Staff Attorney – Statewide
Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP)
Portland, Maine
The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join our growing team and strengthen civil legal services across Maine. This is a statewide position with hybrid flexibility and some in-office requirements in Portland, depending on the candidate's location. The Staff Attorney will report directly to and work closely with the Executive Director.
The position closes January 4, 2026, with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2026.
About the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project
VLP is Maine’s only nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to coordinating pro bono attorneys to provide free civil legal assistance to individuals and families with limited means. Through clinics, direct representation, community-based initiatives, and strategic partnerships, VLP advances access to justice in every region of the state. We are expanding our statewide capacity and developing innovative service models that increase access to underserved communities.
Position Overview
The Staff Attorney will play a central role in VLP’s statewide service delivery model by providing direct representation in court and at clinics, supporting pro bono attorney volunteers, and helping shape innovative strategies that expand access to justice. This role will also support new partnerships and clinic models, particularly in regions with limited attorney availability.
The successful candidate will bring strong litigation skills, experience in family law and other civil legal practice areas, a deep commitment to access to justice and public interest law, and the ability to engage and inspire volunteer attorneys. The capacity to build partnerships, support program development, and work collaboratively across teams is essential.
This is a full-time, exempt position.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Client Assistance & Representation
• Provide limited and full representation to clients in civil matters within VLP’s core practice areas.
• Conduct legal triage, case assessment, and case placement.
• Represent clients in court or administrative proceedings as needed.
Volunteer Attorney Support & Engagement
• Review and triage cases for legal sufficiency prior to volunteer assignment.
• Mentor, advise, and support volunteer attorneys throughout the lifecycle of cases.
• Devise innovative strategies to boost attorney engagement, strengthen volunteer retention, and align attorney interests with pro bono opportunities.
• Lead and organize CLE trainings, workshops, and volunteer development initiatives.
Program & Clinic Support
• Work closely with VLP Justice Coordinators to plan, staff, and support clinics statewide.
• Assist in developing and refining clinic models, including remote and itinerant offerings.
• Contribute legal expertise to emerging initiatives.
Partnership Development
• Forge and maintain partnerships with community service providers, courts, community groups, and statewide nonprofits.
• Support collaborative projects that expand the reach and impact of pro bono services.
Statewide Access & Community Engagement
• Travel as needed across Maine to support clinics, partnerships, and attorney engagement efforts.
• Assist with outreach efforts aimed at improving access to rural and underserved counties.
Internal Collaboration
• Work closely with the Executive Director and the leadership team to shape legal strategy, strengthen program design, and advance statewide access to justice initiatives.
Work Environment & Location
• Hybrid role based in Maine with regular in-office presence in Portland, depending on location.
• Flexibility for remote work for research, case preparation, and administrative responsibilities.
• Travel statewide to represent clients in court, support clinics, partnerships, and regional engagement.
Benefits
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees.
• Generous paid time off, including 5 weeks of PTO accrual, 13 holidays, and two week-long organizational closures.
• Supportive work culture centered on wellness, sustainability, and professional growth.
• Retirement benefits and optional insurance coverages.
• Admitted to practice law in Maine or eligible for admission and able to practice under Maine Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 11(c) while pursuing full licensure.
• Minimum of five years of relevant legal experience, including family law and litigation experience.
• Strong understanding of public interest law principles and practices, with a demonstrated commitment to public interest work.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to inspire, support, and collaborate with pro bono attorneys.
• Strong partnership-building skills and ability to work effectively with VLP team members, legal service providers, courts, and community organizations.
• Ability to travel statewide as needed.
• Experience in civil legal services, pro bono coordination, and/or community-based legal advocacy.
• Familiarity with Maine courts and statewide civil legal aid ecosystem.
Please submit the following to Jessica Lovitz, Administrative Coordinator, at [email protected], with “Staff Attorney” in the subject line:
• Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references
Applications received by January 4, 2026 will be given full consideration.
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