Paralegal

State of Maine; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Job summary

Capitol Region Public Defenders is seeking a paralegal to provide in-office support to multiple Assistant Defenders with heavy criminal defense caseloads in Augusta, Maine. The paralegal will perform case preparation, investigative tasks, and draft routine documents, communicating with courts, law enforcement, and clients.

Strong organization, teamwork, and the ability to work independently are essential.

Qualifications

• The selected candidate must have training or education in law firm, court, or legal services processes, or graduation from an approved paralegal program.
• Ability to research complex legal issues and analyze legal problems.

Responsibilities

• Support busy attorneys and track large caseloads.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite for day-to-day tasks.
• Manage heavy email traffic across multiple shared inboxes.
• Maintain communication with clients about court dates and case status.
• Draft routine documents including discovery requests and motions.
• Track and maintain an accurate calendar of scheduled court dates.
• Process incoming court documents and maintain up-to-date case files.
• Use Adobe Pro to assemble documents and discovery binders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Confidential information handling

Education

Paralegal certificate/program

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Pro

Electronic court filing system

Job description

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Capitol Region Public Defenders

Opening Date:August 31, 2026

Closing Date:September 15, 2026

Grade / Admin unit :20 / Professional/Technical

Job Class Code:0884

Position Number: 146000034

Salary:$20.68 - $28.88/Hourly

Location:Augusta

Telework: Partial/Hybrid, with management approval, upon completion of probationary period. All telework must be performed in the State of Maine.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Capitol Region Public Defenders is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a paralegal position. The paralegal will provide in-office support to multiple Assistant Defenders with heavy criminal defense caseloads. The paralegal will perform case preparation, investigative and information gathering tasks necessary for providing effective assistance of counsel. The paralegal will draft routine documents such as client correspondence, discovery requests, and motions. The paralegal may also communicate with a wide network of court officials, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, jail and prison officials, as well as clients and their family members.

The ideal candidate must be self-directed, organized and accurate, with the ability to work efficiently and independently. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills when communicating with individuals who are frustrated or under emotional distress.

The ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic and ability to manage email traffic in multiple shared inboxes. It is essential that the successful candidate works well as part of a team and adapts well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting busy attorneys and tracking large caseloads
• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite for day-to-day tasks
• Managing heavy email traffic across multiple shared inboxes
• Maintain communication with clients about court dates, case status, and other matters as directed by Assistant Defenders
• Communicate with a wide network of agencies such as the courts, jails/prisons, legal and social agencies, as well as client family members.
• Draft routine documents including discovery requests, motions, client correspondence, etc.
• Tracking and keeping an accurate calendar of scheduled court dates
• Processing incoming court documents and maintaining up to date case files
• Process incoming and outgoing mail for Assistant Defenders
• Collecting, managing, and organizing discovery including body worn camera footage, dash camera footage, police reports and witness statements, various audio, etc.
• Use Adobe Pro to compile documents and electronic discovery binders
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Administrator

KNOWLEDGES,SKILLS,ANDABILITIESREQUIRED

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage and process highly confidential and sensitive material
• Knowledge of Titles 17-A and 29-A, and the life of a criminal case
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals who may be under emotional distress
• Knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Pro
• Ability to navigate an electronic court filing system and adapt to evolving technology
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to work as a team to foster a positive working environment
• Ability to learn case management software and effectively use it

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Training, education, or experiences in office and administrative support work that demonstrates competencies in applying a solid knowledge of the principles and practices of law firm, court, or legal services processes with the ability to research complex legal issues and analyze legal problems -OR- graduation from an approved, accredited paralegal program of instruction.

The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Formore information or questions specific to the position, please contact Legal Administrator, Kasey E. Nelson ([e-mail]).

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 Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacationleaveaccrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• 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 employeeassistanceprogram.

• Parental leaveis 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– Saveadditionalpre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.Learn aboutadditionalwellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may varysomewhat 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. Applicantsdemonstratejob 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.