Land Use Paralegal

Capizzi Law Offices; Tenafly (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development

Supportive environment

Job summary

Capizzi Law Offices in Westwood, NJ is seeking a Land Use Legal Assistant to support its land use, zoning, and real estate practice. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.

The role involves preparing applications, coordinating with planning and zoning boards, drafting notices and documents, and maintaining complex calendars. Strong communication and document-management skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably in land use or municipal law.
• Familiarity with New Jersey Planning Boards and zoning procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and organize land use and zoning board applications.
• Coordinate filing of applications with municipal planning and zoning boards.
• Prepare notices, affidavits of publication, service lists, and related documents.
• Obtain certified property owner lists (200-foot) and coordinate service of notices.
• Communicate with municipal officials, engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, and clients.
• Schedule hearings, meetings, inspections, and client appointments.
• Maintain calendars for application deadlines and post-approval compliance.
• Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, transmittal letters, and forms.
• Assemble hearing packets and exhibits.
• Order title searches, tax certifications, and other due diligence documents.
• Manage electronic and physical client files.
• Assist attorney with planning board and zoning board hearings.
• Track approvals, resolutions, recording requirements, and conditions of approval.
• Perform general administrative and legal support duties.

Skills

Legal assistant experience

Land use knowledge

Organization

Time management

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Document management systems

Job description

Land Use Legal Assistant Location: Westwood, NJ

Our established law office is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Land Use Legal Assistant to support our busy land use, zoning, and real estate practice. The ideal candidate is proactive, professional, and capable of managing multiple priorities while working in a fast-paced legal environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and organize land use and zoning board applications.
• Coordinate filing of applications with municipal planning and zoning boards.
• Prepare notices, affidavits of publication, service lists, and related application documents.
• Obtain certified property owner (200-foot) lists and coordinate service of notices.
• Communicate with municipal officials, engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, and clients regarding application requirements.
• Schedule hearings, meetings, inspections, and client appointments.
• Maintain calendars for application deadlines, hearing dates, and post-approval compliance.
• Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, transmittal letters, and forms.
• Assemble hearing packets and exhibits.
• Order title searches, tax certifications, and other due diligence documents as needed.
• Manage electronic and physical client files.
• Assist attorney with preparation for Planning Board and Zoning Board hearings.
• Track municipal approvals, resolutions, recording requirements, and conditions of approval.
• Perform general administrative and legal support duties.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably in land use, zoning, municipal law, or commercial real estate.
• Familiarity with New Jersey Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Adjustment, and municipal application procedures preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines with accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat).
• Experience with document management systems is a plus.
• Professional demeanor and strong client service skills.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL).
• Experience preparing Planning Board and Zoning Board application packages.
• Familiarity with certified mailings, publication requirements, and hearing procedures.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the attorney and clients.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.