Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR

Assistant Attorney General – Welfare, Criminal Division Office of the Attorney General, Augusta, Maine Opening Date: August 24, 2026 Closing Date: September 9, 2026 Job Class Code: 0186 Grade: 1 Salary: $75,067.20 - $145,371.20/year* Salary: Salary competitive and based upon qualifications* *Pursuant to 5 MRS § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General Position Number: 006000582

The Office of the Attorney General has an opening for an Assistant Attorney General within the Criminal Division. The primary responsibility for this attorney will be prosecuting referrals from the Fraud, Investigation and Recovery Unit of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) for fraud involving TANF, Food Stamps, ASPIRE and other benefits. This attorney will provide legal advice and work with DHHS investigators to develop welfare fraud cases throughout the State. Once a case is referred to the Office of the Attorney General, this AAG will review the case and bring criminal charges as deemed appropriate. This position will be primarily responsible for criminal prosecutions in the Unified Criminal Docket, as well as appellate cases before the Law Court. Candidates should have a strong desire for a career in litigation. Trial experience and developed trial skills are a plus. High ethical standards, sound judgment, strong communication and inter-personal skills, and good organizational/time management skills are essential. Candidates must be members of the Maine Bar and in good standing.

This is not an entry level position. Applicants must be members of the Maine Bar in good standing, have an eye for legal detail, be interested in complex state and federal regulations, have strong legal advocacy and writing skills, and have a demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of a team. One to three years of legal practice with demonstrated proficiency in criminal law is preferred.

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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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 13.29% 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.
• Income Driven Repayment Plans – Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans including the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan are available for employees and can be used in conjunction with the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program- The State of Maine is a recipient of the JRJ Grant Program that provides partial loan repayment directly to the employee’s loan service provider.
• 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 six weeks of 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.

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.