Real Estate Paralegal

Cozen O'Connor; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cozen O'Connor in Philadelphia seeks an experienced paralegal to support attorneys in the Real Estate Department. The role requires strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, with flexibility for overtime and a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 remote).

The paralegal will handle due diligence, title and survey reviews, zoning reports, deed preparation, and closing binders across multiple states, with opportunities to work across offices and time zones and access

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in a legal environment.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with team and clients.
• Detail oriented, able to work independently, and capable of juggling multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Oversee due diligence review (title, survey, zoning) for multi-state commercial real estate transactions.
• Review Title and Survey; prepare title objection letters and memos outlining requirements and exceptions.
• Order Surveys, review contracts, ensure timely execution, coordinate with surveyor and title company.
• Order Zoning Reports and review for accuracy and acceptability.
• Prepare PA and/or NJ deeds and handle transfer tax forms; coordinate recording.
• Order certificates of good standing and charter documents for closing.
• Order bankruptcy, UCC, litigation and tax searches as needed for a transaction.
• Handle entity formation and qualification; obtain EIN from the IRS.
• Obtain Independent Managers/Directors when needed; prepare closing binders.
• Provide title and survey training to new associates.
• Cover NY office for loan work and NY transactions.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Discretion

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Multitasking

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Cozen O'Connor is seeking an experienced paralegal to support the attorneys in the Real Estate Department. The candidate should have strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, and thrives in a high intensity environment. The candidate will be expected to work flexible hours and overtime as needed from time to time. The individual will be part of a dynamic team, with the potential of working across different offices and time zones, and will have access to resources like HR services, training programs, and firmwide communications to support their professional development. The firm is offering a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in the office, 2 days remote for all paralegals.

Job Description

Cozen O'Connor is seeking an experienced paralegal to support the attorneys in the Real Estate Department. The candidate should have strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, and thrives in a high intensity environment. The candidate will be expected to work flexible hours and overtime as needed from time to time. The individual will be part of a dynamic team, with the potential of working across different offices and time zones, and will have access to resources like HR services, training programs, and firmwide communications to support their professional development. The firm is offering a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in the office, 2 days remote for all paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee due diligence review (which includes title, survey and zoning) for multi-state commercial real estate transactions
• Review Title and Survey for various commercial transactions. Prepare title objection letters for an acquisition / objection response if a sale. For Loan or Acquisition, prepare a memo outlining all requirements and exceptions highlighting any issues that would cause any future problems. Negotiate title insurance policies whether for an acquisition or loan
• Order Surveys, which includes reviewing the contract and having it executed in a timely manner, obtaining site contacts and forwarding to surveyor. Making sure surveyor has current title commitment and any necessary item to complete the survey. Review survey and negotiate revisions so that the title company, buyer and lender are satisfied and will close on a final version of same
• Order Zoning Reports, which includes knowing what a zoning consultant needs to prepare a report: Apartments: Rent roll with unit mix; commercial property: Rent roll with Tenant Usage; tax parcel information, survey with parking information. In depth review of zoning reports to confirm accuracy and acceptability
• Prepare PA and/or NJ deeds (occasionally other states) with necessary transfer tax forms. Obtain necessary signatures and follow up with recording, either via hard copy or E-recording
• Order necessary entity certificates of good standing and certified charter (formation) documents for closing
• Order necessary bankruptcy, UCC, litigation and tax searches when necessary for a transaction
• Entity formation and qualification in all states. EIN retrieval from the IRS
• Obtain Independent Managers / Directors when needed for various entities
• Prepare closing binders
• Provide title and survey training to new associates
• Cover NY office for loan work and specific NY transactions

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal environment
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Strong interpersonal skills to build a rapport with team and clients
• Detail oriented, able to work independently, and possess excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills
• Must have the motivation and skill to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proven computer/technology skills. Microsoft Office Suite a must
• A bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate required

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $100,000 and represents the Firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications and location.

About Us

Known for its commitment to action and tangible results, Cozen O'Connor has rapidly grown to become one of North America's fastest-growing law firms. Offering full-service expertise in litigation, business law, and government relations, the firm serves a diverse clientele, including global Fortune 500 companies, growing middle-market firms, startups, and high-profile individuals. Established in 1970, Cozen O'Connor has more than 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O'Connor services its clients’ needs through 35 offices across two continents. The firm is consistently ranked among the top 100 law firms in America and has received recognition from prestigious legal and business organizations such as Chambers & Partners, The American Lawyer, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers. Cozen O'Connor is dedicated to excellence and strives to achieve the right results for its clients, no matter how complex or critical the legal challenges may be.

Cozen O'Connor is committed to fostering greater inclusion in the legal profession. We understand the organizational effectiveness that comes from welcoming and valuing differences within the firm, and we know that assembling a team with a breadth of perspectives and experience is necessary to provide the highest quality legal service. We encourage candidates to apply and join us in this effort.

Cozen O'Connor actively welcomes applicants who have previously left the workforce and are looking to return to their careers. Gaps in experience are not penalized.

Cozen O'Connor is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.