Assistant Attorney General (Business Activities Section)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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:
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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed