Assistant Defender II

Augusta, ME - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 71843 - 101587

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

If you are a current State of Maine employee you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.

This job profile will have their own salary grade in Company 09510

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Assistant Defender II - Capitol Region

Opening Date:January 20 2026

Closing Date: February 3 2026

Grade/ Admin Unit: 30/ Professional/Technical

Job Class Code:0622
Salary: $71843.20 - $101587.20/Annually
Position Number:

Location: Augusta

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one (1) Assistant Defender II position in the Capital Region Public Defender Office based in Augusta.

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.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS:(A position may not be assigned all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

Researchesquestions 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.

KNOWLEDGESSKILLSANDABILITIESREQUIRED:

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.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:

A Law degree from an accredited law school and experience practicing law in a field directly related to area of assignment.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS:

Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Pleasesubmita cover letter along with a current resume and writing sample.

In order forus to properlydetermineif 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:Formore information orquestions specific to the position please contact Name and email address/phone number(default will be:)

The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be) as a condition of employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

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 Balance Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays 12 days of sick leaveand3 weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11857.68-$13950.24 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.

Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).

Retirement Plan The State of Maine contributes% of payto 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. For more information visit theFederal Student Aid office.

Living Resources Program Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employeeassistanceprogram.

Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave.Additional unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Saveadditionalpre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness.Learn aboutadditionalwellness benefitsfor State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may varysomewhat accordingto specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

Theresa job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicantsdemonstratejob 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 creatinga strong senseof belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexualorientationor gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familialstatusor genetics.

Ifyourelooking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you dowedlove 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. Ifyourecurrently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application please download and print oneHERE

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.

Required Experience:

Junior IC

If you are a current State of Maine employee you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM contact your local Human Resources representative for appli...