Legal Administrator (Office Manager)

$57,408 - $81,078/Yr

State Of Maine - Caribou, ME

Full-time - Mid Level

Caribou, ME

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking a dedicated and organized individual to fill the position of Office Manager (Legal Administrator) at the Aroostook Public Defender Office. This role is crucial in overseeing a team of paralegals and ensuring the efficient operation of the office, which is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to indigent citizens entitled to counsel at state expense. The Office Manager will work closely with the District Defender and will be responsible for supervising paralegal staff, managing office operations, and maintaining a structured and effective work environment. In this position, the Office Manager will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including court officials, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, and clients. The role requires proficiency in various administrative tasks such as word processing, legal document preparation, document management, record keeping, data management, and calendar management. The ideal candidate will be self-directed, highly organized, and possess a keen attention to detail, enabling them to work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced legal environment. Strong interpersonal skills and a solid work ethic are essential, as the Office Manager will be part of a collaborative team that adapts to rapid changes in the legal landscape. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications, which include a Bachelor's Degree and four years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference will be given to those with three or more years of administrative support experience in a legal setting and evidence of increasing responsibilities, including supervisory roles. A cover letter and resume are encouraged to demonstrate qualifications and interest in the position.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of paralegals and manage office operations.
• Assist the District Defender as directed.
• Ensure a functioning and organized work environment.
• Communicate with court officials, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, and clients.
• Manage legal document preparation, record keeping, and data management.
• Maintain calendar management and file management systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
• Four years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency, or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong proficiency in word processing and legal document preparation.
• Experience in document management, record keeping, and data management.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a solid work ethic.

Nice-to-haves

• 3+ years of experience in an administrative support role in a legal setting.
• Evidence of increasing responsibilities, including supervision of others.
• Submission of a cover letter and resume.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays annually.
• 12 days of sick leave.
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually, with accrual increasing with years of service.
• Health insurance coverage with 85%-100% of employee-only premiums paid by the State.
• 100% of employee-only dental premiums paid by the State.
• Retirement plan with a 13.29% contribution from the State towards MainePERS.