Maine Legal Resources & Services Directory

Comprehensive guide to Maine legal services including bar associations, courts, legal aid resources, law schools, and attorney directories.

1

Public Law School

4

Legal Aid Organizations

$35

Initial Consultation Fee

Free

Legal Aid Services

State Bar Association & Attorney Services

Maine State Bar Association (MSBA)

The Maine State Bar Association is the official state bar of Maine, serving as the primary professional organization for attorneys licensed to practice law in the state.

  • Website: mainebar.org
  • Member Search: mainebar.org/search - Directory of Maine attorneys
  • Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-860-1460 - Free referral service with initial 30-minute consultation for $35
  • Services: Lawyer referral, legal aid information, member directories, continuing legal education

Legal Aid Services & Civil Assistance

Maine provides free civil legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable residents through multiple legal aid organizations.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Provides direct legal advocacy to Mainers with low incomes facing serious civil legal issues including housing, family law, benefits, and consumer problems.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic

Represents low-income individuals with legal cases in Southern Maine courts, staffed by law students specially licensed by state and federal courts.

Legal Services for Maine Elders

Provides free legal advice to Maine residents aged 60+ regarding health care, health insurance, Medicare, MaineCare, Social Security, and public benefits.

Maine Equal Justice

Advocates for fair public policies through legal representation and partnerships with diverse low-income communities and agencies.

Maine Courts & Judicial System

Court Access & Legal Information

  • Maine Courts Official: courts.maine.gov - Information for self-represented parties, court forms, and help resources
  • Legal Help & Guides: courts.maine.gov/help/legal - Comprehensive legal aid directory and court self-help information
  • Legal Resources: Maine Legislature - Resources for self-represented litigants
  • Court Help: Videos and guides helping self-represented parties fill out court forms and navigate court proceedings

Law Schools in Maine

Maine is home to the University of Maine School of Law, the state's public and only law school.

University of Maine School of Law

Maine's public law school located in Portland, preparing graduates for leadership careers within and outside traditional legal practice. The school emphasizes practical legal education and community engagement.

Website: mainelaw.maine.edu

Location: Portland, Maine

Attorney Registration & Licensing

Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar

  • Website: mebaroverseers.org - Attorney registration and professional conduct oversight
  • Attorney Directory: Attorney Search Database - Find registered Maine attorneys
  • Board of Bar Examiners: mainebarexaminers.org - Handles bar admissions and licensing
  • Services: Attorney registration, continuing legal education oversight, professional conduct, ethical guidance
  • Annual Registration: Attorneys must file registration statement with Board by August 31st annually

Attorney Services & Directories

Finding & Hiring Attorneys

Legal Assistance & Support Services

Additional Legal Resources

  • Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges: me-lap.org - Supporting Maine's legal community since 2002
  • Maine Justice Foundation: justicemaine.org - Grants and programs supporting legal services
  • Where to Get Legal Advice: Federal District Court Resources - Links to legal services information

Legal Documents & Forms

Legal Document Resources

Criminal & Civil Records Search

Accessing Maine Legal Records

  • Maine Court Records: Access through Maine Courts website and county courthouse locations
  • Criminal Records: Available through Maine State Police and county law enforcement agencies
  • Public Records Search: Maine provides online access to various public records including court documents and criminal histories
  • Background Checks: Conducted through Maine authorities for employment, housing, and legal proceedings
  • Court Documentation: Self-represented litigants can access forms and guidance through Maine Courts help resources

Continuing Legal Education & Professional Development

Maine Legal Education Programs

  • Maine Board of CLE: mecle.org - Continuing legal education requirements and courses for Maine attorneys
  • Self-Help Tools: Pine Tree Legal Assistance Self-Help - Online tools and resources for legal self-help
  • Court Help Centers: Maine Judicial Branch provides help centers for self-represented litigants

Public Safety & Sex Offender Registries

Safety & Registry Resources

  • National Sex Offender Registries: National Sex Offender Registry Information - Links to sex offender registries including Maine
  • Background Check Services: Maine provides criminal records and background check services through authorized agencies
  • Public Safety: Law enforcement resources and public safety information through Maine State Police and local agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Call the Maine State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-860-1460 for a free referral to a qualified local lawyer. You can then have a 30-minute initial consultation for $35. You can also search the Maine Bar member directory at mainebar.org/search.
Maine has several legal aid organizations: Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides general civil legal assistance to low-income Mainers. Legal Services for Maine Elders assists those 60+ with benefits and healthcare legal issues. Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic serves Southern Maine. Contact the Maine Courts for referrals to services in your area.
The University of Maine School of Law, Maine's public and only law school, is located in Portland. It prepares graduates for leadership careers in legal practice and other professions through comprehensive legal education and practical training.
Court records are available through the Maine Courts website (courts.maine.gov) and county courthouse locations. You can search by case number, party name, or other identifiers. The Maine Courts website also provides guides and self-help resources for finding and obtaining records.
Every attorney admitted to practice in Maine must file an annual registration statement with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar. Online registration opens July 1st and must be completed by August 31st. Only registered attorneys as active may practice law in Maine.
You can verify an attorney's license using the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar Attorney Directory at apps.web.maine.gov. Search for the attorney by name to verify their active status and practice information.
Legal Services for Maine Elders provides free legal advice to Maine residents aged 60 and over regarding health care, health insurance, Medicare, MaineCare, Social Security, and other public benefits. Contact them through the Maine Courts legal aid directory.
Yes, you have the right to self-representation (pro se). However, Maine Courts recommend seeking legal assistance when possible. The courts provide extensive self-help resources, forms, videos, and guides to help self-represented litigants navigate court proceedings.
Yes. The Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges (MAPL) has been supporting Maine's legal community since 2002. Visit me-lap.org for information about assistance programs and support services for legal professionals.
Criminal records are available through Maine State Police, county law enforcement agencies, and courts. You can request records in person, by mail, or through online portals where available. Some records may be sealed or expunged after certain procedures.

USA Law and Legal Resources > Maine Legal Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025