Assistant Defender II

Quasi-Independent Agencies; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking an Assistant Defender II for the Criminal Division. Location will be Augusta, Bangor, or Caribou based on applicant location.

This entry-level role targets new graduates or attorneys planning to take the next bar exam, committed to providing exemplary representation for people charged with crimes. Responsibilities include legal research, pre- and post-bar representation, and travel between locations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from ABA-approved school.
• Licensed or eligible to practice law in Maine.
• Pass required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research and drafting support before admission to bar.
• Represent indigent defendants in all aspects of cases after admission.
• Handle misdemeanor and select felony cases.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case records.
• Develop case theories and provide sound legal advice to clients.
• Travel as required; work in office and courtroom settings.

Skills

Maine law

State & federal law

Legal principles

Litigation

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Team leadership

Legal drafting

Interpersonal skills

Research tools (Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw)

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-approved)

Tools

LexisNexis/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. . Maine Commission on Public Defense Services Opening Date: August 28, 2026 Closing Date: September 21, 2026 Grade / Admin Unit: 30 / Professional/Technical Job Class Code: 0622 Salary: $71,843.20 - $101,587.20/Annually Position Number: 200025236 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 II position in the Criminal Division. Location to be determined between Augusta, Bangor or Caribou, depending on applicant’s location. We are looking for a criminal defense lawyer or a law student planning to take the July bar exam who is committed to the mission of providing exemplary representation for people accused of crimes. This is a unique opportunity to join a public defender office that is part of a larger movement in Maine to transform indigent defense. This is an entry level position, but we are looking for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. This can be through a combination of employment, course work, and internships. The ideal candidate recently completed or will complete all coursework at an ABA accredited law school to receive a JD degree and plans to take the next available bar exam or has recently received their license to practice law. This individual exhibits exceptional planning/organizational skills, is self-directed and comfortable working with their defense team which includes attorneys, investigators, and office administrative staff.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prior to passing the bar exam, you will assist attorneys representing defendants by providing support such as legal research and writing.
• After being sworn in as a licensed attorney, you will represent indigent criminal defendants in all aspects of their cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• First year attorneys generally being with misdemeanor cases but can quickly begin taking less serious felony cases as appropriate.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
• Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develop a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

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.
• 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.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Licensed or 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.

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:

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• 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.