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Associate Attorney Jobs in Ellsworth, ME (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Paralegal Specialist

Bangor, ME

$50K/yr

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit ... Recent Graduates must have obtained a qualifying associates, bachelors, master's, professional ...

All JobsAssociate Attorney JobsAssociate Attorney Jobs in Ellsworth, ME

Associate Attorney information

See Ellsworth, ME salary details

$45.8K

$107.7K

$171.8K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Ellsworth, ME is $107,737.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client counseling, drafting legal documents, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Associate Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who handle complex legal tasks and represent clients in court, while Paralegals support attorneys with research and document preparation without practicing law. Both roles are essential in legal settings, but Associate Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and licensing requirements.

What Does an Associate Attorney Do?

Associate attorneys are early career lawyers who work for law firms to gain experience and hone their skills after completing law school and passing the bar exam for their state. Under the guidance of an experienced attorney or a partner in the firm, associate attorneys assist with cases by conducting legal research and writing reports, legal briefs, and other documents. Associate attorneys also negotiate with colleagues from other law firms, participate in jury selection, and help argue cases in court.

What is an Associate Attorney?

An Associate Attorney is a licensed lawyer who works at a law firm and typically has less experience than partners or senior attorneys. Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, meeting with clients, and assisting with case preparation. Associate Attorneys usually work under the supervision of more senior lawyers and are on a partnership track, meaning they may eventually be considered for partnership in the firm. Their role is crucial for supporting the firm's legal work and gaining experience in various areas of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective case preparation, compliance with legal standards, and successful collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by associate attorneys in their first few years, and how can they overcome them?

Associate attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, and learning to balance billable hour requirements with professional development. Building strong organizational and time-management skills is crucial to handle multiple cases and deadlines effectively. Additionally, seeking mentorship, actively communicating with senior attorneys, and asking for feedback can help associates navigate complex matters and grow professionally within the firm.
More about Associate Attorney jobs
What cities near Ellsworth, ME are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Ellsworth, ME with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Ellsworth, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,737 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General- Child Protection Division

Maine

Bangor, ME

$71K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Assistant Attorney General

Child Protection Division - Bangor Area

Opening Date: May 26, 2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Job Class Code: 0186

Grade: 1

Salary: $71,843.20 - $139,110.40/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 # 006000460

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a highly skilled civil litigator to fill a full-time Assistant Attorney General vacancy. The primary responsibility of this Assistant Attorney General will be litigating DHHS child protection cases in the Bangor area. This Assistant Attorney General's office will be based in Bangor. Candidates must have well-developed skills in trial practice, motion practice, negotiation, professional communication, time optimization, case management, calendar management, and the ability to engage effectively with an array of stationary and mobile law office technology for research, communication, documentation, and time management.

This position will require a lawyer to handle a high-volume caseload of expedited and intensive litigation, requiring multiple court appearances each week. Multi-day trials are common. The cases often develop from urgent circumstances; requiring the attorney to effectively communicate with the client and develop a litigation strategy within days of the filing of pleadings. This position also performs regular trainings for DHHS child welfare staff, and other legal work in the child welfare field as assigned by the Division Chief.

Applicants who enjoy litigation and have superb legal writing skills are encouraged to apply, as this position may provide opportunities for sophisticated brief writing to those who are qualified and interested in developing as appellate writers.

Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing, who are experienced litigators, excellent writers, willing to travel regularly, able to develop proficiency with remote court proceedings, and have demonstrated that they conduct their professional work in a manner that is thorough, accurate, resourceful, collegial and effective. Skills must be highly developed in all aspects of litigation, client communication, negotiation, time optimization, file management, schedule organization, and use of law office technology. Applicants must adhere the highest standards of legal ethics and civility.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

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

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 Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Ariel Piers-Gamble

or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Balance- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveVacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
  • Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes13.29%of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
  • Living Resources Program- Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
  • Learn about additional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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