Assistant Defender II

Quasi-Independent Agencies; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Dental insurance

gym reimbursement

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Bangor, pairing a commitment to indigent defense with the support of a public defender office. The entry-level position welcomes recent JD graduates or students close to graduation planning to sit for the next bar exam, offering growth within a mission-driven team.

Responsibilities include research, writing, and advocacy for indigent defendants, with travel and courtroom work integral to daily duties.

Qualifications

• Must have or be in final year of a Juris Doctor program from an ABA-accredited school.
• Plan to take the next available bar exam or have license to practice in Maine within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, investigators, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing before admission to bar.
• Represent indigent criminal defendants vigorously and ethically after admission.
• Handle misdemeanor cases initially, with potential to take on less serious felonies.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case records to support effective representation.
• Research legal issues and draft clear motions supporting dispositions.
• Develop case theories aligned with facts and the law; willing to try appropriate cases.
• Travel to various locations as required; perform duties in office and courtroom settings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Trial preparation

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-approved)

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Opening Date: October 08, 2026 Closing Date: October 23, 2026 Grade / Admin Unit: 30 / Professional/Technical Job Class Code: 0622 Salary: $75,067.20 - $106,163.20/Annually Position Number: 146000044 Location: Bangor Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Overview

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender II position in the Criminal Division located in Bangor. We are looking for a criminal defense lawyer or a law student planning to take the February or July 2027 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, coursework, 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

• 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.

Representative Tasks

• Researches questions of law to ensure legal interpretations and subsequent actions are correct.
• Coordinates defense strategies with defendants to ensure potential issues are addressed prior to trial.
• Represents defendants before the prosecutors and jury to present and defend their interests.
• Prepares cases, coordinates testimony with experts, and presents cases before the courts to obtain decisions or opinions from local, state, and appellate courts.
• Coordinates the execution of legal services with other attorneys to exchange information and prepare for trials and settlements.

Knowledge, 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 or be enrolled in the final year of a Juris Doctor program.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Maine or sit for the next available bar exam, or if seeking Admission by Motion, become licensed within 12 months of hire.

Contact Information

For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact [e-mail] The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

Benefits

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

Company Culture

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. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.