Paralegal

State of Maine; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Gym reimbursement

FSAs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Maine is hiring a paralegal to support the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services. The role provides case preparation, document management, and communications with courts, law enforcement, and social agencies across multiple defense practice areas.

The successful candidate will be self-directed, highly organized, and accurate, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a fast-paced legal environment.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Pro.
• Knowledge of court filing systems and legal processes.
• Ability to research and analyze legal issues and draft routine documents.

Responsibilities

• Support busy attorneys and track large caseloads.
• Process and manage documents, mail, and emails for multiple inboxes.
• Communicate with courts, jails, and other agencies about case status and dates.
• Draft routine documents including motions and discovery requests.
• Maintain up-to-date case files and calendars.
• Assist with discovery collection and handling.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Communication

Legal knowledge

Case management

Attention to detail

Education

Paralegal program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Pro

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Opening Date: October 26, 2026

Closing Date: November 09, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 20 / Professional/Technical

Job Class Code: 0884

Salary: $21.61 - $30.18 Hourly

Position Number:146000088

Location: Portland

OVERVIEW

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide efficient, high-quality representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. Attorneys in our Public Defender Offices practice in a variety of areas including Parental Defense in our Parent Defense Division, representing clients whose children have been taken or are at risk of being taken into custody by the State of Maine; Adult and Juvenile Criminal Defense; and Appellate work. The paralegal position will provide support to multiple attorneys across these practice areas.

The paralegals perform case preparation and investigative and information gathering tasks necessary for providing effective assistance of counsel. The paralegal may 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. Proficiency is required in word processing, legal document preparation, document management, record keeping, data management, file management, calendar management, and a variety of communications.

The ideal candidate must be self-directed, highly organized and highly accurate, with the ability to work efficiently and independently. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic. It is essential that the successful candidate work well as part of a team and adapt 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
• 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
• Knowledge of Title 22, and the life of a child protection 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

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Formore information orquestions specific to the position, please contact [e-mail]

The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may berequired) as a condition of employment.

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. Vacation leave accrual 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 the premium costs for 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 about program 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 the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program– Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.