Real Estate Paralegal

Real Estate Paralegal

The Real Estate Paralegal will support the Cravath real estate attorneys through all phases of commercial banking, corporate M&A, and residential real estate transactions, including taking responsibility for file management and organization, real property diligence review (e.g., leases, mortgages, surveys, title reports), preparation of lease abstracts and other summaries, preparation of transaction documents and general administrative support for various transactions. The ideal candidate brings strong banking, corporate M&A and residential real estate experience, high attention to detail, excellent client service and the flexibility to multi-task and support a wide range of real estate matters in a professional, fast-paced environment. Regular availability is required for overtime on short notice as transaction needs may require.

Responsibilities

• Plays an active role in helping the Firm to provide legal services of the highest caliber to our clients;
• Supports banking, corporate M&A and residential real estate matters by organizing and summarizing documents, conducting due diligence and maintaining real estate files;
• Assists with all aspects of commercial mortgage transactions, including preparing and maintaining real property collateral trackers, preparing mortgages, mortgage releases and subordination agreements, reviewing surveys, title commitments/proformas and zoning reports, and coordinating with title companies and third parties for closing;
• Supports real estate attorneys on real estate matters for corporate M&A transactions, including due diligence review (including leases, deeds, title commitments, surveys), preparing summary trackers and lease abstracts, drafting consent and notice letters and reviewing and revising disclosure schedules;
• Assists with all aspects of residential real estate transactions from signing through closing for cooperative, condominium and single-family home purchases and sales, including managing and reviewing survey, title and other due diligence matters, and preparing residential contracts of sale and related transaction documents;
• Prepares and maintains checklists, organizational trackers, forms and files;
• Provides administrative support, including preparation of redlines, proofreading and maintaining accurate and organized records, saving documents to iManage and general record keeping by managing and organizing electronic and physical matter files, preparing signature pages for closings, compiling transaction documents, and assisting with sending large distributions to title companies/landlords/third parties;
• Interacts professionally and regularly with partners, associates and clients;
• Coordinates multiple matters and deadlines and communicates proactively regarding workload, staffing needs and transaction status;
• Helps maintain consistent real estate group processes and procedures and, when appropriate, assists with training and mentoring junior paralegals; and
• Performs other duties and ad hoc projects, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with high academic standing;
• At least 2-5 years of relevant experience, including meaningful hands-on experience with commercial and residential real estate transactions;
• Experience supporting commercial banking, corporate M&A and residential real estate transactions strongly preferred;
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills, with a strong commitment to client service and team work;
• Ability to exercise initiative, problem-solve and proactively identify and escalate potential issues to attorneys;
• Strong working knowledge of commercial and residential real estate transactions from contract through closing and post-closing; experience in reviewing and marking surveys and title commitments preferred;
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple matters, priorities and strict deadlines;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions, work independently and collaborate effectively with a team;
• Strong research, document review, drafting and proofreading skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat; experience with iManage, legal AI tools and legal research or third-party real estate databases preferred;
• Notary public commission required or willingness to obtain promptly after hire; and
• The flexibility to work a considerable amount of overtime and be available as needed, and the ability to travel throughout New York City, as needed.

This position is located in our New York office. The hours for this position are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The estimated salary range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 plus overtime. The actual salary offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and where applicable, licensure or certification obtained. Market and Firm factors are also considered. In addition to base salary and discretionary bonus(es), we offer a generous employee benefits package including, but not limited to, paid time off, medical, dental, vision care, 401(k) and substantial health club discounts.