Portland, ME

About the role:
The Abstractor Paralegal (Trainee) is a paralegal position within MTC intended to provide hands on training while performing substantive work in support of the department. The position will be progressively responsible for supporting and facilitating the transactional and real estate needs of Monument Title Company and the Real Estate Practice Group attorneys. The successful candidate will have established experience supporting attorneys and be a resourceful and technically proficient team player who is able to anticipate and proactively manage day-to-day duties and needs in a fast-paced, yet uniquely positive office culture. The firm’s paralegals have exceptional organizational skills, demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, and exercise the utmost discretion.

Essential Functions:
• Searching real estate titles, including historic research, road and private way research, survey plans, and research of archival materials
• Thorough understanding of Maine Title Standards and related laws and practice
• Preparation of title summary reports
• Preparation of property sketches, property descriptions
• Continuing education and training to enhance and expand skills
• Training and assumption of duties in real estate closing preparation, including document drafting, conduct of closing, closing logistics (as and if assigned)
• Training and assumption of duties in document recording/filing in registry of deeds (as and if assigned)
• Training and assumption of duties in title insurance underwriting (as and if assigned)
• Training and assumption of duties in document drafting and review such as deeds, easements, purchase agreements, and leases (as and if assigned)
• Billable work as assigned with the requirement to achieve after two (2) years 1200 billable hours per year

Required Qualifications:
• An associate degree or paralegal certification with a minimum of two years actively supporting attorneys and/or a legal office required; candidates who do not meet the minimum educational requirements may still be considered with the requirement to obtain the educational minimum standard within two (2) years
• Demonstrated ability to critically think, write, and communicate.
• Great collaborator enthusiastic, proactive, and self-directed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and excellent judgement.
• Technologically savvy; highly proficient, expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite 365; ability to work effectively within the firm’s document management and billing applications. (Microsoft assessment required as part of application process)

Workplace Environment:
• Work within an office setting
• Sit and stand for extended durations
• Work with electronics (computer, phone, iPad)
• Lift, push, pull up to 25 lbs
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Reliable attendance in the office

Benefits Package:
• Hybrid work environment (at least three days in the office Wednesday anchor day)
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Group life and disability insurance
• Financial wellness program
• 401K employer match and profit sharing
• 23 days PTO starting on day 1
• 11 paid holidays
• 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Mobile data reimbursement
• Free parking

About Bernstein Shur:
Our 100+ award-winning attorneys and professionals are driven, dominant, and deliver results. The ideal candidate will have a growth mindset, strive to achieve the highest level of professional excellence, and thrive in an atmosphere that’s collaborative, authentic, and respectful. We have exceptionally high standards for everything we do, and we’re looking for high-energy candidates who want to make a big impact. We work together to continually raise the bar and put our clients’ interests first. In 2023, Bernstein Shur was named one of Maine’s Best Places to Work for the twelfth time. It’s a reflection of our values and firm-wide commitment to create a culture that believes in diversity, flexibility, and family-friendly policies. Simply put, we desire to do great work—and have great lives.

Bernstein Shur is an equal opportunity employer.