Paralegal

The University of Maine System (UMS) is accepting applications for a Paralegal to work in the Office of General Counsel. The Paralegal will provide legal and administrative support to the University of Maine System Office of General Counsel (OGC), with approximately 75% of time focused on substantive legal work across a broad range of legal matters affecting the University of Maine System and 25% focused on legal office administration and support. Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, the Paralegal will conduct legal research, draft and/or review documents, assist with litigation case management, and manage legal matters across a range of practice areas. The role also includes responsibilities such as document management, scheduling, and coordinating communication with internal and external parties. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and legal analytical skills; administrative capability to support efficient legal operations; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with attorneys, administrators, faculty, and staff.

The work location is in Orono at the University of Maine campus. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to establish a hybrid work schedule.

Salary: The normal hiring range for a Paralegal is $55,000 to $74,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary .

Qualifications:

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, and procedures.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft clear and concise legal documents.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with legal research tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and legal case/document management systems.
• Experience working in a legal environment; familiarity with higher education or public sector law is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced legal office.
• Ability to balance both substantive legal work and administrative tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree or higher required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting attorneys in a legal setting, including demonstrated experience performing both paralegal and legal administrative duties.
• Experience with contract law, administrative law, labor and employment law, or higher education law preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to occasionally lift files, books, or other materials up to 25lbs.
• Good close vision and the ability to read documents and work on a computer.
• Be able to use hands and fingers for tasks like typing, filing, and handling documents.
• Be able to hear and understand speech and speak clearly.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Paralegal Job Description .

The University of Maine (UMaine), founded in Orono in 1865, is the state's land grant and sea grant university. As the state’s only public research university, UMaine has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service. UMaine is among the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the Northeast, with nearly 100 majors and academic programs. It attracts students from Maine and 49 other states, and more than 60 countries. It currently enrolls more than 11,400 undergraduate and graduate students who can directly participate in research, working with world class scholars. UMaine offers more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn graduate certificates, master's, doctoral or professional science master's degrees. The university promotes environmental stewardship, with substantial efforts campus wide aimed at conserving energy, recycling and adhering to green building standards in new construction.

How to Apply
Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following:

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by May 16, 2025.
• Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity, or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).