Assistant Defender II

MaineGuide; Caribou, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 75.000 - 106.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health Insurance

Parental leave

13 paid holidays

Vacation leave

Student loan forgiveness

Zusammenfassung

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Caribou. The role supports attorneys pre-bar and, after licensure, defends indigent defendants in all case stages, with travel required for court appearances.

First-year attorneys may handle misdemeanors and some felonies as appropriate. Candidates should have a JD or be in the final year, be eligible for Maine bar, and share commitment to exemplary representation in the public defender system.

Qualifikationen

• Requires Juris Doctor or final year of JD program.
• Licensed to practice law in Maine or sit for next available bar exam, or Admission by Motion within 12 months.

Aufgaben

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing before admission exam.
• Represent indigent defendants after being licensed, vigorously and ethically.
• Handle misdemeanor and select felony cases as appropriate.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case notes.
• Research legal issues and draft motions.
• Develop case theory consistent with facts and law.
• Travel as required for duties in office and courtroom.

Kenntnisse

Legal knowledge

Criminal defense

Research & writing

Client interviews

Discovery

Motions drafting

Courtroom advocacy

Team leadership

Lexis/Nexis/Westlaw

Ausbildung

Juris Doctor

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Legal Research Tools

Jobbeschreibung

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: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:200025238

Location: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 in Caribou. 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. 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.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS:

• 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.

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.
• 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.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:

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/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS:

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: [e-mail]

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 theState.
• 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 payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of theemployee.
• 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 daycareexpenses.
• 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 ouremployeeassistanceprogram.
• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptiveparents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leaveAdditional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation–Saveadditionalpre-taxfunds for retirement inaMaineSaves457(b)account through payrolldeductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additionalwellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may varysomewhat 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. Applicantsdemonstratejob 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, sexualorientationor gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familialstatusor genetics.