Public Defense Paralegal: Case Prep & Court Coordination

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

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks a paralegal to support multiple attorneys across parental defense, criminal defense, and appellate work. The role handles case preparation, document drafting, and calendar management, coordinating with courts, agencies, and clients in a fast-paced legal environment.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and capable of independent work while collaborating effectively with a legal team.

Qualifications

• Paralegal experience or legal support background preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal document preparation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage calendars.

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

Skills

Word processing

Legal document preparation

Document management

Record keeping

Calendar management

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services seeks a paralegal to support multiple attorneys across parental defense, criminal defense, and appellate work. The role handles case preparation, document drafting, and calendar management, coordinating with courts, agencies, and clients in a fast-paced legal environment.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and capable of independent work while collaborating effectively with a legal team.