Opening Date: September 29, 2026
Closing Date: October 13, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 38 / Professional / Technical
Job Class Code: 0621
Salary: $102,107.20 - $144,684.80 / Annually
Position Number: 146000083
Location: Bangor or Ellsworth
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Assistant Defender I position in the Criminal Division to handle cases in Waldo County and other courts served by the office. Office location to be determined between Bangor or Ellsworth, depending on applicant’s location. Some travel to outlying courts will be required.
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.
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.
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional references.
In order for us to properly determine if 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: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov
The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.
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:
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 experience and passion set you apart.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE
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.
Welcome! We in Maine take pride in our quality of life, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our strong, independent heritage. Our motto—“Dirigo” or “I lead” — reflects our sense of place, as the first state that greets the sun each morning, as well as our sense of pride…pride in our craftsmanship, our work ethic and our people.
No matter where you work in Maine State Government, you find a real sense of authenticity. From our small cities to our rural communities, the State of Maine offers a skilled and committed workforce, with unmatched transportation and information technology infrastructure.
Maine – it’s a great place to call home.
