Attorney

State of Maine•Gardiner, ME

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions is the primary regulator of state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies. It works to ensure the safety and soundness of the banking industry and protect Maine consumers against unfair practices. The Bureau seeks an Attorney to join its Research, Legal and Administrative Division. The Attorney provides legal counsel on matters involving banking and finance, consumer protection, legislation, rulemaking, and administrative law. The position advises the Banking Superintendent and Bureau staff, helps develop legislation and rules, supports consumer complaint and application reviews, and monitors developments in federal banking and credit union law. Opportunities for continuing education and travel to national conferences are available upon satisfactory performance. The position is based in Gardiner, Maine, with a hybrid work schedule available. It is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice law in Maine or able to be admitted within six months of hire; this requirement must be met before attaining permanent status.

Nice To Haves

Legal experience in banking, business law, finance, and/or administrative law is preferred.
Ability to analyze code-based law, case law, regulations, and other interpretive guidance.
Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and analyze information to make sound recommendations.
Intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore unfamiliar topics, seek information, and continuously learn.
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in writing and verbally to technical and non-technical, and legal and non-legal, audiences.

Responsibilities

Counsel and advise the Banking Superintendent and staff on legal matters related to the Bureau’s responsibilities.
Draft legislation, rules, and interpretive bulletins.
Assist the Deputy Superintendent in monitoring legislation and preparing or delivering legislative testimony.
Review and interpret agreements and other legal documents used by the Bureau.
Provide legal interpretations and review consumer complaints in support of Consumer Outreach staff.
Mediate the most complex complaints or refer complaints requiring legal action or criminal investigation to the Office of the Attorney General.
Provide legal review of complex bank mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate activity before Bureau approval.
Respond to industry inquiries concerning the Maine Banking Code, Maine Consumer Credit Code, Fair Debt Collection Act, and Fair Credit Reporting Act, and work with an Assistant Attorney General on interpretive matters.
Monitor and track developments in federal banking and credit union law, and advise senior agency staff on their impact on the Bureau.
Interact with government officials, including the Secretary of State, the Office of the Attorney General, and federal banking agencies, to coordinate action and seek advice as needed.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
State-paid 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage varies.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness through the State’s qualified-employer status.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
Opportunities for continuing education and travel to national conferences upon satisfactory performance.