026 Honors Attorney Program. Placement will begin September 2026 following a comprehensive recruitment and evaluation process. Depending on assignment, selected candidates may be located in one of our Salem or Portland offices. Hybrid/remote options may be available for in-state candidates.

Program

The Oregon Department of Justice Honors Attorneys Program is designed to provide recent law school graduates, who have not yet engaged in the practice of law, the opportunity to gain public law experience. Honors Attorney will be assigned to work on ongoing cases or client advice, and will have the opportunity to work on some of the most pressing issues facing Oregon. Whether you are interested in complex litigation, criminal law, defending state agency orders in administrative hearings, protecting Oregon’s children, or constitutional issues, the Honors Attorney Program enables new attorneys to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in a wide range of legal disciplines alongside more experienced attorneys. As an employee of the Oregon Department of Justice, you will work with talented and dedicated attorneys and staff to represent the State of Oregon and its people.

Program Details

Honors Attorney serve as Assistant Attorneys General for two years. Honors Attorneys typically rotate from one division to another after their first year, enabling them to obtain a breadth of experience in diverse areas of the law and to work with colleagues from different divisions in the office. This is a limited duration position from September 2026 through August 2028. Participants are eligible to apply for permanent positions with the department after completing their first year in the program, but they should not expect the Honors program appointment to extend beyond two years.

Oregon Department of Justice

With more than 1600 dedicated employees, including over 400 exceptional attorneys, the Oregon Department of Justice is the largest law firm in Oregon. Our goal is to be the best public law office in the nation. We are committed to finding, developing, and retaining the finest legal professionals. We offer our employees a challenging, fun, and rewarding work environment with great benefits–resulting in a satisfying career. Because of our size and the volume of legal work, we are able to entrust each attorney with an appropriate level of responsibility, helping people work productively by facilitating growth and development of their knowledge and skills. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings. Your backgrounds and insights help us grow and succeed in our mission. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to justice and motivated to work hard on important legal matters on behalf of Oregonians.

Assistant Attorneys General, acting on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and officers and agencies of the State in most administrative and civil proceedings, all juvenile dependency proceedings and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues facing our state. Assistant Attorneys General work in virtually every area of legal practice including protecting children, prosecuting crimes, defending criminal convictions, protecting consumers and older Oregonians, protecting our natural resources, fighting discrimination, defending the state and state employees, and providing legal advice and counsel to state agencies, boards and commissions, as well as elected officials. This work makes a difference daily to the people of Oregon and provides unparalleled career satisfaction and professional opportunities.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values of the Oregon Department of Justice. As such, we focus on building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment. Every employee contributes to our diversity through varied background, experiences and perspectives. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Oregon Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity. Veterans’ preference is recognized as provided by law.

Required Attributes

• Must be a recent law school graduate–includes those who are serving as judicial clerks. Applicants who have already practiced law are not eligible.
• Must be admitted to the Oregon Bar, (or anticipate being admitted shortly after appointment in September 2026) and be eligible to practice law in Oregon courts by or soon after September 2026.

In reviewing applications for Honors Attorney positions, the Department considers many factors, including: individual background and perspective, commitment to diversity and equity, contributions to an inclusive work environment, enthusiasm for public service, along with educational achievements, class standing and written work. Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the Honors Attorney position will be invited to interview. Application materials may also be reviewed and evaluated for presentation, content, clarity, grammar, spelling, and applicable knowledge and skills.

How To Apply

• Click “Apply” and complete the online application and all supplemental questions. (You do not need to complete the Education or Work History sections. Your resume will be used.)
• Attach Your Letter of Interest.
• Attach Your Resume.
• Attach Your Most Recent Law School Transcript.
• Attach Your Writing Sample. (One that reflects your work. Please do not submit published judicial opinions) 
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. (From persons acquainted with your legal work.)

An application missing any of the above items is incomplete and may not be considered. 

Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be sent separately if you do not have them at the time of application. Please send them by email to DOJ.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov no later than end of day, September 21, 2025.

Apply here!

https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem–DOJ–Justice-Building/XMLNAME-2026-DOJ-Honors-Attorney-Program_REQ-185403