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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services Opening Date: September 29, 2026
Closing Date: October 20, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 38 / Professional / Technical
Job Class Code: 0621
Salary: $102,107.20 - $144,684.80 / Annually
Position Number: 146000083
Location: Bangor or Ellsworth
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.OVERVIEW: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.
DESCRIPTION: 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.
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 American Bar Association (ABA) approved school, demonstrated competency in indigent defense.
Preference will be given to those with:- Five years of relevant experience is preferred.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 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.
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.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