Paralegal

Position Title: Paralegal

Reports To: General Counsel & Vice President of Government and Real Estate Affairs

Position Summary

The Paralegal provides legal, administrative, and project support to the General Counsel & Vice President of Government and Real Estate Affairs at the North Carolina Railroad Company. This position assists with contract administration, commercial real estate transactions, regulatory compliance, legal research, litigation support, and government affairs initiatives while helping ensure the efficient operation of the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal and Contract Administration

• Draft, review, edit, and organize contracts, leases, easements, licenses, rights of entry, non-disclosure agreements, and other legal documents.
• Maintain the Company's contract management system, including tracking key dates, renewals, obligations, and approvals.
• Coordinate document execution and maintain legal files and document repositories; work closely with Director of Records, Compliance and Corporate Secretary.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research and prepare summaries for the General Counsel.
• Assist with litigation management, discovery requests, subpoenas, claims, and document collection.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel and maintain legal matter files.

Commercial Real Estate Support

• Assist with real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leases, licenses, easements, rights of entry, and development agreements.
• Coordinate title work, surveys, appraisals, environmental reports, and other due diligence activities as requested by Director of Real Estate.
• Prepare and organize closing documents and transaction files.
• Work closely with Real Estate Asset manager to maintain property records, real estate databases, and transaction documentation.
• Monitor critical dates associated with leases, permits, licenses, and contractual obligations.

Government Affairs and Regulatory Support

• Support legislative, regulatory, and governmental affairs initiatives by preparing briefing materials, correspondence, and research.
• Assist with preparing documentation for meetings with government agencies, utilities, municipalities, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Corporate Communications and Marketing team.
• Track regulatory filings, permits, grant requirements, and compliance deadlines.
• Coordinate public records requests and maintain related documentation.

Administrative and Project Support

• Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel, and administrative support for the General Counsel & Vice President.
• Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and legal memoranda.
• Process invoices, manage departmental records, and coordinate vendors and consultants.
• Support cross-functional initiatives involving Engineering, Real Estate, Finance, Government Affairs, and Executive Leadership.
• Maintain confidential records and document management systems.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Paralegal certification preferred.
• Eight or more years of paralegal experience supporting corporate legal, commercial real estate, or government affairs functions.
• Experience with commercial contracts, document management, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate transactions, property records, and contract administration preferred.