Paralegal

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and administrative support to the Office of General Counsel.
• Conduct legal research and draft/review legal documents.
• Assist with litigation case management.
• Manage legal matters across various practice areas.
• Handle document management and scheduling.
• Coordinate communication with internal and external parties.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, and procedures.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.
• Proficiency with legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting attorneys in a legal setting.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with higher education or public sector law.
• Experience with contract law, administrative law, labor and employment law, or higher education law.
• Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Benefits

• 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.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.