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.
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Jose Klein, Chief Trial Counsel, by e-mail at jose.klein@doj.oregon.gov or at 503-385-6635; or Carla Scott, SLU Attorney-in-Charge, at 503-798-1664.
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Assistant Attorney General (Special Litigation Unit)
Closes August 18, 2026 at 11:58 p.m.
