Public Defender I — Indigent Defense Attorney

State-of-Maine; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 102,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Coverage

Retirement Plan

Parental Leave

Job summary

The State of Maine is seeking an Assistant Defender I in the Criminal Division to handle cases in Waldo County and other courts. Location will be Bangor or Ellsworth depending on applicant location, with some travel required.

The role requires strong communication, writing, and organizational skills, plus the ability to analyze facts and apply Maine law. A Juris Doctor from an ABA-approved school is required; five years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved school.
• Strong written and verbal advocacy skills required.
• Experience with indigent defense preferred; ability to conduct legal research, analyze laws, and litigate complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Try cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handle appeals to the Law Court.
• Serve as first chair and second chair with other Defender staff.
• Meet with clients in jail and maintain regular communication with clients and approved parties.
• Plan, develop, and execute litigation strategies; deliver openings, closings, and objections.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Interviewing

Organizational skills

Legal analysis

Legal research

Litigation strategy

Witness examinations

Opening/Closing statements

Legal drafting

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Juris Doctor degree (ABA approved)

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Westlaw

Job description

The State of Maine is seeking an Assistant Defender I in the Criminal Division to handle cases in Waldo County and other courts. Location will be Bangor or Ellsworth depending on applicant location, with some travel required.

The role requires strong communication, writing, and organizational skills, plus the ability to analyze facts and apply Maine law. A Juris Doctor from an ABA-approved school is required; five years of relevant experience preferred.