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Real Estate Paralegal

Department: Paralegal

Reports To: Paralegal Committee

Location: Austin

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Real Estate Paralegal in our Austin office. The Real Estate Paralegal assist attorneys in all phases of real estate transactions, research, and drafting of documentation, as illustrated by the following examples. The specific duties may vary somewhat depending on the specific type of real estate transaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet with attorney regarding transactions and assist in gathering pertinent data.
• Organize organizational documentation (partnership agreements, article of incorporation, by laws); review for completeness and Index same for file.
• Order certificates of existence and good standing regarding entities, and troubleshoot problems revealed thereby.
• Perform and analyze UCC searches.
• Prepare UCC financing statements, amendments, and terminations, and be responsible for prompt and timely filing thereof.
• Prepare initial drafts of real estate related documents (deeds, bills of sale, releases of lien) and form finance documentation.
• Proof documentation for inclusion or completion of appropriate exhibits.
• Organize documentation for execution by parties at closing.
• Review title commitments, surveys, zoning regulations, rights-of-way, easements, etc.
• Deal with title company regarding requests for documents, negotiation of title, etc.
• Responsible for filing amendments to recorded instruments, obtainment of appropriate endorsements to title policies in connection therewith.
• Draft transaction checklists and schedule of deadlines associated with closings.
• Prepare basic foreclosure documents and related affidavits, post and file same, and assist attorney with foreclosures.
• Review and summarize contracts relating to property services.
• Review and summarize lease provisions.
• Organize executed documents for closing binders, and supervise the preparation of same.
• Follow up on obtainment of executed documents and title policies with endorsements.
• Attend closings as requested, and be a licensed notary public, to acknowledge execution.
• Perform simple legal research, including use of Westlaw, Lexis, etc. for Shepardizing.
• Be prepared to identify issues and troubleshoot.
• Other duties as assigned by the employer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to ensure accuracy of written documents, including proofreading and editing (e.g., punctuation, grammar, and spelling), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to accurately verify numerical data on forms and documents, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft or dictation at a level of 50 wpm.
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to maintain records and filing systems at a level normally acquired through completion of high school or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through written correspondence.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff to provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift light weights such as files and boxes up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Paralegal certification required.
• Substantial equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree or paralegal certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience within a law firm with demonstrated knowledge of complex issues within real estate practice area.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise and temperature.
• Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com