Commercial Real Estate Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

About Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen

Since 1884, our firm has been a trusted presence in the legal community, providing exceptional legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses across a broad range of practice areas, including corporate law, estate planning, real estate, business law, litigation, employment law, and family law.

We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality legal services while fostering a workplace built on integrity, collaboration, professionalism, and respect. Our culture is one of our greatest strengths, and we take pride in creating an environment where team members are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Equally important is our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Commercial Real Estate Paralegal serves as an integral member of the firm's Real Estate practice group, providing comprehensive support to attorneys throughout all phases of complex commercial real estate transactions. This position is responsible for coordinating commercial real estate closings, conducting title and due diligence reviews, preparing transactional documents, managing post-closing activities, and supporting clients through each stage of a transaction. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple transactions simultaneously while delivering exceptional client service in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with all phases of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financings, leasing matters, and other transactions, from contract and due diligence through closing and post-closing.
• Assist with the preparation and revision of commercial purchase and sale agreements, amendments, and related transactional documents.
• Review purchase and sale agreements and other transaction documents to identify key obligations and deadlines; prepare and maintain critical-date checklists, calendars, closing schedules, and transaction tracking materials for the paralegal and responsible attorneys.
• Order and coordinate title commitments, lien and public record searches, surveys, estoppel certificates, and other due diligence materials required for the transaction.
• Review title commitments, including Schedule B-II exceptions, exception documents, surveys, and related materials; prepare title memoranda, identify potential title and survey issues, and assist attorneys with resolving objections and outstanding matters.
• Conduct and coordinate ATIDS, UCC, judgment, tax, lien, and other public record searches, and summarize findings for attorney review.
• Prepare commercial real estate closing documents, including deeds, affidavits, assignments, bills of sale, FIRPTA documentation, escrow documents, transfer forms, and other transaction-specific documents.
• Prepare and coordinate settlement and closing statements, including preparation through Qualia and Excel, as applicable.
• Prepare commercial loan and financing documents, including mortgages, UCC financing statements, resolutions, consents, organizational documents, and other lender or borrower closing materials.
• Prepare title policies and endorsements, including policies issued through First American, Fidelity, Old Republic, and other applicable title underwriters.
• Review and summarize commercial leases and other material transaction documents, including preparation of lease and loan document abstracts as needed.
• Coordinate all aspects of commercial real estate and loan closings, communicating with attorneys, clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, associations, opposing counsel, governmental agencies, and other transaction participants to ensure closing requirements are completed timely and accurately.
• Coordinate document execution, notarization, e-recording, filing, and delivery of transaction documents with the appropriate parties and governmental agencies.
• Manage post-closing activities, including recording confirmations, post-closing disbursements, preparation of closing binders and indices, distribution of final documents, and tracking and resolution of outstanding post-closing requirements.
• Organize and maintain complete and accurate electronic and physical transaction files in accordance with Firm procedures.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients and transaction participants and provide responsive support to attorneys throughout each matter.
• Assist attorneys with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of commercial real estate paralegal experience.
• Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial real estate transactions, title review, due diligence, and closing procedures.
• Experience preparing transactional documents, reviewing title commitments and surveys, and coordinating complex commercial closings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Aderant, Adobe Acrobat, and legal document management software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong proofreading skills and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Education

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Client Service Orientation
• Professional Communication
• Organization and Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Initiative and Accountability
• Team Collaboration
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

Benefits

We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports their health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees may participate in medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, employer-sponsored retirement savings programs, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance, and professional development opportunities. We also offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Work Location

This position is a full-time, on-site position. We believe that collaboration, mentorship, and client service are best achieved through regular, in-person interaction, and our team benefits from working together in a professional office environment. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys and colleagues while contributing directly to the success of our clients and the firm.