Basic Litigation Staff Attorney

An opportunity to serve rural Maine!

We have a position open for a self-directed, motivated poverty law attorney to serve the rural communities in Downeast Maine.   The Machias office of Pine Tree Legal Assistance is responsible for handling a wide range of civil legal needs of low-income residents of the office service area, which includes Hancock and Washington Counties. Case acceptance decisions are made by the office as a whole, consistent with Pine Tree’s approved Statement of Priorities and specific grant requirements, which may change over time.

As a general litigator, the attorney should expect to be in court on a regular basis to provide representation in consumer, landlord/tenant and benefits (including both health and income benefits) as well as provide administrative advocacy in a range of different civil needs.  While the typical caseload is handled at the District Court or Superior Court the attorney may handle appeals to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Depending on experience, the attorney may also handle cases in federal court.  This position will enjoy the opportunity for travel throughout the service area.  The attorney will supervise and support the work of the local office paralegal, both in the provision of limited legal assistance and in other work specific to the attorney’s caseload. Importantly, the attorney will work as a member of the small office team and support the work of others in the office. 

The attorney will also engage in outreach within the service area.  Outreach may include trainings and events geared toward community members and other agencies serving low-income clients in Downeast Maine. In addition, the attorney will contribute to community education and awareness of their legal rights through development of written client education materials as well as other material for distribution and access.  Finally, the attorney may be involved in recruitment, training, and supervision of law students and undergraduate interns and volunteers in the office, as well as support of pro bono volunteers in the community.