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Habeas Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Law Clerk

Salem, OR · On-site

$7.0K - $8.1K/mo

It also has discretionary review in certain types of cases (such as mandamus, habeas corpus, and certified questions) and has mandatory review of other types of cases (such as death penalty appeals ...

Habeas information

What is a habeas job?

Habeas jobs typically refer to legal positions or roles related to habeas corpus, which is a legal procedure to determine if a person's imprisonment or detention is lawful. Professionals in this field, such as lawyers or paralegals, work on cases that challenge the legality of a person's detention, often in criminal or immigration contexts. These jobs require strong research, writing, and advocacy skills, as they involve preparing petitions, representing clients in court, and analyzing complex legal issues. Habeas practitioners play a crucial role in protecting individuals' rights to fair treatment under the law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a habeas corpus attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Habeas Corpus Attorney, you need a strong foundation in constitutional law, criminal procedure, legal research, and an accredited law degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and appellate filing procedures is essential. Exceptional critical thinking, persuasive writing, and strong advocacy skills make someone stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively challenging unlawful detentions and ensuring clients' constitutional rights are protected.

What are some common challenges faced by attorneys handling habeas corpus cases?

Attorneys working on habeas corpus cases often encounter challenges such as navigating complex procedural rules and strict filing deadlines, as well as gathering and presenting new evidence that was not available during the original trial. They may also need to conduct in-depth legal research and develop persuasive arguments to demonstrate a violation of constitutional rights. Collaboration with investigators, experts, and sometimes family members of the petitioner is common, making strong communication and organizational skills essential. Additionally, these cases can be emotionally demanding due to the high stakes involved for clients.

What is the difference between Habeas vs Paralegal?

AspectHabeasParalegal
Required CredentialsLegal education, often a law degree or specialized trainingAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, or detention facilitiesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal system, criminal justice, civil rightsLegal support roles across various law sectors

Habeas and paralegals both work within the legal field, but Habeas focuses on legal petitions related to unlawful detention, requiring specialized legal knowledge. Paralegals assist lawyers with case preparation and legal research. While Habeas practitioners often have legal credentials and work directly in courts, paralegals support legal teams across multiple practice areas. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the legal industry.

What job categories do people searching Habeas jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Habeas jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Habeas jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Habeas job openings:

Infographic showing various Habeas job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Litigation Unit

Jobtailor

Salem, OR • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

  • Defend Oregon’s Department of Corrections and its officers and employees in civil lawsuits filed by current and former Adults in Custody
  • Independently manage a high-volume, fast-paced caseload in Oregon state and federal trial courts
  • Handle state habeas matters, civil torts, and mandamus cases
  • Litigate federal cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
  • Research and write on novel areas of constitutional law
  • Regularly appear in court and try cases as appropriate
  • Write and argue motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment
  • Balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining client communication
  • Take appropriate cases to trial while recognizing cases best suited for reasonable settlement
  • Mentor less-experienced attorneys
  • Contribute to strategic decisions affecting the entire unit
  • Travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial
Requirements
  • At least ten (10) years of experience litigating civil actions in state or federal court as an attorney or comparable experience
  • Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar prior to appointment, or reciprocity in progress at the time of application
  • Experience writing and arguing motions to dismiss or motions for summary judgment in state or federal court
  • Active interest in litigation and willingness to take appropriate cases to trial
  • Ability to balance frequent court appearances and an active motions practice while maintaining excellent client communication
  • High level of professionalism and collegiality
  • Willingness and availability to travel throughout Oregon for court appearances when in trial
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Experience litigating civil rights claims
  • Civil trial experience
  • Experience taking and defending depositions in state or federal court actions
  • Resume, cover letter, and writing sample of no more than seven pages required for application, except writing sample may not be needed for current Oregon DOJ attorneys
Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive experience in civil litigation, particularly in state and federal courts, with strong capabilities in writing and arguing motions. Proven ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining client communication and professionalism.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Civil Litigation Experience
  • Motions Practice
  • Trial Experience
  • Research and Writing Skills
  • Oregon State Bar Membership
ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills
  • Litigating Civil Actions
  • Writing Motions to Dismiss
  • Arguing Motions for Summary Judgment
  • Handling State Habeas Matters
  • Civil Torts Litigation
  • Mandamus Cases
  • Civil Rights Claims Litigation
  • Taking and Defending Depositions
  • Trial Preparation
  • Constitutional Law Research
Soft Skills
  • Client Communication
  • Professionalism
  • Collegiality
  • Mentoring
  • Strategic Decision-Making
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Active Membership in Oregon State Bar
Industry Keywords
  • Federal Constitution
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
  • Oregon State Courts
  • Federal Courts
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