Office Manager (Legal Administrator)

Maine; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense is seeking an Office Manager for the Cumberland County Public Defender Office in Portland. This full-time role involves supervising staff, managing legal documents, and ensuring efficient operations within a fast-paced legal environment. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's Degree and significant paralegal experience, demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills.

Benefits

Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation leave

Health insurance covering 85%-95% of premiums

100% paid dental premiums for employees

Retirement contributions of 13.29% of salary to MainePERS

Qualifications

• Four years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency.
• Experience in an administrative support role within a legal setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Supervise paralegal staff and assist the District Defender.
• Ensure an organized and efficient work environment.
• Communicate with court officials, law enforcement, and clients.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Data Management

File Management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Location: Portland, Maine, United States

Maine Commission on Public Defense

Cumberland County Public Defender Office

Office Manager (Legal Administrator)

Opening Date: May 21, 2025

Closing Date: June 5, 2025

Job Class Code: 0885

Grade: 25

Salary: $57,408.00 – $81,078.40/Annually

Position Number: 146000082

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill an Office Manager position in the Cumberland County Public Defender Office located in Portland.

Job Description

The Public Defense Services (PDS) is an independent commission dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to indigent citizens entitled to counsel at state expense. The Cumberland County Public Defender Office comprises five defenders and three support staff. The Legal Administrator will serve as the Office Manager, supervising paralegal staff and assisting the District Defender and Deputy District Defender as needed.

The Office Manager ensures an organized and efficient work environment. The role involves communication with court officials, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, jail and prison officials, clients, and their families. Proficiency in word processing, legal document preparation, document management, record keeping, data management, file management, calendar management, and communication is required. This is a full-time position reporting to the District Defender.

The ideal candidate is self-directed, highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently. Strong interpersonal skills, a good work ethic, teamwork ability, and adaptability to a fast-paced legal environment are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with over three years of experience in an administrative support role within a legal setting, demonstrating increasing responsibilities, including supervision.

For questions, contact Executive Director Jim Billings at [e-mail].

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation leave, with accrual increases over time.
• Health insurance covering 85%-95% of premiums, with detailed premium costs available via the provided link.
• 100% paid dental premiums for employees.
• Retirement contributions of 13.29% of salary to MainePERS.

Additional wellness benefits and detailed information are available through the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Benefits vary by collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time roles.

Our Commitment

We aim to foster a workplace for learning, growth, and skill refinement. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to an inclusive, respectful environment for all applicants.

Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Interested?

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed requirement. Your unique experiences and passion can set you apart.

Apply to this job