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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
Aroostook Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: February 24, 2026
Closing Date: May 18, 2026
Grade/ Admin Unit: 30/ Professional/Technical
Job Class Code: 0622
Salary: $71,846.20 - $101,587.20/Annually
Position Number:146000031
Telework:Partial/Hybrid, with management approval,upon completion of probationary period.All telework must beperformedin the State of Maine.
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 (1) Assistant Defender II position in the Aroostook Public Defenders office based in Caribou.
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 Aroostook Public Defenders office is comprised of a district defender, four employed defenders and three support staff members.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one (1) Assistant Defender II position in the Aroostook Public Defenders office based in Caribou.
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 Aroostook Public Defenders office is comprised of a district defender, four employed defenders and three support staff members.
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 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 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 Assistant Defender II position will report to the District Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Law degree from an accredited law school and experience practicing law in a field directly related to area of assignment.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Pleasesubmita cover letter along with a current resume, 3 professional references and a writing sample.
In order forus to properlydetermineif 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:Formore information orquestions specific to the position, please contact Name and email address/phone number(default will be:recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov)
The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may berequired) as a condition of employment.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
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 using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacationleaveaccrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave.Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
Note: Benefits may varysomewhat accordingto specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There'sa 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. Applicantsdemonstratejob 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.
Ifyou’relooking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do,we’dlove to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
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If you require a paper application, please download and print oneHERE
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