Assistant Attorney General - Litigation Division

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Assistant Attorney General – Litigation Division 

Opening Date:  June 26, 2025
Closing Date:  July 18, 2025     
Job Class Code:  0186
Grade:  1 
Salary:  $71,843.20 - $139,110.40/year* (Salary competitive and based upon qualifications)*
*Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General
Position # 006006025

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) has an opening for an Assistant Attorney General within the Litigation Division in the Augusta Office.  This position represents the Department of Corrections (“DOC”) in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, provides day-to-day advice to DOC, and conducts trainings for DOC staff on corrections law.  The types of cases include, but are not limited to, Rule 80C appeals, primarily of disciplinary decisions regarding prison residents, tort claims, and civil rights actions.  The civil rights actions cover a wide range of subjects, such as use of force, conditions of confinement, use of segregation, medical and mental health care, religious practice, and failure-to-protect claims.

The duties of this position include defending lawsuits brought against DOC and its employees, including motion practice, trial defense, and appeals in both state and federal courts; defending complaints alleging discrimination that prison residents have filed with the Maine Human Rights Commission; representing DOC in seeking involuntary medication orders with respect to certain prison residents; reviewing and responding to subpoenas and court orders served on DOC staff, especially as they relate to the disclosure of information about DOC prison residents and probationers; assisting OAG Criminal Division attorneys with petitions for post-conviction review and habeas corpus actions to the extent issues arise concerning DOC; assisting OAG DHHS Division attorneys obtain information and/or witnesses related to child protection cases involving a parent who is a prison resident; reviewing DOC rules; providing legal advice on such matters as legislation, contracts, sentence calculation, DOC policies and practices, prison residents’ grievances, and responses to unusual events; and providing trainings on legal issues for DOC staff, including the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s corrections law training for new DOC corrections officers, training on law enforcement powers for adult and juvenile probation officers, and training for DOC facility staff, especially for disciplinary hearing officers and grievance officers.

Office of the Attorney General, State of Maine

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing or eligible to become a member of the bar in a reasonable amount of time, have an eye for legal detail, be interested in complex state and federal litigation, have strong legal advocacy and writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team.  One to three years of legal practice with demonstrated proficiency in civil litigation and/or corrections law and litigation is preferred.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. 

Please include a resume, writing sample, three references, a copy of your Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar certification and complete the online application.

The Office of the Attorney General is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, check of criminal record and driver’s license, and status of professional license requirements, if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Deputy Attorney General Thomas Knowlton or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our BENEFITS
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 
•    Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
•    Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employ