Assistant Attorney General – Child Advocacy, Protection

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Provide comprehensive legal advice and litigation services to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • United StatesJunior💰 $9,063 - $17,597 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in juvenile dependency law and litigation, with strong oral advocacy skills and the ability to manage a high-volume workload. Capable of providing legal advice and representation while collaborating effectively with agency clients and support teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Oregon State Bar MembershipJuvenile Dependency LawOral Advocacy ProficiencyHigh-Volume Litigation ManagementCriminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Eligibility

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Litigation ServicesDependency PracticeFamily LawJudicial ClerkshipCriminal MattersOregon Rules of EvidenceTrial PreparationLegal ResearchCase ManagementCourt Representation

Soft Skills

CollaborationTeamworkCommunicationTime ManagementAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Oregon State Bar MembershipValid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Child Welfare ProgramChild AbuseNeglect CasesCourt AppearancesCivil ProceedingsCriminal ProceedingsAgency-Client CollaborationFast-Paced Work EnvironmentTrial Materials TransportOvernight Travel

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide comprehensive legal advice and litigation services to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program
Handle all phases of juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases
Advise ODHS regarding child safety and improve outcomes for children and families in child abuse and neglect cases
Make frequent court appearances, including short hearings and multi-day complex trials
Build a litigation practice in juvenile dependency law as an entry-level attorney
Collaborate with agency-client representatives and internal support staff teams
Manage a fast-paced, high-volume litigation workload
Travel frequently to court and client offices, potentially including overnight stays
Represent the State of Oregon and state agencies in civil and criminal proceedings

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or reciprocity actively pending
Minimum of one year of practical legal experience in dependency practice, delinquency, family law, judicial clerkship, or litigating criminal matters within the past seven years
Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility
Demonstrated oral advocacy proficiency
Practical knowledge of the Oregon Rules of Evidence or successful completion of law school Evidence course
Willingness and availability to travel, including possible overnight stays
Valid driver’s license
Ability to independently transport substantial hearing or trial materials to court and client offices
Familiarity and experience with Oregon juvenile dependency law
Expertise managing a high-volume workload
Ability to balance administrative obligations, advice requirements, and fast-paced litigation practice
Experience working in a team-supported environment
Resume, cover letter, and writing sample required; writing sample not required for attorneys currently working at the Oregon Department of Justice

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid remote work schedule
Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participation; base salary increased by 6.95% for participating members
PERS retirement plan with 6% employee contribution
Equal opportunity and workplace diversity commitment
Accommodation support during interviews and application process