Paralegal

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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/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 a variety of 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.
Ability to write clearly and effectively.
Ability to provide negotiation and advocacy services.
Ability to abstract and analyze complex comprehensive recorded instruments, records, and legal documents.
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.

Responsibilities

Researches, analyzes, and evaluates a variety of complex legal material in order to incorporate related material into draft reports and assist attorneys in completing legal casework.
Interprets and explains laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to provide information, clarification, and/or promote understanding.
Abstracts complex recorded instruments, records, and legal documents in order to compile needed documentation.
Analyzes titles in order to determine proper parties to be compensated or notified.
Drafts closing documents such as deeds, easements, agreements, tax information statements, and other similar documents in order to prepare necessary paperwork for closing actions.
Confers, negotiates, and/or advocates for clients, organizational representatives, attorneys, and others in order to provide advocacy, promote understanding, and/or resolve issues.
Compiles and prepares complex legal documents, pleadings, discovery, notices of hearings, comprehensive findings of fact or conclusions, and other similar material in order to prepare legal case documentation and/or provide information to parties.
Conducts alternative dispute resolution processes in order to reduce litigation and resolve issues.
Makes recommendations and provides assistance to attorneys and others in order to assist in the decision making process.
Prepares a variety of comprehensive legal documentation and reports in order to provide draft or final document for review and/or signature.
Attends administrative hearings and/or meetings in order to provide administrative support and compose drafts of legal decisions.