Paralegal

Full-time, Regular, Exempt Position

The University of Maine System is seeking to hire a Paralegal to work at the Orono campus of the University of Maine. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, the paralegal will assist attorney(s) by providing clerical tasks, scheduling support that requires an understanding of the underlying legal matters, of relevant high level operational and logistical matters, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of the various people involved in such meetings; investigational inquiries and summaries; legal research and writing, including memo drafting basic form contracts, settlement agreements, and other documents and communicating the same with clients and stakeholders; drafting policies and procedures; triaging – for instance, providing standardized responses to routine inquiries that require some knowledge of the law and determining when such matters should be referred to an attorney; answering basic questions about requests for information and release of information (whether Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), subpoena, court order or other); drafting routine responses to client communications and coordinating workflow to various attorneys in Office of General Counsel (OGC) based on subject matter expertise; drafting responses to litigation; drafting responses or reviewing drafts of responses to administrative or other complaints, such as those that go to Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC); drafting pleadings, motions, subpoenas, witness statements, and affidavits; drafting discovery; participating in witness interviews; conducting preliminary investigations on a wide range of matters, including various university operational matters; making significant work product contributions to client meetings and projects; drafting memoranda and other communications that pertain to the application of the law to the facts at hand; supervising other staff including file clerks, legal secretaries or administrative assistants.

The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination. We actively seek diverse ideas, backgrounds, perspectives and skills, recognizing that our differences make us stronger.

We are committed to an environment of respect and safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate in our workplace unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

We strongly encourage applications from members of marginalized communities. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and value people of all races, genders (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientations, marital statuses, disabilities, citizenships, ages, religions, and national origins. We value differences in lived experiences.

The complete job description can be found here.

Based on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant, the annual salary is commensurate with experience plus a 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents. The UMS is a recipient of the Wellness Councils of America’s Well Workplace Award and offers a wellness program.

Review of applications begins immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by March 31, 2021. Applications received after that date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than 30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff, and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty. Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine), including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.

The University of Maine, 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 campuswide aimed at conserving energy, recycling and adhering to green building standards in new construction.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and coordination skills.
• Proactive thinker who can anticipate and respond to needs with minimal supervision or direction.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Consummate professional capable of working well with diverse people and situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required; Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
• Paralegal certificate required.
• 3+ years of work experience within an office setting.
• Experience in a law firm and in higher education preferred.
• It would be a plus to have experience in the following areas: labor negotiations, diversity and equity matters, student facing matters, HR, litigation.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create an applicant profile and complete an application which includes contact information for three references; upload:

1) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2) a resume/curriculum vitae

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The University of Maine System is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Office of Equal Opportunity, University of Maine, 101 North Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).