Staff Attorney
At a glance
National Legal Aid and Defender Association
Full-time
Maine, PDX, US
12 December 2025
4 January 2026
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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
The Successful Candidate
- 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.