Real Estate Paralegal

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, a powerhouse firm with the heart of a boutique, is seeking an experienced Real Estate Paralegal to support the firm’s Real Estate and Corporate Transactions Practice Group. This position will be in the Washington, DC office. This is a non-exempt position.

This position will be responsible for assisting the real estate and corporate transactions team with transactional matters, conducting and coordinating due diligence in a variety of commercial real estate and hospitality asset transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, real estate development, loan transactions, private equity transactions, and general corporate matters. This position will work closely with attorneys, clients and third-party diligence providers in reviewing, summarizing and addressing diligence issues for closing.

The ideal candidate will also take the lead in training others in these disciplines.

Responsibilities/Essential functions:

• Conduct title, survey and zoning reviews for commercial real estate transactions, including, but not limited to, preparation of comprehensive summaries and document abstracts, title objection letters, estoppels, subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements, releases, notices and other related documents.
• In connection with the title, survey and zoning review process, communication directly with title agents, surveyors and zoning parties to negotiate policies, finalize surveys and finalize zoning reports. Prepare title and survey memos.
• Communicate directly with clients to coordinate signatures, collect documents, and other duties as needed.
• Assist corporate real estate attorneys with closing and organizational document production; assist attorneys with preparation of due diligence materials, closing binders and other associated deliverables.
• Assist commercial real estate attorneys with the formation, modification and maintenances of corporate entities.
• Assist commercial real estate attorneys with lease agreements, amendments, assignments, and related documents.
• Draft, maintain and distribute closing checklists and key dates lists to track completion of closing items and deadlines.
• Generally assist in matters involving commercial real estate, hospitality assets, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and other corporate and real estate duties as assigned.
• Prepare, redact and redline legal documents under the supervision of attorneys, including organizational and acquisition/disposition documents.
• Manage filing systems both electronically and physical files for the corporate/real estate groups.
• Advise attorneys and clients on ALTA title insurance standards, NSPS survey standards and applicable zoning ordinances.
• Highlight diligence issues raised after review, and act as a resource to attorneys in determining appropriate resolution.
• Review recordable transaction documents and ensure they are in appropriate form.
• Maintain a log of any post-closing title, survey and zoning obligations and proactively ensure all are completed as and when required.
• Assemble and organize page packets for client execution; ensure timely delivery and receipt of all executed signature pages and required documents for closings.
• Manage and monitor electronic signature workflows of documents through Docu Sign.
• Draft, maintain, and update closing checklists; track deal deadlines to support on-time closings.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of commercial real estate transactional experience with a strong understanding of the commercial real estate process.
• Experience in reviewing due diligence for commercial real estate closings, including title, survey and zoning review (big law preferred).
• The ideal candidate will have experience with acquisitions and the formation of entities in connection with transactions.
• Commercial, not residential, experience is a must.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:

• Extensive experience in title, survey and zoning matters relating to commercial real estate.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Proven ability to work independently and spot key issues.
• Proficient in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments and managing deadlines efficiently.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, particularly in advising internal teams and negotiating with external parties.
• Demonstrated success in training others.
• Comfortable engaging with various personalities, both internally and externally, to work collaboratively across teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Proficiency in Docu Sign, Kofa PDF, and Litera Compare (or similar).

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in Washington D.C. if selected for the role. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and…