Paralegal - Transactional Real Estate

Forrest Johnson • New York, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal in our Transactional Real Estate practice supports attorneys in delivering sophisticated, big-firm quality legal counsel within a nimble, growth-oriented boutique environment. This role is critical to our success—you'll work closely with attorneys and clients, managing transaction details, coordinating closings, and ensuring that every real estate deal moves smoothly to completion. We seek a detail-oriented professional who takes pride in craftsmanship and is eager to grow with a mission-driven firm.

Requirements

• Relevant experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in a law firm, with specific experience supporting commercial real estate transactions.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for learning, seeking a smaller, up-and-coming firm where they can have real impact and grow their skills.
• Value a high-caliber, collegial culture that is collaborative, responsive, and relationship-driven with colleagues and clients.
• Embrace technology (including legal tech and AI tools) and is eager to learn and adopt new systems that enhance efficiency and quality of work.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.
• High school diploma or equivalent; paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in a law firm, with specific experience in real estate transactions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent transactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal document management systems; real estate-specific software experience a plus.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and professionalism.
• Comfortable learning and using new technology and legal tech tools.

Nice To Haves

• Paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies
• Real estate-specific software experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage transactional workflows from initial intake through closing, coordinating with attorneys, clients, and third parties.
• Prepare commercial leasing documents, including SNDAs, estoppels, guaranties, subleases, and license agreements, and track critical dates.
• Support condo and co-op board representation, including preparation of governing documents and board meeting materials.
• Prepare transactional documents for commercial and residential purchase and sale agreements and facilitate closings.
• Provide support to construction practice, including preparation AIA documents, lien waivers, and access agreements.
• Handle entity work, including SPE formation, resolutions, and org charts.
• Prepare and maintain transaction files with meticulous attention to detail and organization.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, and external parties (title companies, lenders, opposing counsel) to move transactions forward.
• Support multiple attorneys on concurrent transactions, managing priorities and deadlines effectively.

Benefits

• Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually
• 40 hours of paid sick leave
• Standard paid firm holidays
• Direct mentorship from firm partners
• Meaningful responsibility on sophisticated commercial real estate matters.
• Annual performance and compensation reviews with opportunities for merit-based raises, expanded responsibility, and long-term advancement within a collaborative, high-performing New York real estate practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED