Metro Areas in Maine
The Legal Industry in Maine
Maine’s legal community is relatively small but active, shaped by the state’s regional industries, coastal geography, and proximity to major markets like Boston. Most legal activity is centered in cities such as Portland, Bangor, Augusta, and Lewiston, where courts, law firms, and state agencies are concentrated.
The state supports a wide range of practice areas, with ongoing demand for attorneys in litigation, real estate, healthcare, municipal law, and environmental regulation. Though the overall number of lawyers in Maine is modest compared to more populous states, the market remains steady with opportunities across both private practice and public service.
Is it Difficult to Practice Law in Maine?
Admission to practice law in Maine requires meeting a clear set of academic, testing, and character standards. Below are the principal requirements:
- Graduate with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school (or meet equivalent standards for foreign legal education).
- Pass the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) in Maine, earning a combined scaled score of 270 or higher.
- Achieve a passing score on the MPRE, with a minimum scaled score of 80, within 15 years prior to the application for admission.
- Submit a complete application, along with required transcripts, fees, and documentation per the Maine Board of Bar Examiners rules.
- Demonstrate good character and fitness as evaluated by the Board, including disclosures, background checks, and possible hearings.
- For attorneys from other jurisdictions, apply for admission by motion (without examination) if you have practiced actively in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least three of the past five years.
- Fulfill continuing legal education (CLE) requirements once admitted — Maine attorneys must complete 11 hours annually, including at least one hour in ethics or professional responsibility.
Maine also allows temporary permission to practice in limited cases (for instance, for public defenders or legal services organizations) under Rule 11C.
Whether you’re targeting opportunities in Portland’s established firms or seeking a meaningful practice in one of Maine’s smaller communities, our network of legal recruiters can help you navigate the market with confidence. Let the Legal Recruiter Directory connect you to the right role at the right time. Start your search today.
