Closing Date: 23rd September, 2024
Description:
A Government Entity is seeking to fill an Assistant Defender I position in the Penobscot/Piscataquis Public Defender Office.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 Penobscot/Piscataquis Public Defender Office will be comprised of a district defender, five employed defenders and three 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 I 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 I will be responsible for trying cases in the Unified Criminal Docket and handling their own appeals to the Law Court as well as second chair cases with the Assistant Defender II. The Assistant Defender I is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties. The Assistant Defender I position will report to the District Defender.
Minimum Qualifications:
A juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and be licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine. The applicant should have prior experience litigating criminal cases and handling a high-volume caseload. Five (5) years of criminal law experience is preferred.