Job Summary:
We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to support the legal team at [Company Name], a prominent real estate firm. This individual will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the legal department by assisting in real estate transactions, preparing legal documents, conducting research, and maintaining compliance with legal standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of real estate law, contracts, and legal procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Document Preparation & Management:
- Assist in drafting, reviewing, and proofreading legal documents, including contracts, purchase agreements, lease agreements, and property titles.
- Ensure all real estate documents are prepared, organized, and filed in accordance with legal requirements and company policies.
- Maintain up-to-date records of contracts, transactions, and legal correspondence, ensuring documents are stored securely and easily accessible.
- Coordinate and assist in the preparation of due diligence materials for property acquisitions, sales, and other real estate transactions.
2. Real Estate Transaction Support:
- Provide legal support during property acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financing, including reviewing and organizing legal documents.
- Assist with the closing process for real estate transactions, ensuring all necessary paperwork and filings are completed.
- Coordinate with title companies, escrow agents, and external legal counsel to ensure proper completion of all transaction steps.
- Help facilitate contract negotiations between buyers, sellers, and other parties involved in real estate transactions.
3. Legal Research:
- Conduct legal research on real estate laws, regulations, zoning codes, property rights, and industry best practices to support ongoing transactions.
- Stay updated on new and emerging legal trends in real estate, land use, and property law, and assist in applying them to company operations.
- Assist with researching title issues, easements, restrictions, and encumbrances related to properties under consideration for acquisition or sale.
4. Compliance & Regulatory Support:
- Ensure the company complies with all local, state, and federal real estate laws and regulations, including Fair Housing laws, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations.
- Assist in preparing and filing legal documents with government agencies, such as property records, deeds, and business licenses.
- Help monitor the companys adherence to contractual obligations and manage timelines for renewals, filings, and compliance reports.
5. Contract Management:
- Assist in managing and tracking key dates related to contracts, including expiration dates, renewals, and termination deadlines.
- Help review, draft, and revise contracts related to leasing, property management, and vendor agreements.
- Maintain a database of executed contracts, ensuring that all parties involved receive copies and that the contracts are properly stored for future reference.
6. Litigation Support (if applicable):
- Provide support during any litigation involving the company, including gathering relevant documents, preparing case files, and assisting with evidence organization.
- Assist with drafting discovery requests, responses, and other legal filings related to real estate disputes.
- Coordinate with external law firms to ensure proper handling of legal matters related to real estate claims, disputes, or regulatory issues.
7. Communication & Coordination:
- Act as a liaison between internal departments (e.g., property management, acquisitions, sales) and external legal counsel to facilitate communication.
- Manage communications with clients, vendors, contractors, and government agencies regarding legal matters related to real estate.
- Coordinate meetings and hearings, taking notes and ensuring that all necessary legal documents and materials are available for review.
8. Client Relations & Support:
- Assist in addressing client legal inquiries related to real estate transactions and property management.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with sensitive legal matters.
- Assist in preparing client-facing legal reports, status updates, and other relevant documentation to keep clients informed.
9. General Legal Administrative Support:
- Provide general administrative support to the legal team, including managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and coordinating conference calls.
- Assist with preparing internal memos, legal briefs, and summaries to support ongoing projects or transactions.
- Perform clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and scanning legal documents, ensuring proper organization and storage.
Key Qualifications:
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. Certification from an accredited paralegal program is a plus. Experience:
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal, preferably in real estate law or corporate law. Skills:
- Strong knowledge of real estate law, including property transactions, leases, title issues, and contract law.
- Proficient in legal research tools (LexisNexis, Westlaw) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Attention to detail and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
- Familiarity with real estate management software or case management software is a plus.
Personal Attributes:
Analytical Thinking:
Ability to quickly identify legal issues, conduct research, and offer solutions. Detail-Oriented:
Ability to review complex legal documents with a high level of accuracy and precision. Problem-Solver:
Proactive and able to address challenges with creative and practical solutions. Time Management:
Able to manage competing priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines without compromising quality. Confidentiality:
Understanding the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality in handling legal matters.
