Attorney

State of Maine; Gardiner (ME); On-site; USD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Health and Dependent Care Flexible SpS

Public Service Student Loan Forgivene

Living Resources Program

Parental leave

Voluntary Deferred Compensation

Job summary

The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) in Maine seeks a Staff Attorney to provide a range of legal services. You will advise leadership on regulatory and legislative issues, review licensing statutes, and draft rulemakings and legislation in coordination with senior staff.

As part of a dynamic team, you will prepare testimony, respond to FOIA requests, and support regulatory programs across 38 professions. The role may be hybrid depending on policy and needs.

Qualifications

• A Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Bar.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Director and board on regulatory, legislative and consumer matters.
• Review and interpret state licensing laws.
• Draft and monitor OPOR’s APA rulemakings with Directors and board managers.
• Draft and analyze legislation with Director and board managers.
• Prepare and deliver legislative testimony.
• Respond to and oversee FOAA requests.

Skills

Administrative law knowledge

Regulatory interpretation

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Department of Professional & Financial Regulation (and Boards)

Job Class Code:2016
Grade: 31/Professional & Technical
Salary: $67,038.40-$94,515.20/Annually
Location: Gardiner

Opening Date: August 6, 2026

Closing Date: August 20, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Join the Team at the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

At the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) we are committed to protecting the health and safety of the public in Maine. We offer work-life balance and great benefits to support our team in achieving professional success while maintaining personal well-being. Join a team that fosters a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our citizens.

Do you want to make a difference?

We are looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment. If you are passionate about making a difference, and being part of a positive, service-focused culture, we want you on our team.

OPOR is a unique agency, regulating 38 professions and occupations ranging from health care (e.g. social workers and veterinarians) to thelicensed trades (e.g. electricians and plumbers. Given the breadth of licensing entities, subject matters and responsibilities, the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment is required. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact in your career. The position may be hybrid subject to the state’s telework policy and operational needs

As the Staff Attorney within OPOR, you will provide a range of legal services, including (but not limited to):

• Advising the Director and board manager on a range of regulatory, legislative and consumer-related matters.
• Reviewing and interpreting state licensing laws ·
• Drafting and monitoring OPOR’s APA rulemakings in coordination with Director and board managers.
• Drafting and analyzing legislation in coordination with the Director and board managers.
• Preparing and delivering legislative testimony
• Responding to and overseeing FOAA requests

To be successful in this position you must:

• Have knowledge of administrative law, with a preference for knowledge of Maine law and Maine administrative law
• Enjoy research, including legislative and policy research
• Be an effective communicator
• Be excited to juggle multiple tasks and multiple subject matters in a fast-paced environment
• Be curious and willing to learn

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.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to [e-mail]

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 using 13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days per calendar year.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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 ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes14.06%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—receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days 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 aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

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.