Assistant Defender II

Quasi-Independent Agencies; Virginia; On-site; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Vacation Leave

Retirement Plan

Student Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II to join the Criminal Division in Augusta. The role targets a criminal defense lawyer or JD candidate planning to sit the next bar exam, committed to exemplary representation for those accused of crimes.

We value self-direction, organizational skills, and the ability to work with a defense team that includes attorneys, investigators, and staff. Entry level with growth potential, travel required.

Qualifications

• JD required or enrolled in final year and plan to take the next bar exam.
• Strong planning, organizational skills, and self-direction in a defense team.
• Interest in representing indigent defendants with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing before bar admission.
• Represent indigent defendants in all aspects of cases after licensure.
• Handle misdemeanor cases initially, with potential for minor felonies.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case notes and records.
• Develop case theories aligned with facts and law.
• Travel is required; duties occur in both office and courtroom settings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Indigent defense knowledge

Courtroom experience

Education

Juris Doctor degree (ABA approved)

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

Opening Date: October 26, 2026 Closing Date: November 09, 2026 Grade / Admin Unit: 30 / Professional/Technical Job Class Code: 0622 Salary: $75,067.20 - $106,163.20 Location: Augusta

Description

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender II position in the Criminal Division located in Augusta. 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

• 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.

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.
• 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. 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.

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.

Workplace Philosophy

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Diversity Statement

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.

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.