Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney – Statewide

The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join our growing team and strengthen civil legal services across Maine. This is a statewide position with hybrid flexibility and some in-office requirements in Portland, depending on the candidate's location.

About the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project

VLP is Maine’s leading nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to coordinating pro bono attorneys to provide free civil legal assistance to individuals and families with limited means. Through clinics, direct representation, community-based initiatives, and strategic partnerships, VLP advances access to justice in every region of the state. We are expanding our statewide capacity and developing innovative service models that increase access to underserved communities.

Position Overview

The Staff Attorney will play a central role in VLP’s statewide service delivery model by providing direct representation in court and at clinics, supporting pro bono attorney volunteers, and helping shape innovative strategies that expand access to justice. This role will also support new partnerships and clinic models, particularly in regions with limited attorney availability.

The successful candidate will bring strong litigation skills, experience in family law and other civil legal practice areas, a deep commitment to access to justice and public interest law, and the ability to engage and inspire volunteer attorneys. The capacity to build partnerships, support program development, and work collaboratively across teams is essential. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Client Assistance & Representation

• Provide limited and full representation to clients in civil matters within VLP’s core practice areas.

• Conduct legal triage, case assessment, and case placement.

• Represent clients in court or administrative proceedings as needed.

Volunteer Attorney Support & Engagement

• Review and triage cases for legal sufficiency prior to volunteer assignment.

• Mentor, advise, and support volunteer attorneys throughout the lifecycle of cases.

• Devise innovative strategies to boost attorney engagement, strengthen volunteer retention, and align attorney interests with pro bono opportunities.

• Lead and organize CLE trainings, workshops, and volunteer development initiatives.

Program & Clinic Support

• Work closely with VLP Justice Coordinators to plan, staff, and support clinics statewide.

• Assist in developing and refining clinic models, including remote and itinerant offerings.

• Contribute legal expertise to emerging initiatives.

Partnership Development

• Forge and maintain partnerships with community service providers, courts, community groups, and statewide nonprofits.

• Support collaborative projects that expand the reach and impact of pro bono services.

Statewide Access & Community Engagement

• Travel as needed across Maine to support clinics, partnerships, and attorney engagement efforts.

• Assist with outreach efforts aimed at improving access to rural and underserved counties.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and the leadership team to shape legal strategy, strengthen program design, and advance statewide access to justice initiatives.

Work Environment & Location

• Hybrid role based in Maine with regular in-office presence in Portland, depending on location.

• Flexibility for remote work for research, case preparation, and administrative responsibilities.

• Travel statewide to represent clients in court, support clinics, partnerships, and regional engagement.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees.

• Generous paid time off, including 5 weeks of PTO accrual, 13 holidays, and two week-long organizational closures.

• Supportive work culture centered on wellness, sustainability, and professional growth.

• Retirement benefits and optional additional insurance coverages.

Requirements:

• Admitted to practice law in Maine or eligible for admission and able to practice under Maine Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 11(c) while pursuing full licensure.

• Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant…