Maine
Assistant Defender I - Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
Maine, Portland, Maine, us, 04122
Overview
Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
– Cumberland County Public Defender Office (Portland) Position:
Assistant Defender I Opening Date:
September 16, 2025 Closing Date:
October 21, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Job Class Code:
0621 |
Grade:
38 |
Salary:
$102,107.20 – $144,684.80 annually |
Position Number:
146000083 The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill an Assistant Defender I position in the Cumberland County Public Defender Office based in Portland. The Cumberland County Public Defender Office is comprised of a district defender, four employed assistant 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.
Responsibilities The Assistant Defender I must have compassion for indigent clients; possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; 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 position will report to the District Defender.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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 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 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. 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).
Dental Insurance
– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
Retirement Plan
– The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards MainePERS.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, including wellness benefits. Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
Equity and Inclusion As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to belonging and an inclusive environment for applicants of all backgrounds including race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
Thinking about applying? We encourage you to apply even if you do not check every box in the posting. Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
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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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
– Cumberland County Public Defender Office (Portland) Position:
Assistant Defender I Opening Date:
September 16, 2025 Closing Date:
October 21, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Job Class Code:
0621 |
Grade:
38 |
Salary:
$102,107.20 – $144,684.80 annually |
Position Number:
146000083 The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill an Assistant Defender I position in the Cumberland County Public Defender Office based in Portland. The Cumberland County Public Defender Office is comprised of a district defender, four employed assistant 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.
Responsibilities The Assistant Defender I must have compassion for indigent clients; possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; 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 position will report to the District Defender.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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 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 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. 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).
Dental Insurance
– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
Retirement Plan
– The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards MainePERS.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, including wellness benefits. Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
Equity and Inclusion As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to belonging and an inclusive environment for applicants of all backgrounds including race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
Thinking about applying? We encourage you to apply even if you do not check every box in the posting. Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr