Description

The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services is seeking to fill the District Defender position in the Kennebec Public Defender Office.

 MCILS 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 Kennebec Public Defender Office will be comprised of six 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 District Defender 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 District Defender will supervise the five attorneys and three support staff members and will report to the Executive Director. The District Defender will be responsible for coordinating intra-office practice (intake, case flow, case assignments) and may manage an appropriate caseload.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Law Degree from an accredited Law school and extensive experience in legal practice including experience in a supervisory capacity, criminal defense, and working on technical, analytical, and high-profile cases.

Preference will be given to those who have prior experience litigating criminal cases, handling a high-volume caseload, and have supervisory experience. Ten (10) years of criminal law experience is preferred. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references with your application. The link to apply online can be found here: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xkdp/

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Jim Billings at jim.billings@maine.gov