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Maine Paralegal Career and Salary Guide

There are no formal requirements for becoming a paralegal in Maine, but most paralegals have a combination of education and experience. On this page, you will find up-to-date information on becoming a paralegal in Maine, certification options, salary and career outlook, and career resources to help you get started.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Paralegal in Maine

Since Maine does not regulate the profession, paralegal candidates may take a variety of paths. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Maine:

1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

Although Maine does not require a degree or certificate to become a paralegal, many paralegals choose to obtain a formal education earned at one of the Maine paralegal programs. Currently, there are no American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs in Maine.1 However, a few paralegal programs are available in the state, ranging from certificates in paralegal studies to bachelor’s in paralegal studies degrees.

2. Gain experience.

On-the-job experience can be gained through internships and job shadowing and is commonly offered in paralegal education programs. On-site training is also available at law firms and corporate legal departments throughout the state. Some paralegals even start at the entry level as document preparers or legal secretaries.

3. Seek certification, if desired.

Although certification is not required to become a paralegal in Maine, it is highly desirable and can enhance job prospects. You can read more about Maine certification below.


Search Paralegal Programs

Get information on Paralegal programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Paralegal Certification in Maine

Certification is not required to work as a paralegal or legal assistant in the state. Maine law defines paralegals and legal assistants as paraprofessionals qualified by education, training, or work experience who must be supervised by an attorney or organization while performing substantive legal work. Many Maine paralegals become members of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); or the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI). These associations offer paralegal certification programs widely accepted as the industry benchmark for professional excellence. You can read more about national paralegal certification through our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal

Maine Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook

Projected Job Growth

2.1%

Paralegals in Maine from 2022-20322

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that there were 1,260 paralegals and legal assistants working in Maine, who earned an average annual salary of $59,800.3 Projections Central predicts 2.1% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Maine, compared to 4.2% nationwide.2 An average of 100 annual openings for paralegals is expected in the state.2

Maine Paralegal Salary by Metro Area

Metro AreaNumber Employed4Average Annual Salary4
Statewide1,260$59,800
Bangor150$57,050
Lewiston-Auburn120$56,680
Portland-South Portland570$64,620
Portsmouth, NH-ME220$60,940
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area290$54,580

Paralegal Employers in Maine

Though corporations employ paralegals and legal assistants, private law firms are the primary employers of paralegals nationwide. Paralegals and legal assistants wishing to work in a corporate environment should investigate opportunities with Maine’s larger employers and government agencies in the state.

LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Maine or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Maine with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:

  • Bernstein Shur
  • Drummond Woodsum
  • Norman, Hanson & DeTroy LLC
  • Pierce Atwood LLP
  • Preti Flaherty
  • State of Maine
  • Unum

For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.

Paralegal Resources

Here are some resources to help paralegals in Maine with professional development, networking, and career growth.

Paralegal Associations in Maine

These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.

  • NALS of Maine: With chapters throughout the state, strives to support paralegals and legal assistants through regional networking events, continuing education opportunities, and job postings.

Additional Resources

  • University of Maine School of Law Garbrecht Law Library: Holds over 335,000 print volumes featuring federal and state laws, as well as Canadian and British Commonwealth law reports and statutes as an official depository for the European Union (EU).
  • Maine Judicial Branch: A one-stop website with links to all courts in the state’s jurisdiction providing access to court forms, rules, and schedules, as well as e-filing systems.
  • Maine Law and Legislative Reference Library: Hosts approximately 111,000 print volumes and an extensive electronic collection that includes international, federal, and state legal resources.
  • Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To explore paralegal job opportunities in Maine, visit our jobs board.

References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm