Paralegal - Portland

State of Maine•Portland, OR

12d•$22 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal performs paraprofessional work investigating, researching, and reviewing legal issues for the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Worker Advocate Division. The role assists attorneys with complex legal work; researches and analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, and codes; and prepares complex legal documents for attorney review, approval, and use. Compared with the Paralegal Assistant classification, this role 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. Partial telework may be available with management approval after completion of the probation period, and all telework must be performed within the State of Maine. The selected candidate 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; alternatively, 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 legal documents 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.
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; identify any experience that was not full-time.
Pass required background checks; fingerprinting may be required.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and evaluate complex legal material for draft reports and attorney 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 needed documentation.
Analyze titles to determine parties who should be compensated or notified.
Draft closing documents, including deeds, easements, agreements, and tax information statements.
Confer, negotiate, and advocate with clients, organizational representatives, attorneys, and others to promote understanding or 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 with decision-making.
Prepare comprehensive legal documentation and reports for review or signature.
Attend administrative hearings and meetings to provide administrative support and prepare drafts of legal decisions.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and at least three weeks of annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State payment of 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A 5% health insurance premium credit for eligible participation.
State payment of 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.
Living Resources employee assistance 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.