Assistant Defender I

No Address - Bangormid

Other

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.

Requirements Summary

A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school, demonstrated competency in indigent defense.

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The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Criminal Division to handle cases in Waldo County and other courts served by the office. Office location to be determined between Bangor or Ellsworth, depending on applicant’s location. Some travel to outlying courts will be required.

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.

Knowledge of applicable Maine law and legal system.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and protocol.
Knowledge of litigation and legal counseling methods and techniques.
Knowledge of advanced investigative techniques.
Ability to analyze and interpret facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at logical conclusions.
Ability to negotiate contracts and settlements.
Ability to lead and guide a legal team.
Ability to prepare complex briefs and other legal documents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to operate a computer within an intelligent workstation including using Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, etc.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to write clearly and effectively.

Requirements

~1 min read

A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school, demonstrated competency in indigent defense.

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

Five years of relevant experience is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional references.

In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

What We Offer

~3 min read

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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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.

✓Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

✓Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).

✓Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

✓Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

✓Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

✓Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

✓Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

✓Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

✓Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE