Parents Counsel I

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Parents Counsel I position in the Division of Parents’ Counsel. The position will be filled by the most qualified candidate who will work from the Public Defender office closest to their home. Preference will be given to a candidate in one of the geographic regions that is experiencing the highest need for parent attorneys. These regions include Kennebec County, Penobscot County, the Tri-County Region (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford Counties), Aroostook County, and the Downeast area. Some travel will be required.

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Parents Counsel I will work under the supervision of the Parent Counsel Division Chief and will share office space with the PDS Criminal Public Defender office, which is comprised of a district defender, criminal defenders, and support staff. The ability to telework at times is available.

The Parents Counsel I will represent parents whose children have been taken into custody, or are at risk of being taken into custody, by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The candidate must have compassion for indigent clients, many of whom are experiencing or have experienced trauma and barriers to services and support. The candidate must possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules and regulations, and apply applicable law to the facts and situation; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute effective litigation strategies 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 Parents Counsel I is expected to attend meetings between the Department and the client, assist the client access services and supports in furtherance of family reunification, file appropriate motions and pleadings, and try cases in District Court. The Parents Counsel I is expected to meet with and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties and will also second chair cases with the Parents Counsel II. The Parents Counsel I position reports to the Parents Counsel Division Chief. There is potential for some appellate work.