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Getting a career started as a paralegal in Maine is easy. In fact, you do not have to do anything specific to begin.
However, you will need to pursue a certificate or diploma in order to get hired as a paid paralegal.
Find out more about what you will have to do to get employed as a paralegal in Maine.
These programs offer advanced training and certificates for paralegals that will help you become employed in this career field.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Maine
Becoming a paralegal in Maine is not an intensive process.
Anyone can become a paralegal even without education.
However, training to learn to become a paralegal is one thing.
Getting hired as an employed paralegal is another task entirely.
In order to get a job as a paralegal, you want to attend a college where you can receive a certificate, diploma, or degree.
This will help you progress to a career in paralegal work as most employers require certification or proof of training in order for you to be eligible for a job.
Here are some top schools for being a paralegal in ME.
Once you begin training as a paralegal in Maine, you are more likely to find employment opportunities through a training provider.
These training institutes may also offer hands-on training opportunities to help you exceed your career goals.
5 Paralegal Schools in Maine
Southern Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College trains paralegals in as little time as two seven-week sessions.
Get your certificate as a paralegal at SMCC and start earning a paycheck in ME.
The paralegal program is a 14-week course that is 100 percent online.
The cost for tuition is $1,895 and this includes both seven-week programs.
Both seven-week sessions must be completed successfully to complete this program.
Northern Maine Community College
At Northern Maine Community College, students can earn a degree in paralegal training.
The program is 100 percent online and can be either self-paced or led by an instructor.
Pricing varies from $115 to $199 depending on the course program.
Choose from a three-month program or a shorter six-week program for training.
The course leads to a paralegal certificate and employment in Maine as a paralegal.
University of Maine
The University of Maine, with campus locations in Augusta and in Bangor, offers a paralegal studies certificate for students interested in becoming paralegals in Maine.
This is a 60-course program that includes at least 15 credit hours of a UMA residency program.
Please note this is one of the only traditional training opportunities for paralegals in ME and it is not an online course.
Tuition for in-state and Canadian students is $245 a credit hour.
Massabesic Center for Adult Learning
At the Massabesic Center for Adult Learning, students hopeful of becoming paralegals in Maine can earn a certificate that is WIOA approved.
This job training is a 14-week-long program.
There are a total of 270 hours of school work.
Additionally, this is a 100 percent online training opportunity that leads to a career in paralegal work in Maine.
Husson University
Husson University has a paralegal certificate program that is 15 credit hours and five courses in length.
The program can be continued with advanced criminal justice or civil practice training, leading to additional certificates.
Once you complete the paralegal training program with a certificate, you are eligible to keep going with your training at Husson University.
Develop additional skills as these relate to the legal profession and improve your career chances.
Paralegal Schools in Maine – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern Maine Community College | 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106 |
| Northern Maine Community College | 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769 |
| University of Maine | 168 College Ave, Orono, ME 04469 |
| Massabesic Center for Adult Learning | 84 West Road Massabesic East, Waterboro, ME 04087 |
| Husson University | 1 College Cir, Bangor, ME 04401 |
Salary
The average salary for a paralegal in the US is $60,148.
Compare this to the average annual salary for a paralegal in Bangor, Maine, which is $54,968 a year.
You are going to earn more money elsewhere in the country when working as a paralegal.
However, there is a lot to be said about the one-state border that connects with Maine.
If you want to live in a New England state with more connections to Canada than the rest of the US, then this is a great state to train in.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $58,783 |
| Lewiston | $58,181 |
| Bangor | $54,968 |
| South Portland | $58,783 |
| Auburn | $58,181 |
| Brunswick | $58,262 |
| Biddeford | $58,502 |
| Sanford | $60,254 |
| Augusta | $56,274 |
| Scarborough | $58,783 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 150 | $57,050 | $27.43 | $74,460 | $44,920 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 120 | $56,680 | $27.25 | $74,290 | $44,120 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 570 | $64,620 | $31.07 | $79,860 | $47,430 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best degree for a paralegal in Maine?
The best degree for a paralegal in Maine is a four-year bachelor’s degree.
This leads to advanced training and also provides the graduate with a diploma.
What are some of the companies to work for as a paralegal in ME?
Maine is home to L.L. Bean in Freeport, J. D. Irving in Saint John, and Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook.
The biggest company is J. D. Irving and Irving Shipbuilding with 15,000 employees.
These corporations hire paralegals to work for their legal teams.
Do I have to go to college to be a paralegal in Maine?
No, you do not have to have a college education in order to work as a paralegal in Maine.
However, most employers will not hire a paralegal without a reputable source of training.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State