Paralegal - Lewiston

maine; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services in Lewiston seeks a Paralegal to support multiple attorneys across criminal, parental defense, and appellate matters. The role requires strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to manage diverse tasks in a fast-paced legal environment.

You will handle document preparation, calendar management, client communications, and coordinating with courts and agencies.

Qualifications

• Paralegal support across multiple attorneys in various defense areas.
• Proficiency in word processing, legal document prep, document and file management, calendar management.
• Ability to communicate with courts, law enforcement, agencies, clients and families.
• Self-directed, highly organized, accurate, and able to work in a fast-paced legal environment.

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.
• Maintaining communication with clients about court dates, case status, and other matters as directed by Assistant Defenders.
• Communicating with a wide network of agencies such as the courts, jails/prisons, legal and social agencies, as well as client family members.
• Drafting 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.
• Processing incoming and outgoing mail for Assistant Defenders.
• Collecting, managing, and organizing discovery.
• Using Adobe Pro to compile documents and electronic discovery binders.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Administrator.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Effective communication

Paralegal knowledge

Court system navigation

Education

Paralegal program completion

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Case management software

Electronic court filing system

Job description

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Anticipated Vacancy

Opening Date: October 20, 2026

Closing Date: November 03, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 20 / Professional/Technical

Job Class Code: 0884

Salary: $21.61 - $30.18 Hourly

Position Number :146000071

Location: Lewiston

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, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• 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

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.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government,