Assistant Defender II (Multiple Vacancies) Repost

Location: Bangor,Maine,United States

MAINE COMMISSION ON PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES

Assistant Defender II – Penobscot/Piscataquis Public Defender Office (3 positions)

Opening Date: June 10, 2024

Closing Date: June 25, 2024

Job Class Code: 0622

Range 30

Salary: $69,742.40 - $94,827.20/Annually

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill three (3) Assistant Defender II positions in the Penobscot/Piscataquis Public Defender Office.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A Law degree from an accredited law school and experience practicing law in a field directly related to area of assignment.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.

Preference will be given to those with a juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and be licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine. The applicant should have a demonstrated interested in criminal defense. Some criminal law experience is preferred.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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

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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 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. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (Maine