Assistant Defender II

State of Maine•Bangor, ME

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one (1) Assistant Defender II position in the Highlands Public Defender Office based in Bangor. 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 Highlands Public Defender Office is comprised of a district defender, six employed defenders and four support staff members.

Requirements

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.
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 Law degree from an accredited law school and experience practicing law in a field directly related to area of assignment.
Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Defender II 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 II will be responsible for trying cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handling their own appeals to the Law Court.
The Assistant Defender II is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties.
The Assistant Defender II position will report to the District Defender.
Researches questions of law to ensure legal interpretations and subsequent actions are correct.
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 cases before the courts to obtain decisions or opinions from local, state, and appellate courts.
Coordinates the execution of legal services with other attorneys to exchange information and prepare for trials and settlements.

Benefits

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.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% 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.
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.