Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Tri County Public Defender Office - Lewiston 

Assistant Defender I 

Opening Date: March 26, 2025

Closing Date:  April 9, 2025

Job Class Code: 0621
Grade: 38
Salary: $102,107.20 – $144,684.80/Annually  
Position Number: 146000068

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Tri-County Public Defender Office based in Lewiston.

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 Tri-County Public Defender Office is comprised of a district defender, six employed defenders and three 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 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 ABA approved school and 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. Five years of relevant experience is preferred.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid Maine driver’s license.

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 jim.billings@maine.gov. 

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 believe in supporting our workforce's 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 ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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 employee's 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.

There's a job and then there's 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 you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d 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 you’re 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.