Litigation Attorney

Steve Smith; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

Steve Smith Trial Lawyers in Maine is seeking newly licensed attorneys and recent law graduates to gain real litigation experience from day one, supported by a seasoned team.

You’ll work closely with experienced trial attorneys, handling cases with a dedicated paralegal and intake staff to help you grow into an independent litigator. A collaborative culture emphasizes mentoring, growth, and client-focused results.

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing to practice in Maine.
• 0-3 years of legal experience.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Clear, professional communication with clients, colleagues, and the court.
• Eagerness to learn, take feedback, and grow into an independent litigator.
• Interest in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense in Maine.

Responsibilities

• Support and progressively manage a caseload in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Appear in court for hearings, conferences, and mediations, building toward trial work.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlement documents.
• Assist with case strategy, trial preparation, and negotiations.
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and intake staff to move cases forward efficiently.
• Participate in firm training, CLEs, and community engagement opportunities.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Client communication

Eagerness to learn

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Ready to start your legal career in the courtroom- not buried in a back office? Steve Smith Trial Lawyers is hiring newly licensed attorneys and recent law graduates who want real litigation experience from day one, backed by experienced trial lawyers and a full support staff.

About Steve Smith Trial Lawyers

Founded in 2020, Steve Smith Trial Lawyers has become one of Maine’s fastest-growing litigation firms- expanding from Augusta to Portland and recently into Bangor. Our team has decades of combined experience in family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, probate, and more. We’ve built a reputation on aggressive advocacy, client-focused results, and a collaborative team culture that helps attorneys do their best work.

We pride ourselves on being a firm where attorneys are supported with a dedicated team of paralegals, intake specialists, and staff who handle the details so you can focus on strategy and advocacy.

That structure matters even more early in your career. Instead of sinking into administrative work, you’ll spend your time learning the craft of litigation alongside attorneys who want to see you succeed.

Why Join Us?

• You’ll be mentored. Learn directly from experienced trial attorneys through case collaboration, courtroom observation, and regular feedback.
• You’ll be supported. Paralegals and intake professionals handle the details so you can focus on developing your skills.
• You’ll get real experience. Get into court early, with responsibility that grows as your confidence and skills do.
• You’ll grow with us. We’re expanding into new markets, and there is a clear path to take on your own caseload and a larger role.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for motivated, newly licensed attorneys with a strong interest in family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense. You don’t need years of experience- you need drive, sound judgment, and a desire to become an excellent trial lawyer.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and progressively manage a caseload in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense under the guidance of senior attorneys
• Appear in court for hearings, conferences, and mediations, building toward trial work
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlement documents
• Assist with case strategy, trial preparation, and negotiations
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and intake staff to move cases forward efficiently
• Participate in firm training, CLEs, and community engagement opportunities

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing to practice in Maine
• 0-3 years of legal experience
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Clear, professional communication with clients, colleagues, and the court
• Eagerness to learn, take feedback, and grow into an independent litigator
• Interest in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense in Maine

What’s In It for You

• Competitive pay - $85,000-105,000
• Performance-based monthly bonuses
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (employee coverage)
• Dental and vision
• $25,000 employer-covered life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• 3 weeks PTO12 paid holidays
• Structured mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• CLE and professional development support
• Flexible scheduling and remote work options when appropriate
• A strong, full-time support staff of paralegals and intake professionals
• Supportive, team-oriented culture that values your growth