Pine Tree has an exciting attorney opportunity to work in a unique rural legal services practice in beautiful Downeast Maine serving two of Maine’s prettiest, rural counties -- Washington and Hancock Counties. This position offers candidates the unique opportunity to join a well-established, long standing legal services office serving low income people while experiencing rural life and a rural law practice in Maine with the support of a statewide legal services program that is nationally recognized for its high-quality legal services.
Washington and Hancock counties share some of Maine’s most pristine coastal areas, including the Bold Coast. Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s office is located in the town of Machias, right next door to the Washington County District and Superior Court buildings. The office is currently staffed by an experienced full-time paralegal and supervised by an experienced managing attorney based in Pine Tree’s Bangor office, with staff specialists from other offices also serving clients in the local service area.
As a general litigator in a rural community with few other legal resources, you will take a variety of cases and get experience in multiple areas of law. You will be in court on a regular basis to provide representation in a wide range of civil legal problems, including consumer and landlord/tenant matters. Additionally, you will provide administrative advocacy involving a range of different civil needs, including special education and benefits cases. As resources permit and the needs of the client community require, you may also experience litigation and advocacy in other areas of law. While the typical office caseload is handled at the District Court level in one of three local courts, you may also handle cases in the Maine Superior Court, appeals to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court or federal proceedings.
Outreach is also an important responsibility in the community, in order to help potential clients recognize legal problems and know more about their legal rights. Pine Tree collaborates with a variety of community agencies and leaders to reach low-income residents and to promote holistic responses where appropriate. As a speaker, trainer and participant in those efforts, Pine Tree will invest in your skill development through in-house programming, external CLE and regional / national programs relevant to your work.
Applicants should be admitted to the practice of law in Maine or eligible to practice under MRCP 89(c). Prior legal services experience is desirable.
Applicants should provide a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references via email to Deputy Director Chet Randall ([email protected]) and Executive Director Nan Heald ([email protected]). Applications are encouraged by August 16th but will be accepted until the position is filled. We encourage women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, or people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.