Public Defender - Assistant Defender II (Entry-Level)

MaineGuide; Bangor (ME); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Parental leave

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Bangor to provide exemplary representation for people accused of crimes. Entry level but demanding, the role offers exposure to indigent defense within a statewide mission and travel to courts across Maine.

Ideal candidates have completed ABA-accredited JD coursework and plan to take the next bar exam. Strong organizational, research, and writing skills are essential for diverse misdemeanor and felony work.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved school or be enrolled in the final year of a JD program.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys representing defendants with legal research and writing prior to bar admission.
• Represent indigent criminal defendants in all aspects of cases after licensure, vigorously and ethically.
• Develop case theories consistent with facts and law; conduct client interviews and maintain case notes; obtain knowledge through discovery and investigation.

Skills

Legal research

Indigent defense

Litigation

Team leadership

Negotiation

Effective communication

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-approved)

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Bangor to provide exemplary representation for people accused of crimes. Entry level but demanding, the role offers exposure to indigent defense within a statewide mission and travel to courts across Maine.

Ideal candidates have completed ABA-accredited JD coursework and plan to take the next bar exam. Strong organizational, research, and writing skills are essential for diverse misdemeanor and felony work.