Real Estate Paralegal

RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Use:

• Assist in preparing land use applications, including zoning board submissions, site plan approvals, and variance requests.
• Research land use regulations and zoning ordinances to support case strategies.
• Prepare documentation for public hearings and coordinate meetings with municipal authorities and stakeholders.

Tax Abatement:

• Support the application process for tax abatements and financial incentive programs.
• Research local and state tax laws to advise clients on eligibility and compliance.
• Prepare and file necessary documentation to secure financial incentives.

Commercial Transactions:

• Assist attorneys with commercial real estate transactions, including lease negotiations, purchase agreements, and financing.
• Conduct due diligence such as title and lien searches, and property inspections.
• Prepare, review, and organize closing documents, ensuring smooth coordination among all parties.

Transaction Management:

• Manage all phases of real estate transactions, including coordinating closings, reviewing title commitments, and resolving title issues.
• Finalize and issue title policies as required.

Document Preparation and Review:

• Draft and review legal documents, including purchase agreements, leases, deeds, and contracts.
• Prepare escrow instructions, deeds of trust, easements, owner affidavits, and closing certificates.
• Review surveys, title commitments, and related documents for accuracy and compliance.

Legal and Regulatory Analysis:

• Conduct legal due diligence by analyzing zoning ordinances, statutes, and land use regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive applications for zoning variances, special use permits, and rezoning, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Client and Firm Coordination:

• Serve as a liaison with clients, title companies, surveyors, and regulatory agencies to ensure timely transaction completion.
• Organize and prepare documentation for land use applications, site plans, and environmental assessments.

Attorney Support:

• Provide general support to attorneys by assisting with day-to-day matters, drafting correspondence, and preparing materials for public hearings.
• Monitor legislative updates related to real estate and land use law.

Project Oversight:

• Maintain detailed transaction checklists, track project milestones, and organize files.
• Ensure all documents are accurately recorded and filed.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentor junior paralegals and support staff, sharing expertise and best practices.
• Oversee contributions to complex real estate transactions and ensure quality standards are met.

Technical Expertise:

• Use software tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, DocuSign, Clio, NetDocs, Box, and specialized real estate platforms to streamline processes.
• Ensure accuracy and efficiency in electronic and physical document filing systems.

COMPETENCIES

• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple transactions and ensure document accuracy.
• Problem Solving: Skilled at identifying and resolving real estate transaction and title issues efficiently.
• Time Management: Ability to manage tight deadlines, prioritize tasks, and meet billable hour requirements.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for professional interactions with clients, attorneys, and regulatory bodies.
• Dependability: Reliable and accessible to meet extended work hours and client needs, available in-person, via phone, and email.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program required.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience as a real estate paralegal in a law firm, with expertise in complex commercial and multi-state transactions, title, survey, and zoning reviews.
• Billable Hours: Minimum requirement of 1,500 billable hours annually.