Assistant Defender II - Highlands Public Defender Office, Bangor
Assistant Defender II - Highlands Public Defender Office, Bangor
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$ 11196 - 12514
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Maine Commission On Public Defense
Highlands Public Defender Office
Assistant Defender II - Bangor
Opening Date: May 21 2025
Closing Date: June 5 2025
Job Class Code: 0622
Grade: 30
Salary: $71843.20 $101587.20/Annually
Position Number:
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 five employed defenders and four support staff members with the possibility that additional positions could be added in the future. The ability to telework at times is available.
JOB DUTIES
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.
REPRESENTATIVETASKS
- Researchquestions 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:
- Work-Life Fit 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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11196.96 - $12514.32 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- 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 13.29% of the employees pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
Theres a job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexual orientation or gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familial status or genetics.
If youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
Employment Type
Full-Time
