Assistant Attorney General, Child Protection Division

Assistant Attorney General                                         
Child Protection Division – Portland 

Opening Date:  December 3, 2024   
Closing Date:  December 17, 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 # 006000469

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a highly skilled civil litigator to fill a full-time Assistant Attorney General vacancy. The primary responsibility of this Assistant Attorney General will be litigating DHHS child protection cases in the South Paris and Rumford District Courts. These courts operate almost exclusively remotely at this time, but in-person appearances may be required periodically. This position will also provide backup to the Assistant Attorney General who is assigned to the Bridgton District Court. This Assistant Attorney General’s office will be based in Portland. Candidates must have well-developed skills in trial practice, motion practice, negotiation, professional communication, time optimization, case management, calendar management, and the ability to engage effectively with an array of stationary and mobile law office technology for research, communication, documentation, and time management.  

This position will require a lawyer to handle a high-volume caseload of expedited and intensive litigation, requiring multiple court appearances each week.  Multi-day trials are common.  The cases often develop from urgent circumstances; requiring the attorney to effectively communicate with the client and develop a litigation strategy within days of the filing of pleadings. This position also performs regular trainings for DHHS child welfare staff, and other legal work in the child welfare field as assigned by the Division Chief.

Applicants who enjoy litigation and have superb legal writing skills are encouraged to apply, as this position may provide opportunities for sophisticated brief writing to those who are qualified and interested in developing as appellate writers. 

Information on the Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing, who are experienced litigators, excellent writers, willing to travel regularly, able to develop proficiency with remote court proceedings, and have demonstrated that they conduct their professional work in a manner that is thorough, accurate, resourceful, collegial and effective.   Skills must be highly developed in all aspects of litigation, client communication, negotiation, time optimization, file management, schedule organization, and use of law office technology.  Applicants must adhere the highest standards of legal ethics and civility.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference), a copy of your Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar certification and complete the direct hire application. 

The Department 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 Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Ariel Piers-Gamble
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 Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
•    Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 8585%-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.  
•    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 four weeks of fully 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.

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.