Secretary Associate Legal - Criminal Division

Opening Date:  February 29, 2024

Closing Date:  Until Filled  

Job Class Code:  6560

Grade:  17

Salary:  $38,916.80 - $53,851.20/annually

Bargaining Unit:  Administrative Services

Position # 006000488

The Office of Attorney General is looking to hire a dynamic individual to fill a Secretary Associate Legal vacancy in our Augusta office, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  The position provides support to multiple attorneys who are assigned throughout the State. The position involves complex legal clerical responsibilities and administrative details that require sound knowledge of legal processes, procedures, terminology, and documents.   

Proficiency is required in word processing, document management, record keeping, data management, file preparation, organization and archiving, calendar management, careful scheduling for multiple attorneys, and a variety of communications. You must be able to communicate pleasantly, clearly, and effectively with colleagues, court staff, members of the public, and attorneys employed both internally and externally to the OAG.

The ideal candidate must be self-directed, highly organized and highly accurate, with the ability to work efficiently and independently.  It is essential that the successful candidate work well as part of a team and adapt well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.    

Typical Duties

• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite products for word processing, email, data entry, and spreadsheets.
• Handling incoming and outgoing mail
• Preparing and filing court documents, including pleadings, motions, orders, and subpoenas
• Preparing and filing of electronic documents in the Unified Criminal Docket
• Coordinating with various State, county, and municipal entities regarding pending matters
• Opening case files
• Organizing, copying and scanning documents
• Entering case data in office databases
• Proofreading legal documents for accuracy
• Composing documents as instructed by attorneys
• Researching, compiling, and analyzing complex information to reach a conclusion and/or make recommendations
• Communicating pleasantly, clearly and effectively with colleagues, court staff, office staff, members of the public, and attorneys
• Advising supervisors regarding the individual work and group operations
• Developing and recommending new work methods for improving practices in a fast-paced legal practice
• Participating in reception duties
• Calendaring all deadlines and reminders
• Archiving

 Office of the Attorney General

Minimum Requirements:

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a solid knowledge of the principles and practices of office processes and administrative functions to perform complex secretarial support tasks, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters. Plus: Competency in applying a solid knowledge of legal terminology and legal practices to perform complex secretarial tasks.

Preference will be given to individuals who meet the above qualifications, have experience with Microsoft Office Suite products, able to perform complex legal secretarial support tasks, are experienced working with multiple attorneys in a law office setting, have a solid knowledge of principles and practices of law office processes and are familiar with court rules and forms of pleadings.

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, cover letter, writing sample, three references (to include at least one work-related reference) and complete the online direct hire application.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.

Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General John Risler

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.