Public Defender Assistant II — Indigent Defense (Caribou)

MaineGuide; Caribou, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Parental leave

13 paid holidays

Vacation leave

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Caribou. The role supports attorneys pre-bar and, after licensure, defends indigent defendants in all case stages, with travel required for court appearances.

First-year attorneys may handle misdemeanors and some felonies as appropriate. Candidates should have a JD or be in the final year, be eligible for Maine bar, and share commitment to exemplary representation in the public defender system.

Qualifications

• Requires Juris Doctor or final year of JD program.
• Licensed to practice law in Maine or sit for next available bar exam, or Admission by Motion within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing before admission exam.
• Represent indigent defendants after being licensed, vigorously and ethically.
• Handle misdemeanor and select felony cases as appropriate.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case notes.
• Research legal issues and draft motions.
• Develop case theory consistent with facts and law.
• Travel as required for duties in office and courtroom.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Criminal defense

Research & writing

Client interviews

Discovery

Motions drafting

Courtroom advocacy

Team leadership

Lexis/Nexis/Westlaw

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks an Assistant Defender II in Caribou. The role supports attorneys pre-bar and, after licensure, defends indigent defendants in all case stages, with travel required for court appearances.

First-year attorneys may handle misdemeanors and some felonies as appropriate. Candidates should have a JD or be in the final year, be eligible for Maine bar, and share commitment to exemplary representation in the public defender system.