Although Maine isn’t a large state, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 1,280 paralegal jobs throughout the state as of May 2020. These legal support professionals earned an average salary of $56,710, or $27.27 per hour. The highest paid paralegals in Maine (top 10%) earned about $66,980, or $32.20 per hour during this time.
Legal services are now needed in every walk of life. Maine’s corporate powerhouses like J.D. Irving, Idexx Laboratories, L.L. Bean, and Hannaford Supermarkets all have large in-house law departments where the work of paralegals is always valued and always in-demand.
Paralegal Certification in Maine
There is currently no mandatory licensing or certification for paralegals in Maine.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Maine
There are currently no ABA approved paralegal programs in the state of Maine.
Paralegal Certificates
University of Maine at Augusta
The 21-credit hour postgraduate certificate in paralegal studies offered by the University of Maine at Augusta covers practical knowledge, ethical standards and analytical reasoning within the legal profession. Student learn legal research, become familiar with case studies, statutes and regulations and gain skills in information management, document preparation, deed registries and estate management.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,557 for state residents; $5,691 for out-of-state online students (based on 2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: Associate degree, bachelor’s degree or 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited university or college
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Legal Research & Materials
- Principles of Litigation
- Professional Responsibility
- Estate Administration
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Husson University
Husson University provides a quality education with small class sizes on a beautiful 208 acre campus. Its Associate in Science paralegal program emphasizes analytical skills, good oral and written communication skills and core legal knowledge. Students have access to Westlaw and will visit courts, law offices, law libraries and the Registry of Deeds, in addition to pursuing an internship in a specialty of interest to the student. Classes are held at its Westbrook campus on weekday evenings and Saturdays, and on the Bangor campus during the day and in the evening.
- Estimated Program Cost: $30,504 (based on 2013-2014 annual tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Intro to Paralegal Studies
- Criminal Law
- Introduction to Wills, Estates and Trusts
- Civil Litigation
Kaplan University
Kaplan University‘s Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies is available online and at its Augusta, Lewiston and South Portland campuses. This program covers substantive areas of law and is taught by legal professionals with real-world experience. Students learn legal research methods, investigative techniques, oral and written communication skills and trial and litigation preparation. The program’s internship gives student practical experience, while adding to their resumes and helping them make contacts within the legal profession.
- Estimated Program Cost: $33,390 for online students; $25,200 for on-campus students (based on published 2013 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or home-school certificate
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Legal Research
- Introduction to Legal Analysis & Writing
- Legal Ethics
- Civil Litigation
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Husson University
Husson University‘s Bachelor of Science in paralegal studies is a balanced program that combines core legal courses with a liberal arts education. Courses cover critical thinking, organization skills, written and verbal communication, legal research, legal writing, computer applications, ethics, interviewing and investigation and law office management. Students have multiple opportunities for learning outside of the classroom, including internships and a legal studies organization.
- Estimated Program Cost: $61,008 (based on 2013-2014 annual tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On Campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Wills, Estates, and Trusts
- Microcomputer Spreadsheet Applications
- Business Law I & II
- American National Government
- Introduction to Ethics
- Criminal Procedure
Kaplan University
Kaplan University‘s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies is a quality program covers substantive law and practical legal skills, and includes general studies courses to ensure that graduates are well-rounded. Students learn modern legal research techniques used in compiling information for cases and develop analytical skills for sorting and applying that information to the legal process. They also develop communication skills for use in interviewing clients and witnesses, and learn about functioning efficiently in the legal environment.
- Estimated Program Cost: $66,780 (based on 2013 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or home-school certificate
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Real Estate Law
- Introduction to Legal Analysis & Writing
- Advanced Legal Writing
- Tort Law
Paralegal Organizations
- The National Association of Legal Assistants· Paralegals (NALA) promotes professional development programs for paralegals and offers continuing education programs. It offers professional certification for paralegals, holds an annual conference, provides leadership development programs and conducts occupational research, as well as offers publications including study guides, the NALA Manual for Paralegals and a journal.
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) is a nationwide alliance of paralegal organizations. NFPA was the first national paralegal association and today it includes over 50 paralegal associations and over 9,000 members. It keeps abreast of changes in the paralegal profession and the law. Strong strategic alliances make being a member an asset when needing continuing legal education, up-to-date information on regulations and contacts with other paralegals in many specialties. NFPA created the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam® (PACE®) and the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam™ (PCCE™).
- NALS of Maine is associated with NALS, Inc., a national nonprofit organization for legal professionals that emphasizes education; it has four local chapters throughout the state. Members can take advantage of networking opportunities, a job bank, newsletters, members-only insurance and discounts on a number of services.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.