Assistant Defender II

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Aroostook Public Defender's Office

Opening Date: February 24, 2026

Closing Date: March 10, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit : 30/ Professional/Technical

Job Class Code: 0622 Salary: $71,846.20 - $/Annually Position Number:

Location: Caribou

Telework: Partial, with management approval

This is professional services work within the Commission on Indigent Legal Services providing legal advice to eligible defendants involved in a wide range of case types. An employee in this classification may work with other attorneys involved with criminal, civil, protective custody, and juvenile cases and may oversee the work of subordinate paralegal staff. This classification is differentiated from the Assistant Defender I classification by the complexity of work performed and the lack of lead worker responsibilities.

Work is performed under limited supervision.

• Researches questions 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.

• 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.

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

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

Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume.

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.

For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact Name and email address /phone number (default will be: recruiting.ggsc).

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

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

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 Balance – Rest is essential.…