Real Estate Paralegal presso BakerHostetler

Our Real Estate department has an excellent opportunity for a Paralegal in the Orlando office. This is a non-exempt position that reports to the Real Estate practice area lead. The primary job responsibilities encompass performing paralegal tasks to support and help the attorneys manage their cases. This is a fast-paced environment, and you must be able to work as part of a collaborative team as well possess the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and will show initiative, professionalism, and discretion in all matters. Flexibility, excellent judgement, and the ability to contribute to a positive, team environment is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares legal documents such as transactional closing documents and binders, title insurance, policies and endorsements, including deeds, bills of sale, assignments, etc., for review, approval, and use by attorney.
• Coordinates ordering and issuance of title insurance commitments, updates, policies and endorsements.
• Analyzes contracts to summarize critical dates, obligations and pinpoint potential problems and maintain calendar to ensure compliance with deadlines.
• Initiate due diligence investigations regarding municipal liens, open permits, zoning, UCC, bankruptcy, federal and county taxes, environmental, engineering, surveys, current leases, service/management contracts and entity qualification searches.
• Reviews title and survey matters to summarize any potential issues, and obligations imposed by restrictions and development agreements.
• Drafts instruments to correct title clouds, including affidavits, satisfactions, amendments, releases and terminations.
• Analyzes rights of easement holders, locates easements and encroachments on surveys.
• Works directly with surveyor to make any corrections needed to get the survey in acceptable form for title clearance.
• Proofs and plots legal descriptions on surveys and title work.
• Prepares real estate closing statement, calculates prorations, prepares trust receipt and payment documentation and wire transmittal letters, confirms wire instructions and disburses closing funds.
• Coordinates execution and delivery of closing documents and assists in closing process.
• Conducts post-closing work including recordation of documents, updating title to issue policies, and preparation of document files and binders.
• Researches and analyzes law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles and codes.
• Other duties as requested and assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate are preferred; equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for education preference.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, and a strong working knowledge of Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and be detail-oriented with strong follow-up methods. Excellent organizational and planning skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines. Ability to exercise discretion with confidential and sensitive information.

• A strong client service approach and team orientation. Ability to speak effectively and respond to common inquiries or complaints from all levels of clients and professional and support staff. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to maintain effective relationships with partners, attorneys, clients, and staff, and to exhibit a high degree of responsiveness, diplomacy, and professionalism in these interactions.

• A willingness and ability to adapt to new system software. 
• Ability to work overtime when needed.