Paralegal (Research Assistant)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Legal | Full-time

Apply by: May 30, 2024

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Paralegal (Research Assistant)

Consumer Protection Division

Opening Date: May 15, 2024

Closing Date: May 30, 2024

Job Class Code: 6560

Grade: 17

Salary: $43,014.40 - $60,070.40/annually

Bargaining Unit: Professional and Technical

Position # 006000406

DESCRIPTION:

This is professional services work in the Office of the Attorney General providing investigative and litigation support to attorneys in the Consumer Protection Division, as well as staff support for the Maine Recovery Council which administers opioid settlement funds statewide. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS :

· Provides administrative, research and other support to the Maine Recovery Council and its members, including: assisting with the Council’s initiation of operations; preparation of Council organizational documents; providing research and information to assist the Council with its substantive work; receiving and managing public comments; communicating verbally and in writing with members of the Council, State government, and the public; preparing and submitting Council reports and recommendations; and all other aspects of the Council’s work and duties. More information about the Council may be found at www.maine.gov/ag/Recovery-Council .

· Provides support to Division attorneys investigating possible violations of consumer, antitrust, charities, and tobacco laws.

· Provides litigation support to Division attorneys, which may include scheduling, interviewing, assessing and preparing witnesses; scheduling, preparing materials for, and participating in, depositions; reviewing, summarizing, and compiling deposition and trial testimony; managing witnesses and documents; and doing legal research.

· Provides research and organizational support for legislative and enforcement initiatives in consumer privacy law.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

· Ability to conduct effective witness interviews.

· Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

· Ability to do legal research, including proficiency in WestlawNext.

· Ability to create and use spreadsheets.

· Ability to use e-discovery management software, such as Concordance and on-line e-discovery services such as Everlaw.

· Ability to draft legal documents.

· Ability to work independently, conferring with Division attorneys, the public and the Maine Recovery Council when necessary.

· Knowledge of and ability to access legal resources.

Office of the Attorney General, State of Maine (https://www.maine.gov/ag/)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Include resume, writing sample, three references, and complete the direct hire application.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hires is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General Christina Moylan via email (Christina.Moylan@maine.gov) or by callin g 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

  Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.