Paralegal

Paralegal

Location: Cleveland, Ohio- Hybrid

Tucker Ellis LLP is seeking an experienced and highly organized Paralegal to support attorneys in our Real Estate Litigation practice. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional client service.

This position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated zoning, land use, real estate, and litigation matters while collaborating closely with attorneys, clients, government agencies, and outside professionals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Land Use, Zoning & Real Estate Support
• Litigation Support
• Case & Project Management
• Research & Technology
• Administrative Responsibilities

Land Use, Zoning & Real Estate Support

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of zoning and land use processes, including:
• Area and use variances
• Conditional use approvals
• Rezoning applications
• Site plan review
• Understand the roles of zoning commissions, planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals, city councils, and township trustees in the entitlement process.
• Assist in preparing and filing administrative applications by reviewing applicable zoning regulations and administrative requirements under attorney supervision.
• Communicate with zoning officials and governmental agencies regarding filing requirements and application status.
• Prepare property overview memoranda using established templates, including property information, relevant issues, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and file property-related recordings, including deeds, easements, declarations, covenants, restrictions, affidavits, and other real estate documents.
• Coordinate title searches and obtain public records related to real estate transactions and land use matters.
• Research and locate deeds, easements, parcel information, improvements, tax records, and other property-related information through public records and online resources.
• Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation and basic operating agreements.

Litigation Support

• Assist attorneys throughout all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeals.
• Prepare and organize exhibits, witness files, hearing notebooks, and trial materials.
• Draft discovery requests, deposition notices, procedural motions, notices, continuances, extensions, and related filings under attorney supervision.
• Draft, proofread, and format briefs, pleadings, correspondence, and court filings.
• Assist with administrative appeals, including filings pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2506.
• Coordinate depositions, including scheduling court reporters and communicating with participants.
• Assist with trial preparation and attend hearings or trials as needed.
• Attend court hearings and administrative hearings in support of attorneys.

Case & Project Management

• Monitor, calculate, and track filing deadlines, hearing dates, and litigation schedules.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical case files using iManage.
• Docket deadlines, meetings, hearings, and filing dates.
• Prepare matter status reports identifying upcoming deadlines, next steps, and outstanding tasks.
• Schedule meetings with clients, witnesses, experts, government officials, and opposing counsel.
• Take meeting notes and prepare follow-up summaries.
• Communicate with clients regarding matter updates at attorney direction.
• Prepare and send correspondence, including public records requests, transmittal letters, and other client communications.
• Print, assemble, and distribute legal documents and mailings.

Research & Technology

• Conduct basic legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, and public record databases.
• Utilize available resources to efficiently locate legal and factual information.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems.
• Leverage artificial intelligence tools responsibly to improve efficiency, organization, and document preparation while maintaining confidentiality and attorney oversight.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely entries in accordance with firm billing policies.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• 3+ years of paralegal experience, preferably in real estate litigation, land use, municipal law, or civil litigation.
• Experience preparing court filings and administrative filings.
• Familiarity with Ohio courts, governmental agencies, and public records research is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong client service orientation and professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and support staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems (iManage preferred), and legal research platforms such as Westlaw and Lexis.
• Willingness to travel locally for hearings, court filings, client meetings, and governmental proceedings, including occasional evening meetings.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Tucker Ellis LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation:

Starting at $78,000+ per year, with compensation commensurate with years of experience, skill set, and qualifications.

Non-Solicitation Policy for Third-Party Recruiters:

Please note that Tucker Ellis LLP does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies. Any resumes submitted to our job openings without a valid written search agreement will become the property of Tucker Ellis LLP, and no fees will be paid.