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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Augusta, ME (NOW HIRING)

Attorney General Detective

Augusta, ME · On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

Office of the Attorney General, State of Maine MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry-level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following coursework ...

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Entry Level Attorney information

See Augusta, ME salary details

$45.5K

$107.1K

$170.8K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Augusta, ME is $107,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $128,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level attorney?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Augusta, ME? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Augusta, ME are:
What cities near Augusta, ME are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities near Augusta, ME with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Augusta, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,085 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Attorney General Detective

State of Maine

Augusta, ME • On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


State Of Maine rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


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.
Attorney General Detective - ANTICIPATED VACANCY
Opening Date: August 6, 2026
Closing Date: August 20, 2026
Job Class Code: 7015
Grade: 25
Salary: $79,580.80 - $109,636.80/year (plus $0.85 hourly stipend)
Position Number: 006000524
Bargaining Unit: MSLEA
Job Description:
This is highly independent investigative and protective services work in conducting advanced and complex investigations of alleged or suspected violations of state laws. Work includes conducting criminal and civil investigations, interviewing witnesses and suspects, gathering and protecting evidence, preparing reports of investigations, and testifying to the facts developed during an investigation. Employees in this classification plan, assign, coordinate, and direct other investigative personnel from various law enforcement agencies. Work also involves providing consultation and training to other law enforcement agencies/personnel. This position is also frequently called into work after hours and on the weekends and requires an immediate response.
Office of the Attorney General, State of Maine
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry-level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following coursework/training and/or experience):
Education, training, and/or experience in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or another closely related area demonstrating competency in conducting law enforcement or investigative operations. Preference will be given to experienced law enforcement officers with extensive investigative training.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class):
Certification as a full-time law enforcement officer in Maine.
Applicable subject matter specialty certifications for designated specialized investigations and training.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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. Include your resume, three references, a writing sample and complete online direct hire application.
The Office is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.
A job offer to a new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, and a satisfactory check of criminal history records, driver's license records, and professional license records.
Please direct all questions to Anna Love, Director of Investigations via email
BENEFITS
Maine state employees 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 using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service. Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for 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 about program requirements.
  • Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to 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 the Federal Student Aid office.
  • Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leave - One of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
  • Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office 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.
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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