Assistant Defender I

maine; Norway; Presencial; NOK 1.008.000 - 1.428.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender I for the Parents Defense Division in Portland. Travel to outlying courts may be required.

The role supports high-quality, state-funded representation for indigent clients and works under the Parent Counsel District Defender. The candidate should possess strong writing, interviewing, and organizational skills, and be prepared for potential appellate work and independent, collaborative work in a supportive office

Formación

• Juris Doctor degree from ABA-approved school.
• Demonstrated competency in indigent defense including trials and/or contested hearings.
• Licensed or eligible to practice law in Maine within one year of hire.

Responsabilidades

• Represent parents whose children have been taken into custody or are at risk of custody.
• Attend meetings between department and client; assist client access services for family reunification.
• Prepare motions, pleadings, and conduct witness examinations; argue openings and closings.

Conocimientos

Legal knowledge

Analytical reasoning

Effective communication

Legal writing

Litigation experience

Research skills

Team leadership

Negotiation

Tech literacy (Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw)

Educación

Juris Doctor degree

Herramientas

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Descripción del empleo

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Opening Date: October 20, 2026

Closing Date: November 3, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 38 / Professional/Technical

Job Class Code: 0621

Salary: $106,704.00 - $151,195.20/Annually

Position Number: 200025244

Location: Portland

OVERVIEW

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Parents Defense Division located in Portland. Some travel to outlying courts will be required. PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Assistant Defender I will work under the supervision of the Parent Counsel District Defender and will share office space with the PDS Criminal Public Defender office, which is comprised of a district defender, criminal defenders, and support staff.

JOB DUTIES

The Assistant Defender I will represent parents whose children have been taken into custody, or are at risk of being taken into custody, by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The candidate must have compassion for indigent clients, many of whom are experiencing or have experienced trauma and barriers to services and support. The candidate must possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules and regulations, and apply applicable law to the facts and situation; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute effective litigation strategies to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner. There is potential for some appellate work, which would include filing appellate briefs, responses, and possible oral arguments in front of the Law Court. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

The Assistant Defender I is expected to attend meetings between the Department and the client, assist the client access services and supports in furtherance of family reunification, file appropriate motions and pleadings, and try cases in District Court. The Assistant Defender I is expected to meet with and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties and will also second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II at times. The Assistant Defender I position reports to the Parents Counsel District Defender.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of applicable Maine law and legal system.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and protocol.
• Knowledge of litigation and legal counseling methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of advanced investigative techniques.
• Ability to analyze and interpret facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at logical conclusions.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and settlements.
• Ability to lead and guide a legal team.
• Ability to prepare complex briefs and other legal documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to operate a computer within an intelligent workstation including using Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school and demonstrated competency in indigent defense including having conducted trials and/or contested testimonial hearings.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine and be admitted to the Maine Bar within one year of hire.

The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.