Paralegal: Real Estate

Mayer Brown•New York, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Mayer Brown is an international law firm that represents major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in complex transactions and disputes. The firm seeks a Paralegal for its Paralegal department in the New York office. The Paralegal will support attorneys throughout all phases of complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development projects, leasing, and real estate finance. This role requires extensive experience in reviewing title and survey, managing due diligence, preparing and coordinating transaction documents, and overseeing multi-party closings. The Paralegal will act as a liaison among clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, and opposing counsel to ensure accuracy and efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Requirements

Minimum 3-5 years of commercial real estate paralegal experience in a law firm environment.
Extensive experience with title and survey review, commercial leasing, and real estate finance transactions.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-party, multi-state closings.
Strong drafting, organizational, and communication skills; ability to interact directly with clients, lenders, title officers, and opposing counsel.
Strong Transactional Judgment – Understands deal flow, anticipates next steps, and prioritizes tasks based on transaction timelines.
High Level of Organization – Manages multiple transactions simultaneously while maintaining structure, deadlines, and documentation integrity.
Effective Communication Skills – Communicates clearly and professionally with internal staff and attorneys, clients, lenders, title officers, and opposing counsel.
Ownership & Accountability – Takes responsibility for deliverables, follows through on commitments, and ensures completion of assigned closing tasks.
Resourcefulness & Initiative – Seeks out information, anticipates needs, and improves processes without waiting for direction.
Strong Research Skills – Efficiently uses legal research tools and jurisdictional resources to support transactional needs.
Commitment to Quality & Continuous Improvement – Regularly refines skills, stays current on real estate practices, and enhances work product.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and manage a wide range of real estate transaction documents, including purchase and sale agreements, loan and financing documents, deeds, escrow instructions, estoppel certificates, tenant notices, corporate authority documents, and related instruments.
Prepare and revise organizational documents such as Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Formation, Operating Agreements, Bylaws, and stock or membership certificates.
Draft title and survey objection letters, consent requests, correspondence, and other transactional documentation.
Conduct comprehensive due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financing matters.
Review and summarize title commitments, exception documents, surveys, UCC searches, and leases; prepare abstract summaries and issue-spot for attorneys.
Work closely with title companies, surveyors, lenders, and opposing counsel to clear title and finalize surveys.
Determine transfer tax applicability and obtain required forms, affidavits, water certificates, building registrations, and other jurisdiction-specific documentation.
Prepare and manage detailed closing checklists; track contingencies and critical dates.
Oversee pre-closing and post-closing processes, including execution packages, disbursement statements, recordation of documents, and preparation of closing binders.
File and track UCC financing statements and related amendments; coordinate post-closing distributions and final policy issuance.
Form and maintain LLCs, limited partnerships, corporations, and other entities for real estate transactions.
Obtain EINs, certificates of good standing, and local authority filings as required.
Record documents with appropriate county and state offices and manage follow-up.
Provide guidance to junior associates and paralegals on title/survey analysis, closing procedures, and jurisdictional practices.
Maintain knowledge of title underwriting standards, survey requirements, and customary real estate practices across multiple jurisdictions.