Overview
Assistant Defender II – Highlands Public Defender Office Jobs in Bangor, Maine, USA at State of Maine
Position: Assistant Defender II – Highlands Public Defender Office, Bangor
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: $71,843.20 – $/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 effective litigation strategies 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 position reports to the District Defender.
Representative Tasks
Research questions of law to ensure correct legal interpretations and actions.
Coordinate defense strategies with defendants to address potential issues prior to trial.
Represent defendants before prosecutors and juries to present and defend their interests.
Prepare cases, coordinate testimony with experts, and present cases before courts to obtain decisions or opinions from local, state, and appellate courts.
Coordinate the execution of legal services with other attorneys to exchange information and prepare for trials and settlements.
Knowledge, 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 protocols.
Knowledge of litigation and legal counseling methods and techniques.
Ability to analyze and interpret facts, evidence, and precedents to arrive at logical conclusions.
Ability to negotiate contracts and settlements.
Ability to lead and guide a legal team.
Ability to prepare complex briefs and legal documents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to operate a computer using Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, etc.
Effective communication skills.
Clear and effective writing skills.
Minimum Qualifications
A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
Licensed or able to become licensed to practice law in Maine. Demonstrated interest in indigent defense is preferred.
Application Instructions
Please apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.
For questions, contact Executive Director Jim Billings lings.
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Title: Assistant Defender II – Highlands Public Defender Office
Company: State of Maine
Location: Bangor, Maine, USA
Category: Law/Legal (Legal Counsel, Lawyer, Litigation, Civil Law)
