Assistant Defender II

State of Maine; Idaho; On-site; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services in Caribou seeks an Assistant Defender II to join the Criminal Division. The ideal candidate is a criminal defense lawyer or law student planning to take the February or July 2027 bar exam, with a JD and commitment to exemplary representation for the accused.

Entry-level position offering growth within a public defender office, with travel and collaboration with attorneys, investigators, and staff.

Qualifications

• JD degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Plan to take the next bar exam (Feb 2027 or Jul 2027) or be licensed to practice law.
• Strong planning/organizational skills; self-directed; able to work with a defense team.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing prior to bar admission.
• Represent indigent defendants in all aspects of cases after licensing, vigorously and ethically.
• Handle misdemeanor cases first, then select felony cases as appropriate.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case notes for proper representation.
• Research legal issues and draft clear motions.
• Learn case through discovery and investigations to advise clients.
• Develop a theory of the case consistent with facts and law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties include office and courtroom work; travel is required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Trial prep

Indigent defense

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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: 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.

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.

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