Assistant Attorney General- Litigation Division

Overview

If you are a current State of Maine employee, you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM, contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.

Opening Date:
February 2, 2026
Closing Date:
February 27, 2026
Job Class Code: 0186
Grade: 1
Salary: $71,843.20 - $/year* (Salary competitive and based upon qualifications)
* * Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General
Position Number:

The Office of the Attorney General ("OAG") has an opening for an Assistant Attorney General within the Litigation Division in the Augusta Office. This position represents the Department of Corrections ("DOC") in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, provides day-to-day advice to DOC, and conducts trainings for DOC staff on corrections law. The types of cases include, but are not limited to, Rule 80C appeals, primarily of disciplinary decisions regarding prison residents, tort claims, and civil rights actions.

The civil rights actions cover a wide range of subjects, such as use of force, conditions of confinement, use of segregation, medical and mental health care, religious practice, and failure-to-protect claims.

The duties of this position include defending lawsuits brought against DOC and its employees, including motion practice, trial defense, and appeals in both state and federal courts; defending complaints alleging discrimination that prison residents have filed with the Maine Human Rights Commission; representing DOC in seeking involuntary medication orders with respect to certain prison residents; reviewing and responding to subpoenas and court orders served on DOC staff, especially as they relate to the disclosure of information about DOC prison residents and probationers;

assisting OAG Criminal Division attorneys with petitions for post-conviction review and habeas corpus actions to the extent issues arise concerning DOC; assisting OAG DHHS Division attorneys obtain information and/or witnesses related to child protection cases involving a parent who is a prison resident; reviewing DOC rules; providing legal advice on such matters as legislation, contracts, sentence calculation, DOC policies and practices, prison residents’ grievances, and responses to unusual events;

and providing trainings on legal issues for DOC staff, including the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s corrections law training for new DOC corrections officers, training on law enforcement powers for adult and juvenile probation officers, and training for DOC facility staff, especially for disciplinary hearing officers and grievance officers.

Office of the Attorney General, State of Maine

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing or eligible to become a member of the bar in a reasonable amount of time, have an eye for legal detail, be interested in complex state and federal litigation, have strong legal advocacy and writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team. One to three years of legal practice with demonstrated proficiency in civil litigation and/or corrections law and litigation is preferred.

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference), complete online application and a copy of your Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar certification.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Deputy Attorney General Thomas Knowlton or you may call .

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