Associate Attorney - General Practice - Portland
stevesmithtriallawyersPortland (ME)
Associate Attorney - General Practice - Portland
Posted yesterday
stevesmithtriallawyersPortland (ME)
SENIORITY
Mid
About the role
Benefits: 401(k)
401(k) matching
Bonus based on performance
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Training & development
Ready to start your legal career in the courtroom- not buried in a back office? Steve Smith Trial Lawyers is hiring newly licensed attorneys and recent law graduates who want real litigation experience from day one, backed by experienced trial lawyers and a full support staff.
About Steve Smith Trial Lawyers
Founded in 2020, Steve Smith Trial Lawyers has become one of Maine’s fastest-growing litigation firms- expanding from Augusta to Portland and recently into Bangor. Our team has decades of combined experience in family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, probate, and more. We’ve built a reputation on aggressive advocacy, client-focused results, and a collaborative team culture that helps attorneys do their best work.
We pride ourselves on being a firm where attorneys are supported with a dedicated team of paralegals, intake specialists, and staff who handle the details so you can focus on strategy and advocacy.
That structure matters even more early in your career. Instead of sinking into administrative work, you’ll spend your time learning the craft of litigation alongside attorneys who want to see you succeed.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be mentored. Learn directly from experienced trial attorneys through case collaboration, courtroom observation, and regular feedback.
You’ll be supported. Paralegals and intake professionals handle the details so you can focus on developing your skills.
You’ll get real experience. Get into court early, with responsibility that grows as your confidence and skills do.
You’ll grow with us. We’re expanding into new markets, and there is a clear path to take on your own caseload and a larger role.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for motivated, newly licensed attorneys with a strong interest in family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense. You don’t need years of experience- you need drive, sound judgment, and a desire to become an excellent trial lawyer.
Key Responsibilities:
Support and progressively manage a caseload in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense under the guidance of senior attorneys
Appear in court for hearings, conferences, and mediations, building toward trial work
Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlement documents
Assist with case strategy, trial preparation, and negotiations
Maintain clear, proactive communication with clients
Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and intake staff to move cases forward efficiently
Participate in firm training, CLEs, and community engagement opportunities
Qualifications: Licensed and in good standing to practice in Maine
0-3 years of legal experience
Strong legal research and writing skills
Clear, professional communication with clients, colleagues, and the court
Eagerness to learn, take feedback, and grow into an independent litigator
Interest in family law, civil litigation, and/or criminal defense in Maine
What’s In It for You: Competitive pay - $85,000-105,000
Performance-based monthly bonuses
100% employer-paid health insurance (employee coverage)
Dental and vision
$25,000 employer-covered life insurance
401(k) with employer match
3 weeks PTO12 paid holidays
Structured mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
CLE and professional development support
Flexible scheduling and remote work options when appropriate
A strong, full-time support staff of paralegals and intake professionals
Supportive, team-oriented culture that values your growth
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.