Assistant Commission Counsel (Attorney) - Agency Only Augusta , Maine , United States | Professional/Technical | Full-time Apply by: Feb. 27, 2025 Apply with Linkedin Apply Maine Human Rights Commission Assistant Commission Counsel (Attorney) - Agency Only Opening Date: February 12, 2025 Closing Date: February 27, 2025 Job Class Code: 2016 Grade: 31 Salary: $67, 038.46 – $94, 515.20/Annually Position Number: 127000029 Job Description: The Maine Human Rights Commission investigates complaints of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, education, access to public accommodations, extension of credit, and offensive names. This career opportunity provides professional services work enforcing the Maine Human Rights Act and related laws. Responsibilities include determining whether an intake or complaint states a valid claim under the Maine Human Rights Act (“MHRA”) or Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (“WPA”); representing the Commission in settlement discussions with parties; and assisting Commission Counsel in reviewing complaints and Investigators’ reports for legal sufficiency, determining whether to recommend that the Commissioners authorize litigation, developing litigation strategy and drafting legal documents, litigating fair housing cases, drafting amendments to the MHRA and WPA, and updating agency rules. Work is performed under limited supervision. Job Duties: + Determines whether an intake questionnaire or signed, notarized complaint states a valid claim under the MHRA or WPA; whether a new complaint filing should be dismissed administratively (lack of jurisdiction, untimeliness) at filing; what initial requests for information and documents are appropriate to ask parties at the outset of a case. + With Commission Counsel and the Executive Director, determines whether a complaint may or should be administratively dismissed given the evidentiary record for an enumerated statutory reason (lack of jurisdiction; untimeliness; failure to substantiate, bankruptcy, failure to cooperate); and whether another investigator’s draft report (and its legal conclusions/recommendations to Commissioners) is legally sufficient given the evidentiary record and, if not, what changes are necessary to make the report legally sufficient. + With Commission Counsel, determines what public interest remedies are available and appropriate to seek in cases where Commissioners found cause to believe unlawful discrimination/retaliation occurred, and represents the Commission in conciliation discussions. + With Commission Counsel, determines what proposed or adopted legislation may affect the MHRA or WPA, or agency operations; how to initiate agency rulemaking processes; what changes to agency rules are legally appropriate; what amendments to the MHRA and WPA are legally appropriate; whether and how to submit testimony on proposed legislation. Determines whether and when dual-filing a complaint with a federal partner is warranted; how to ensure substantive and procedural compliance with agreements. + With the Executive Director and Commission Counsel, determines whether and how to answer questions about the MHRA from the public, media, and elected officials; whether and how to archive litigation files for retention in state systems; what information is legally appropriate to provide to the public via guidance or website postings. + Provide litigation support to Commission Counsel, including drafting court complaints and other documents, making and responding to discovery requests and litigating fair housing cases. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A Law degree from an accredited law school. LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar. Benefits of working for the State of Maine: 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 Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and 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. + Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). + Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) . Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.