Real Estate Paralegal

Overview:

Provide support and assist with property transactions, title issues, leases, disputes, and closings. They help ensure that all documents are prepared accurately and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Document Preparation and Review:

• Draft, prepare, and review a variety of real estate-related documents, such as purchase agreements, deeds, leases, mortgages, and title documents.
• Assist in the preparation of closing documents and packages, including settlement statements and closing binders.
• Review contracts and agreements for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Perform due diligence by reviewing titles, surveys, and property records.

Real Estate Transactions:

• Assist in the preparation and organization of documents for real estate closings, including drafting the necessary paperwork and working with escrow agents and mortgage companies.
• Coordinate communication between clients, attorneys, real estate agents, lenders, title companies, and other stakeholders.
• Organize and maintain case files, ensuring all necessary documents are complete and accurate for closings or litigation.

Title and Escrow Services:

• Conduct title searches and work with title companies to identify and resolve any title defects.
• Ensure that proper title insurance policies are in place for transactions.
• Review and prepare escrow instructions and statements, ensuring that all conditions are met before closing.

Legal Research and Due Diligence:

• Conduct legal research related to zoning, land use, property taxes, property rights, and other real estate issues.
• Assist attorneys in investigating property histories, ownership, restrictions, and encumbrances.

Client Interaction:

• Communicate with clients to obtain necessary documentation or information, and keep clients informed about the progress of their transactions.
• Assist in responding to client inquiries and providing updates on legal proceedings or closing timelines.

Litigation Support (if applicable):

• Assist in preparing documents for real estate-related litigation, including disputes over contracts, property ownership, and landlord-tenant matters.
• Prepare discovery documents, such as interrogatories and requests for documents, and assist in trial preparation.

Administrative Support:

• Maintain and organize case files, ensuring all documents are properly filed and easily accessible.
• Schedule meetings, depositions, and court appearances for attorneys.
• Prepare and file legal documents with courts or government agencies, such as property records, land use permits, and zoning applications.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education

  Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree may be preferred. Certification from a recognized paralegal association (e.g., NALA, NFPA) is a plus.

  
  

• Experience

  Previous experience as a paralegal in real estate or a related field (2-5 years) is typically required.

  
  

• Knowledge

  Strong knowledge of real estate laws and regulations, including contract law, title law, and zoning issues.

  
  

• Technical Skills

  Proficiency in legal research tools (LexisNexis, Westlaw), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and document management software.