Real Estate Paralegal

OPPORTUNITY

Do work that has a positive impact on individuals, families and communities. Work with our clients and their stakeholders to help make their dreams a reality. With deep expertise in the affordable housing sector, Saad & Saad LLP and Star Title Agency LLC help our clients develop safe, essential housing that revives communities and provides individuals and families opportunities to flourish.

Why Work at Saad & Saad LLP?

• Everyone’s voice counts. We listen to and welcome your ideas.
• It’s a collaborative, team-oriented culture, with a lot of variety in your work.
• We’re growing, which means there are ample opportunities for you to grow and advance!
• High-functioning, professional business operating structure and company culture.

We have an attractive opportunity for an accomplished Real Estate Paralegal to join our close-knit, family-oriented team of legal, title and escrow professionals. We provide unparalleled service with a hands-on, client-focused approach. We take pride in our impeccable attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities, and work collaboratively – with our clients, stakeholders, and team members – to bring every project to successful completion. If this sounds like you, we would love for you to join us.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Real Estate Paralegal is primarily responsible for assisting lawyers and law and title associates in accurately preparing, organizing and filing various legal and title documents; and working with title associates to manage transaction closings.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal and title articles, judicial and title decisions and underwriting, and other legal and title sources; provide written analysis to attorneys and co-workers.
• Conduct careful and thorough analysis of complex real estate documents and drafting summaries of documents.
• Draft, analyze and review legal documents including corporate formation documents, bylaws, operating agreements, resolutions, minutes, stock certificates, purchase and sale agreements, leases, amendments, guarantees, UCC financing statements, security agreements, deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, surveys, zoning reports, local and municipal compliance letters, and various other documents relating to real estate and corporate transactions.
• Draft and review legal documents, such as purchase and sale agreements, leases, and loan documents.
• Prepare and file legal documents, including deeds, mortgages, and UCC filings.
• Coordinate due diligence efforts with external counsel and other professionals, such as title companies, surveyors, and environmental consultants.
• Prepare, mail, track and obtain estoppel certificates from tenants and adjoining landowners.
• Review title and survey reports, clear title issues and assist in all facets of commercial and residential real estate transactions.
• Assemble clients’ diligence submission packages for investors, lenders, and state agencies (e.g., OHFA, HUD, USDA, etc.).
• Assist attorneys in handling USDA, Rural Development transactions; complete USDA forms.
• Form LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, and draft organizational documents, authority certificates and resolutions.
• Setup and manage transaction closing files.
• Review and prepare corporate organizational due diligence.
• Review and prepare project financing documents.
• Manage and maintain electronic and hard copy files.
• Develop monitor, and update closing and other checklists for real estate transactions.
• Assist with closing logistics.
• Update and maintain internal project management software.
• Communicate with clients and other parties to the transaction and their attorneys.
• Manage project deadlines.
• Assist with other legal matters as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Working knowledge (conditioned upon experience) of (a) terminology, principles, and research methods for legal, title, and survey projects; (b) governmental and other offices processes; and (c) and other related matters as this position may dictate.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with legal and title and survey research and processing software such as LexisNexis, SoftPro, RamQuest and other software.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Experience with legal databases, such as LexisNexis, Pacer, and Ohio Revised Code (ORC).
• Proficient with using online project management and filesharing software such as Sharefile, Box, Dropbox, Procurem.
• Willing and able to provide sample legal writing, such as legal memoranda or business correspondence.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Large firm experience.
• Experience with complex legal documents and multi-party closings.
• Experience with land use concepts and/or manufactured housing projects.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as paralegal studies, legal studies, or business law; paralegal certification a plus and title experience a plus.
• Minimum five years’ experience as real estate paralegal, legal assistant, or title assistant.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, typing on a keyboard, and viewing computer monitor(s).
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Occasional overtime, particularly during peak periods of real estate closings.