Attorney (Victims of Crime Act - VOCA)

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Attorney

Location: Options – Augusta or Bangor office; Hybrid remote

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Attorney provides high-quality, low-barrier holistic legal services to victims in Maine, based out of either the Augusta or Bangor office of Pine Tree Legal Assistance. This position provides legal services, supported by a VOCA contract, to survivors of sexual assault, including child sexual abuse victims and their non-offending parents and caregivers, and victims of domestic violence and stalking. The attorney is part of a statewide team specializing in sexual assault and domestic violence cases, and works closely with staff at local sexual assault, Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), and local domestic violence resource centers.   

The attorney will work under the direction of the Family Law and Victim Rights supervisor and collaboratively within the Unit to provide the highest quality legal representation in appropriate cases. Legal advocacy will range from advice and limited representation to full legal representation in the cases in which representation will have the greatest impact. The project will focus primarily on protection from abuse, family matters, and education cases, although Pine Tree uses a holistic approach to provide comprehensive assistance to families that can include screening and representation or referral for related housing, consumer, benefits, and other common civil legal needs. 

The attorney is also responsible for interagency case consultation and collaboration, as well as participation in working groups and coalitions focused on improving the systems that address issues relevant to sexual assault survivors and victims of child sexual abuse, as well as victims of domestic violence. This position participates in community engagement and networking to strengthen Pine Tree’s reputation and access to legal services by eligible individuals, consistent with other work and time commitments. 

Frequent travel related to court and other work activities (including trainings) is required and evening or weekend time may also be required to attend trainings. The position may involve some client meetings at locations outside the office, as well as travel to other courts and offices of partner agencies as appropriate to provide low-barrier legal representation.   

The attorney must be admitted to the practice of law in Maine or be eligible to practice under MRCP 89 (c) while working at Pine Tree Legal Assistance.  Previous litigation experience and work with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault is required. Previous experience working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, including child victims, is preferred. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for PTLA attorneys and other exempt staff is currently $64,870 - $101,870, depending on experience.

In addition, PTLA is proud to offer the following:

Employer-paid health insurance with a generous HRA contribution, generous health insurance opt-out benefit, employer-paid dental insurance, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and an annual contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan. Other voluntary options include vision and expanded life insurance. Staff enjoy 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and generous vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employing and supporting individuals who are passionate about social justice and have relevant work experience, regardless of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, religion, familial status or experience with poverty, receipt of public assistance, or homelessness.