Paralegal - Business (Real Estate)

Phelps Dunbar LLP; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Phelps Dunbar LLP in Pensacola, FL seeks a Paralegal specializing in Real Estate to support a broad range of commercial transactions and projects. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, a team player with the ability to work well independently and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities include preparing documents for real estate and lending matters, filing, researching government records, proofreading, client interactions, and closings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• 3–5 years paralegal experience in Business/Corporate law preferred.
• Experience with real estate and loan closings preferred.
• Proficiency with closing/title software, MS Office, and document management systems.
• Strong research, proofreading, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare documents for real estate and lending matters, including loan documents.
• Collect, draft, file various transactional papers, deeds, UCC statements, and related documents.
• Search government records for corporate documents.
• Proofread legal documents for accuracy and consistency.
• Interact with clients in-person, by phone, or virtually; manage communications.
• Record billable time and monitor deadlines; multi-task effectively.
• Draft, read, and interpret legal documents; assist at closings and title policies.

Skills

Closing/title software

MS Office

Document management

Research skills

Proofreading

Time management

Team player

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Paralegal certificate/degree preferred

Significant prior experience may substitute

Tools

Closing/Title software

PDF/document tools

Document management system

MS Office

Job description

Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. Phelps Dunbar LLP is offering an opportunity for a Paralegal specializing in Real Estate work in the Pensacola office. The ideal candidate will be able to work closely with our Real Estate attorneys to support a broad range of commercial transactions and projects. They will be proactive, detailed-oriented, a team player with the ability to work well independently, and maintain a high level of attention to all detail and timeliness of deadlines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare documents related to a variety of real estate and lending matters including but not limited to agreements and loan documents.
• Collect, draft, prepare and/or file various transactional documents, certificates, statements, amendments, forms, deeds, UCC financing statements, and other real estate or loan-related documents.
• Search government records for corporate documents.
• Proofread legal documents to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Interact professionally with and assist clients in-person, via phone and/or by virtual means.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, attorneys, opposing counsels, judicial offices, etc.
• Record billable time daily meeting daily billable requirements; review and edit bill proformas monthly.
• Multi-task and prioritize work assignments to consistently provide high-quality work.
• Draft, read, and interpret legal documents.
• Attend or facilitate closings, disburse escrow funds, and prepare final title policies and closing binders.

Education and Experience Required:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required. A four-year college degree and/or a certificate in paralegal studies is preferred. Significant prior experience may be substituted for a combination of the educational requirements.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of paralegal experience in the Business/Corporate area is preferred.
• Experience assisting with real estate and loan closings is preferred.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Must have a high level of computer literacy including proficiency in closing/title software, MS Office Software Suite (including Excel and PDF documents), and a working knowledge of a document management system.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Excellent research skills.
• Strong oral and written communications skills and proofreading skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
• Self-starter who is adept at working in a true team environment and partnering with management, clients, in-house counsel, outside counsel, and staff.
• Ability to maintain high quality performance with varied deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Performance Measures:

• Maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of quality and quantity of work.
• Ability to meet firm billing requirements.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate motivation, and initiative.
• Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, clients, and other support staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines.