Assistant Defender I

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

3d•$102,107 - $144,685•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Parents Defense Division. Location to be determined between Augusta, Bangor, or Caribou, depending on applicant’s location. Some travel to outlying courts will be required. PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Assistant Defender I will work under the supervision of the Parent Counsel District Defender and will share office space with the PDS Criminal Public Defender office, which is comprised of a district defender, criminal defenders, and support staff.

Requirements

Compassion for indigent clients, many of whom are experiencing or have experienced trauma and barriers to services and support.
Strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Some travel to outlying courts will be required.
Potential for some appellate work.

Responsibilities

Represent parents whose children have been taken into custody, or are at risk of being taken into custody, by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Analyze facts, laws, rules and regulations, and apply applicable law to the facts and situation.
Conduct legal research.
Plan, develop and execute effective litigation strategies to achieve desired results.
Prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations.
Deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections.
Express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner.
File appellate briefs, responses, and possible oral arguments in front of the Law Court.
Attend meetings between the Department and the client.
Assist the client access services and supports in furtherance of family reunification.
File appropriate motions and pleadings.
Try cases in District Court.
Meet with and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties.
Second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II at times.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.06% of pay to MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave (for fathers and adoptive parents as well)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
Additional wellness benefits