Paralegal - Portland

State of Maine•Portland, OR

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal provides paraprofessional support in investigating, researching, and reviewing legal issues for the Workers’ Compensation Board Worker Advocate Division. The role assists attorneys with complex legal work, researches and analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, and codes, and prepares comprehensive legal documents for attorney review, approval, and use. Compared with the Paralegal Assistant classification, this position handles more complex paralegal work and has full responsibility for conducting alternative dispute resolution processes. Work is performed under limited supervision. The position is based in Portland, Maine, with partial telework possible upon management approval after completion of the probation period; all telework must be performed in Maine. The position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must submit a cover letter and current resume, including month and year for relevant experience and duties and responsibilities for each position. Selected candidates must pass required background checks; fingerprinting may be required.

Requirements

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work demonstrating a solid knowledge of law firm, court, or legal services processes and the ability to research complex legal issues and analyze legal problems; OR graduation from an approved, accredited paralegal program.
Knowledge of legal principles and practice.
Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, rules of evidence, and litigation practices.
Knowledge of eminent domain procedures.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal statutes, case law, and regulations.
Knowledge of public records affecting titles, research procedures, legal terminology, and processes.
Ability to conduct complex legal research and analyze legal problems.
Ability to prepare for and conduct alternative dispute resolution sessions.
Ability to compile and prepare complex comprehensive legal documentation and reports.
Ability to understand, explain, and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and case law.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively and write clearly and effectively.
Ability to provide negotiation and advocacy services.
Ability to abstract and analyze complex recorded instruments, records, and legal documents.
Submit a cover letter and current resume; the resume must include month and year for relevant experience and duties and responsibilities for each position.
Pass required background checks; fingerprinting may be required.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and evaluate complex legal materials; incorporate relevant information into draft reports and assist attorneys with legal casework.
Interpret and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to provide information and promote understanding.
Abstract complex recorded instruments, records, and legal documents to compile necessary documentation.
Analyze titles to determine parties who should be compensated or notified.
Draft closing documents, including deeds, easements, agreements, tax information statements, and similar paperwork.
Confer, negotiate, and advocate with clients, organizational representatives, attorneys, and others to provide advocacy, promote understanding, and resolve issues.
Compile and prepare complex legal documents, pleadings, discovery, hearing notices, findings of fact, conclusions, and related case materials.
Conduct alternative dispute resolution processes to reduce litigation and resolve issues.
Make recommendations and assist attorneys and others in decision-making.
Prepare comprehensive legal documents and reports for review or signature.
Attend administrative hearings and meetings to provide administrative support and draft legal decisions.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and more than 3 weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums of 85%–100%, depending on salary; participation in the premium credit program can reduce employee-only premiums by 5%.
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.
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.
Additional wellness benefits; package details may vary by collective bargaining agreement and are prorated for less than full-time work.