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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services Capitol Region Public Defenders Opening Date: August 31, 2026
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Grade / Admin unit : 20 / Professional/Technical
Job Class Code: 0884
Position Number: 146000034
Salary: $20.68 - $28.88/Hourly
Location: Augusta
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, organized and 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 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
- 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
- Knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Pro
- 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:
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.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional references.
In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
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