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Assistant Defender I - Portland - Agency Only
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If you are a current State of Maine employee, you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM, contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.
Comment: This job profile will most likely need it's own comp grade. This is part of a new company 09510 MAINE COMM ON INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICESMaine Commission on Public Defense Services
Casco Bay Region Public Defender Office (Portland)
Assistant Defender I - Agency Only
Opening Date: December 1, 2025
Closing Date: December 12, 2025
Job Class Code: 0621
Grade: 38
Salary: $102,107.20 – $144,684.80/Annually
Position Number: 146000085
The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one (1) Assistant Defender I position in the Casco Bay Region Public Defender Office based in Portland.
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 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.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
- Assists in supervising and overseeing office operations and workflow to assist in achieving CILS mission, goals, and objectives.
- Directs and oversees staff research into or researches complex questions of law to ensure legal interpretations and subsequent actions are correct.
- Plans, organizes, coordinates, and establishes assignment priorities with District Defender to ensure adequate case coverage and quality of legal services.
- Coordinates defense strategies with defendants to ensure potential issues are addressed prior to trial.
- Represents defendants before the prosecutors and jury to present and defend their interests.
- Prepares cases, coordinates testimony with experts, and presents highly complex cases before the courts to obtain decisions or opinions from local, state, and appellate courts.
- Advises CILS staff and attorneys on specialized legal issues to provide legal advice and technical assistance.
- Coordinates the execution of legal services with other attorneys to exchange information and prepare for trials and settlements.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine. The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in indigent defense. Five years of relevant experience is preferred.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume.
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.
CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov
The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required ) as a condition of employment .
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
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 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 18.91 % 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.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
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If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
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