Senior Litigation Attorney – 5+ Years’ Experience

STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employer-paid health insurance

Dental and vision

Life insurance

401(k) with employer match

12 paid holidays

CLE and development support

Flexible scheduling and remote work

Paralegal and intake staff support

Leadership opportunities

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Steve Smith Trial Lawyers in Maine is seeking seasoned litigators to manage their own caseloads, lead in the courtroom, and contribute to the firm's growth. Applicants should have 5+ years of experience across family law, civil litigation, or criminal defense, with strong advocacy and writing skills.

You’ll join a collaborative, supported team with growth opportunities, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to client results. Maine bar admission is required.

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing to practice in Maine.
• 5+ years of litigation experience in family law, civil litigation, or criminal defense.
• Substantial courtroom and trial experience.
• Strong courtroom presence, legal writing, and client communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage a caseload independently while thriving in a collaborative team.
• In-depth knowledge of Maine civil procedure, criminal rules, and/or family law standards.
• Interest in mentoring and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a diverse caseload in your primary area(s) of practice.
• Serve as lead counsel in trials, hearings, and mediations.
• Develop case strategy, negotiate, and advocate to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
• Draft and oversee pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlements.
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients.
• Mentor and guide junior attorneys, and collaborate closely with paralegal and intake staff.
• Contribute to firm-wide improvement initiatives and, if desired, business development and community engagement.

Skills

Litigation experience

Family law exposure

Courtroom advocacy

Legal writing

Client communication

Caseload management

Mentoring/leadership

Maine civil procedure knowledge

Education

Licensed to practice in Maine

Job description

Are you an experienced trial attorney ready for more autonomy, more support, and ability to help grow the firm? Steve Smith Trial Lawyers is seeking seasoned litigators to manage their own caseloads, lead in the courtroom, and help shape the future of a fast-growing Maine firm.

About Steve Smith Trial Lawyers

Founded in 2020, Steve Smith Trial Lawyers has become one of Maine's fastest-growing litigation firms - expanding rapidly from Augusta to Portland and now 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.

This structure has been a game-changer for experienced attorneys who joined us after working in firms where they felt unsupported and overwhelmed. We're building something different—and we're looking for strong attorneys to grow with us.

Why Join Us?

• You'll be supported. You'll have the resources and staff to stay focused on strategy, advocacy, and trial work.
• You'll have a voice. We value input at all levels, and senior attorneys play a direct role in shaping firm practices and growth.
• You'll lead. Mentor junior attorneys, take on leadership responsibilities, and help build our presence in new markets.
• You'll find your team. Our culture is collaborative, energetic, and driven by shared success.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking accomplished litigation attorneys with at least five years of experience in family law, civil litigation, or criminal defense. You're confident in the courtroom, strategic in your approach, and comfortable managing a full caseload with autonomy.

Whether you're looking to step into a larger role, regain work-life balance, or join a team that truly collaborates—you'll find a place here.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a diverse caseload in your primary area(s) of practice
• Serve as lead counsel in trials, hearings, and mediations
• Develop case strategy, negotiate, and advocate to achieve the best outcomes for clients
• Draft and oversee pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlements
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients
• Mentor and guide junior attorneys, and collaborate closely with paralegal and intake staff
• Contribute to firm-wide improvement initiatives and, if desired, business development and community engagement

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing to practice in Maine
• 5+ years of litigation experience in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense
• Substantial courtroom and trial experience
• Strong courtroom presence, legal writing, and client communication skills
• Proven ability to manage a caseload independently while thriving in a collaborative team
• In-depth knowledge of Maine civil procedure, criminal rules, and/or family law standards
• Interest in mentoring and leadership

What's In It for You

• Competitive pay - $110,000-$160,000
• Performance-based bonuses
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (employee coverage)
• Dental and vision
• $25,000 employer-covered life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• 12 paid holidays
• CLE and professional development support
• Flexible scheduling and remote work options when appropriate
• A strong, full-time support staff of paralegals and intake professionals
• Leadership opportunities as the firm expands
• Supportive, team-oriented culture that values your experience