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Real Estate Paralegal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Paralegal

Reports To: Paralegal Committee

Jackson Walker, Texas' largest law firm, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Real Estate Paralegal in our Fort Worth office. This role is responsible for assisting attorney(s) 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 attorneys 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 closing documents (deeds, bills of sale, releases of lien).
• 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.
• Prepare title objection letters; respond to title objection letters.
• Communicate with title company regarding requests for documents, negotiation of title, etc.
• Draft transaction checklists and schedule of deadlines associated with closings; calendar said deadlines and assist attorney in preparing for deadlines.
• 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.
• Prepare initial drafts of leases and related documents using a provided form.
• Be prepared to identify issues and troubleshoot.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to proof-read and perform editing (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling). Perform non-complex arithmetic calculations when verifying calculations on forms and documents; maintain records and filing systems.
• Ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence and reports from rough draft or dictation.
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff, and to provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Other duties as assigned by the employer.

Education:

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

Years of Experience:

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

Physical Requirements:

• Dexterity with hands and fingers
• Good hearing and clear speaking voice
• Sighted

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, marital status, 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.