Assistant Defender I

Quasi-Independent Agencies; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services invites applications for an Assistant Defender I in the Parents Defense Division. Location may shift among Augusta, Bangor, or Caribou, with travel to outlying courts as needed.

The role supports indigent clients, advocates in family matters, and collaborates with a team of defenders and staff. Strong litigation, research, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved school.
• Licensed to practice law in Maine (or able to become licensed).
• Competency in indigent defense and related practice areas.

Responsibilities

• Represent parents whose children are in the custody of the Maine DHHS.
• Conduct legal research and develop effective litigation strategies.
• Attend meetings with the Department and clients; assist access to services and supports for family reunification.
• Second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II when assigned.
• Prepare motions, pleadings, and try cases in District Court; may involve some appellate work.

Skills

Maine law

State & Federal law

Legal principles

Litigation techniques

Investigative techniques

Legal research

Oral arguments

Witness examination

Communication

Lexis/Nexis & Westlaw

Team leadership

Draft briefs

Education

Juris Doctor

Bar admission in Maine

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services (Assistant Defender I)

Opening Date: August 28, 2026

Closing Date: September 14, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 38 / Professional / Technical

Job Class Code: 0621

Salary: $102,107.20 - $144,684.80 / Annually

Position Number: 200025242

Location: Augusta, Bangor, or Caribou

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Parents Defense Division. Location to be determined between Augusta, Bangor, or Caribou, depending on applicant’s location. 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, demonstrated competency in indigent defense.

LICENSING / REGISTRATION / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE STATE OF MAINE

• No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto - "Dirigo" or "I lead" - as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.
• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

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

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact [e-mail].

ABOUT US

About Us: If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.