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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
Capitol Region Public Defenders
Paralegal - Augusta
Opening Date: April 3, 2026
Closing Date: May 3, 2026
Grade / Admin unit : 20 / Professional/Technical
Job Class Code: 0884
Position No.: 146000034
Salary: $20.68 - $28.88/Hourly
Location: Augusta
Telework: Partial/Hybrid, with management approval, upon completion of probationary period. All telework must be performed in the State of Maine.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Capitol Region Public Defenders is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a paralegal position. The paralegal will provide in-office support to multiple Assistant Defenders with heavy criminal defense caseloads. The paralegal will perform case preparation, investigative and information gathering tasks necessary for providing effective assistance of counsel. The paralegal will draft routine documents such as client correspondence, discovery requests, and motions. The paralegal may also 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.
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 when communicating with individuals who are frustrated or under emotional distress.
The ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic and ability to manage heavy email traffic in multiple shared inboxes. It is essential that the successful candidate works well as part of a team and adapts well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supporting busy attorneys and tracking large caseloads
- Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite for day-to-day tasks
- Managing heavy email traffic across multiple shared inboxes
- Maintain communication with clients about court dates, case status, and other matters as directed by Assistant Defenders
- Communicate with a wide network of agencies such as the courts, jails/prisons, legal and social agencies, as well as client family members.
- Draft routine documents including discovery requests, motions, client correspondence, etc.
- Tracking and keeping an accurate calendar of scheduled court dates
- Processing incoming court documents and maintaining up to date case files
- Process incoming and outgoing mail for Assistant Defenders
- Collecting, managing, and organizing discovery including body worn camera footage, dash camera footage, police reports and witness statements, various audio, etc.
- Use Adobe Pro to compile documents and electronic discovery binders
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Administrator
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong skills in Adobe Pro
- Ability to manage and process highly confidential and sensitive material
- Knowledge of Titles 17-A and 29-A, and the life of a criminal case
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals who may be under emotional distress
- Strong knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to navigate an electronic court filing system and adapt to evolving technology
- Ability to write clearly and effectively
- Ability to work as a team to foster a positive working environment
- Ability to learn case management software and effectively use it
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - OR - graduation from an approved, accredited paralegal program of instruction and one (1) year of paralegal experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience supporting multiple attorneys in a law office setting and who are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite products.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional refere