Associate Attorney

McPhail Sanchez, LLC; Brunswick (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Dental coverage (employee cost-sharing

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

401(k) with employer match

Discretionary profit sharing

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Maine Legal Group is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to build a rewarding practice in family law and criminal defense. This role emphasizes courtroom advocacy, strategic problem-solving, and guiding clients through consequential moments.

This true dual-practice position offers a competitive salary of $90,000–$180,000 depending on experience, plus annual performance-based bonus opportunities. Benefits include health, vision, life, disability, and retirement options, with relocation

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active Maine Bar membership or eligibility and willingness to obtain prompt admission.
• At least two years of attorney experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contested matters, advise clients, negotiate favorable resolutions, and represent clients in court.
• Genuine interest in developing a dual-practice in family law and criminal defense.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload involving both family law and criminal defense matters.
• Advise and represent clients through all phases of a matter, from initial strategy through negotiated resolution, hearing, or trial.
• Appear in court for conferences, motion hearings, contested hearings, and trials.
• Conduct discovery, legal research, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, settlement agreements, appellate briefs, and other case-related documents.
• Negotiate effectively with opposing counsel and prosecutors while preparing each matter for litigation when necessary.
• Maintain timely, compassionate, and clear communication with clients.
• Collaborate with the firm’s attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative and leadership teams.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Negotiation

Client communication

Case management

Courtroom advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

The Maine Legal Group seeks an experienced litigation attorney to build a rewarding practice in family law and criminal defense. This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys courtroom advocacy, strategic problem-solving, and guiding clients through consequential moments.

Attorneys work from one of our core offices in Kennebunk or Brunswick and benefit from the support of a collaborative legal team, ongoing professional development opportunities, and flexibility in how they manage their work.

This is a true dual-practice position. The successful candidate must have a genuine interest in practicing both family law and criminal defense.

We Offer

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$180,000, based on experience and demonstrated capabilities, plus annual performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits including employer-paid health, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Dental coverage is available with employee cost-sharing.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and a 401(k) with employer match and discretionary profit sharing.
• Modern office technology and practice-management tools.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload involving both family law and criminal defense matters.
• Advise and represent clients through all phases of a matter, from initial strategy through negotiated resolution, hearing, or trial.
• Appear in court for conferences, motion hearings, contested hearings, and trials.
• Conduct discovery, legal research, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, settlement agreements, appellate briefs, and other case-related documents.
• Negotiate effectively with opposing counsel and prosecutors while preparing each matter for litigation when necessary.
• Maintain timely, compassionate, and clear communication with clients.
• Collaborate with the firm’s attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative and leadership teams.
• Manage deadlines, case strategy, documentation, and client expectations with a high degree of professional responsibility.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Maine Bar, or eligibility and willingness to obtain prompt admission.
• At least two years of attorney experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contested matters, advise clients, negotiate favorable resolutions, and effectively represent clients in court.
• Genuine interest in developing and maintaining an active practice in both family law and criminal defense.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, case-management, and client-communication skills.
• Ability to manage matters independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and support staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of litigation experience.
• Prior experience handling both family law and criminal defense matters.
• Significant courtroom, contested-hearing, or trial experience.
• Admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.
• Appellate or advanced motion-practice experience.