Paralegal - Portland

State of Maine•Portland, OR

3d•$22 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal performs paraprofessional work investigating, researching, and reviewing legal issues in the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Worker Advocate Division. The position assists attorneys with complex legal work, researches and analyzes statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes, and prepares comprehensive legal documents for attorney review, approval, and use. Compared with the Paralegal Assistant classification, this role involves more complex paralegal work and full responsibility for conducting alternative dispute resolution processes. Work is performed under limited supervision. The position is located 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; 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 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, duties and responsibilities for each position, and identify any experience that was not full-time.
Pass required background checks; fingerprinting may be required.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and evaluate complex legal materials for draft reports and attorney casework.
Interpret and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Abstract complex recorded instruments, records, and legal documents.
Analyze titles to determine appropriate parties to 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, provide administrative support, and draft legal decisions.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State contribution of 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
Health insurance premium credit reducing employee-only premiums by 5% for participants who meet program requirements.
State-paid 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.
Forty-two 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.