Assistant Defender I

MaineGuide; Bangor, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender I to handle criminal defense work in Waldo County and nearby courts. Location will be Bangor or Ellsworth, with travel to outlying courts as needed.

The ideal candidate has a JD from an ABA‑accredited school, is licensed or able to become licensed in Maine, and shows strong advocacy, writing, and organizational skills. Background checks are required.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA‑approved school; demonstrated competency in indigent defense.
• Licensed to practice law in Maine or ability to become licensed in Maine.
• Pass background checks (fingerprint may be required).
• Preference for five years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Try cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handle appeals to the Law Court.
• Serve as first chair and second chair in various criminal matters.
• Meet with clients in jail promptly and communicate regularly with clients and approved parties.
• Work independently and collaboratively under the District Defender.

Skills

Legal research

Indigent defense

Litigation

Written communication

Oral advocacy

Case management

Interviewing

Courtroom procedures

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Opening Date:September 29, 2026

Closing Date:October 13, 2026

Grade/ Admin Unit:38/ Professional / Technical

Job Class Code:0621
Salary:$102,107.20 - $144,684.80 / Annually
Position Number:146000083

Location: Bangor or Ellsworth

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

OVERVIEW:

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Criminal Division to handle cases in Waldo County and other courts served by the office. Office location to be determined between Bangor or Ellsworth, depending on applicant’s location. Some travel to outlying courts will be required.

DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Defender I must have compassion for indigent clients; possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, and apply applicable law to those facts; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute an effective litigation strategy 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. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

The Assistant Defender I will be responsible for trying cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handling their own appeals to the Law Court as well as second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II. The Assistant Defender I is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties. The Assistant Defender I position will report to the District Defender.

KNOWLEDGES,SKILLS,ANDABILITIESREQUIRED:

• 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.

Preference will be given to those with:

• Five years of relevant experience is preferred.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums($11,857.68-$13,950.24annual 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 leaveis 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.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

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.

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