Assistant Attorney General - Litigation Division

Assistant Attorney General – Litigation Division

Opening Date:  September 4, 2024  

Closing Date:  October 4, 2024

Job Class Code:  0186

Grade:  1 

Salary:  $71,843.20 - $139,110.40/year* (Salary competitive and based upon qualifications)*

*Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General

Position #006006044

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) has an opening for an Assistant Attorney General within the Litigation Division in the Augusta Office.  This position represents the Department of Corrections (“DOC”) in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, provides day-to-day advice to DOC, and conducts trainings for DOC staff on corrections law.  The types of cases include, but are not limited to, Rule 80C appeals, primarily of disciplinary decisions regarding prison residents, tort claims, and civil rights actions.  The civil rights actions cover a wide range of subjects, such as use of force, conditions of confinement, use of segregation, medical and mental health care, religious practice, and failure-to-protect claims.

The duties of this position include defending lawsuits brought against DOC and its employees, including motion practice, trial defense, and appeals in both state and federal courts; defending complaints alleging discrimination that prison residents have filed with the Maine Human Rights Commission; representing DOC in seeking involuntary medication orders with respect to certain prison residents; reviewing and responding to subpoenas and court orders served on DOC staff, especially as they relate to the disclosure of information about DOC prison residents and probationers; assisting OAG Criminal Division attorneys with petitions for post-conviction review and habeas corpus actions to the extent issues arise concerning DOC; assisting OAG DHHS Division attorneys obtain information and/or witnesses related to child protection cases involving a parent who is a prison resident; reviewing DOC rules; providing legal advice on such matters as legislation, contracts, sentence calculation, DOC policies and practices, prison residents’ grievances, and responses to unusual events; and providing trainings on legal issues for DOC staff, including the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s corrections law training for new DOC corrections officers, training on law enforcement powers for adult and juvenile probation officers, and training for DOC facility staff, especially for disciplinary hearing officers and grievance officers.

Information on the Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing or eligible to become a member of the bar in a reasonable amount of time, have an eye for legal detail, be interested in complex state and federal litigation, have strong legal advocacy and writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team.  One to three years of legal practice with demonstrated proficiency in civil litigation and/or corrections law and litigation is preferred.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. 

Include a resume, writing sample, three references, a completed online application, and a copy of your Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar certification.

The Office of the Attorney General is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Deputy Attorney General Thomas Knowlton at Thomas.A.Knowlton@maine.gov or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

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. 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.  

o   Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 

·         Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 

·         Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  

·         Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 

·         Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 

·         Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 

·         Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 

·         Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  

·         Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 

·         Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.