Paralegal
Job Location:
Augusta, ME - USA
Hourly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
Opening Date:August 28 2026
Closing Date:September 14 2026
Grade/ Admin Unit:20/ Professional / Technical
Job Class Code:0884
Salary:$20.68 - $28.88 / Hourly
Position Number:
Location:Augusta
Currently this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
DESCRIPTION:
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 Parent Defense as part of 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
KNOWLEDGESSKILLSANDABILITIESREQUIRED:
- 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.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Pleasesubmita cover letter along with a current resumeand three (3) professional references.
In order forus to properlydetermineif you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The selected candidate willbe requiredto pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be) 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 mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces 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 leaveand3 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($11857.68-$13950.24annual 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 childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceiveforty-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 accordingto specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
Theresa job and then theres 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.
Ifyourelooking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you dowedlove to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. Ifyourecurrently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
If you require a paper application please download and print oneHERE
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If you are unable to complete the online application please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
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