Paralegal

University of Maryland Eastern Shore • University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD

25d • $26 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt contractual position with limited benefits. The successful candidate will support the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of the General Counsel. The position is (40) hours, split between the two offices. The position will report to the Director of Financial Aid.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience.
• Excellent research, written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of legal research, involving federal, state and administrative statutes, regulations and case law.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Paralegal certification.
• Two to three years of experience providing legal or administrative support, preferably in a law office, government, higher education, or corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, document preparation, and records management.

Responsibilities

• Manage Borrower Defense cases: Track all Department of Education claims, deadlines, case status, COD Web activity, and required submissions.
• Conduct detailed fact-finding: Investigate each allegation, establish the who/what/when/where/why/how, develop timelines, and distinguish documented facts from allegations.
• Research institutional records: Collect and analyze student, financial aid, academic, admissions, communications, policies, catalogs, and historical records while maintaining FERPA and confidentiality requirements.
• Analyze regulations and prepare responses: Research applicable federal regulations and guidance, evaluate the evidence supporting each allegation, and draft comprehensive responses and supporting documentation for ED review.
• Ensure compliance and risk management: Maintain audit-ready case files, identify potential compliance or financial risks, meet all deadlines, and escalate matters requiring legal advice to university counsel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director.
• Manage and process requests submitted under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), including coordinating records searches, reviewing, and compiling responsive documents, calculating and processing fees, and preparing records for production in accordance with applicable laws and deadlines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Benefits

• Safe and Sick Leave Only.
• Accrue Sick and Safe leave at the rate of 1 (one) hour for every 30 hours worked up to a maximum accrual of 40 hours per calendar year.
• Carry over up to 40 hours of Sick and Safe leave per calendar year.
• Use up to 64 hours of accrued Sick and Safe leave per calendar year.
• Accrue up to a maximum of 64 hours of Sick and Safe leave in total at any time.
• Sick and Safe leave balances will be carried over for contract renewals.
• Reinstatement of unused Sick and Safe leave if re-employed within 37 weeks of last contract termination date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level