Public Defender: Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney

State of Maine; Idaho; On-site; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services in Caribou seeks an Assistant Defender II to join the Criminal Division. The ideal candidate is a criminal defense lawyer or law student planning to take the February or July 2027 bar exam, with a JD and commitment to exemplary representation for the accused.

Entry-level position offering growth within a public defender office, with travel and collaboration with attorneys, investigators, and staff.

Qualifications

• JD degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Plan to take the next bar exam (Feb 2027 or Jul 2027) or be licensed to practice law.
• Strong planning/organizational skills; self-directed; able to work with a defense team.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with legal research and writing prior to bar admission.
• Represent indigent defendants in all aspects of cases after licensing, vigorously and ethically.
• Handle misdemeanor cases first, then select felony cases as appropriate.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain case notes for proper representation.
• Research legal issues and draft clear motions.
• Learn case through discovery and investigations to advise clients.
• Develop a theory of the case consistent with facts and law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties include office and courtroom work; travel is required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Trial prep

Indigent defense

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services in Caribou seeks an Assistant Defender II to join the Criminal Division. The ideal candidate is a criminal defense lawyer or law student planning to take the February or July 2027 bar exam, with a JD and commitment to exemplary representation for the accused.

Entry-level position offering growth within a public defender office, with travel and collaboration with attorneys, investigators, and staff.