Assistant Defender I

Location: Bangor,Maine,United States

MAINE COMMISSION ON PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES

HIGHLANDS REGION PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE

Opening Date: Jauary 14, 2025

Closing Date:  January 29, 2025

Job Class Code: 0621
Grade: 38
Salary: $102,107.20 - $144,684.80/Annually
Position Number: 146000069

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Highlands Region Public Defender Office based in Bangor.

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide efficient, high-quality representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Highlands Region Public Defender Office will be comprised of a district defender, five employed defenders and three support staff members, with the possibility that additional positions could be added in the future. The ability to telework at times is available.

JOB DUTIES

The Assistant Defender I must have compassion for indigent clients; possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, and apply applicable law to those facts; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.  

The Assistant Defender I will be responsible for trying cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handling their own appeals to the Law Court as well as second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II. The Assistant Defender I is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties. The Assistant Defender I position will report to the District Defender. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school, demonstrated competency in indigent defense.
• The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in indigent defense. Five years of relevant experience is preferred.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Maine driver’s license.

Please apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references with your application.

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Jim Billings at jim.billings@maine.gov. 

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

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 Fit – 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 employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  <