District Defender - Agency Only

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.

DESCRIPTION : This is professional services work of a managerial nature within the Commission on Indigent Legal Services in directing and overseeing legal services for eligible defendants. Work includes directing a professional and technical staff, overseeing the defense’s legal activities, and presenting highly complex and high-profile cases before the courts and other judicial bodies. Work is performed under administrative direction.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS : (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, reviews, and oversees legal services staff and operations to provide subject matter expertise, control attorneys’ caseloads, establish priorities, and ensure program objectives and standards are established and attained.
• Determines need for, and requests staff, material, and resources for the operation of the commission to ensure defendants’ legal service needs are satisfied.
• Develops and implements new and revised policies and procedures within the district to respond to changing legal requirements, objectives, priorities, and to improve the effectiveness of legal services.
• Provides counsel to the Commission’s attorneys in legal matters concerning complex and high-profile cases to define legal options and recommend sound legal actions.
• Represents defendants before the courts in high profile cases to present cases and protect defendants’ interests.
• Prepares cases, coordinates testimony with experts, and presents highly complex and high-profile cases before the courts to obtain decisions or opinions from state, federal, and appellate courts.
• Manages and oversees provision of all legal services to ensure legal requirements are met in a timely, effective, and efficient manner.
• Implements and complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED : (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

- Knowledge of applicable Maine law and legal system.

- Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

- Knowledge of civil, criminal, administrative, and contract law.

- Knowledge of judicial processes and procedures.

- Knowledge of administrative management principles and practices.

- Knowledge of legislative processes.

- Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, and rules of evidence.

- Knowledge of advanced investigative techniques.

- Ability to analyze and interpret facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at logical conclusions.

- Ability to develop convincing testimony and arguments.

- Ability to direct, coordinate, and appraise the work activities of subordinate legal staff.

- Ability to set forth findings of facts and decisions clearly and concisely.

- Ability to interpret and explain laws, rules, and legal findings, and assess their impact on a case.

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

Law Degree from an accredited Law school and extensive experience in legal practice including experience in a supervisory capacity, criminal defense, and working on technical, analytical, and high-profile cases.

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.

EXAM PLAN : (This must be successfully completed by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

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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.