Paralegal - Lewiston

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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 Parental Defense in 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.

• →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
• →Use Adobe Pro to compile documents and electronic discovery binders
• →Other responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Administrator

• 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
• Knowledge of Title 22, and the life of a child protection 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

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.

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.  

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE 

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