Specialist Paralegal (Real Estate)

Paul Hastings • New York, NY

1d • $116,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Paul Hastings is seeking a Specialist Paralegal (Real Estate) to apply knowledge of real estate processes and procedures in providing fundamental assistance to lawyers. The role performs work efficiently and cost-effectively, with an expected billable-hours target of 1,725 unless otherwise specified. It also involves directing and training team members, coordinating with internal departments and outside vendors, and handling related projects as assigned. Overtime and travel may be required.

The paralegal supports real estate transactions through title, survey, zoning, due diligence, document preparation, and closing work. This includes reviewing title commitments and exception documents; coordinating title commitments and policies; preparing title objections; ordering and analyzing surveys, lien searches, and corporate records; reviewing legal descriptions; abstracting terms from real estate documents; maintaining due diligence materials and databases; assisting with title, survey, and zoning reports; preparing closing documents and binders; and drafting and filing UCC financing statements.

The position requires at least 10 years of relevant commercial real estate experience, at least 10 years of real estate paralegal experience, and a bachelor’s degree. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, document editing and comparison tools, web-based meeting applications, timekeeping and expense reporting applications, and legal billing processes is required. The New York salary range is $116,000 to $170,000 annually, with actual pay depending on experience and other relevant factors. Eligible employees may participate in the Firm’s benefits program and may earn bonuses based on individual contribution and Firm profitability.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant commercial real estate experience.
• At least 10 years of real estate paralegal experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and web-based conference call and web-sharing applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and document editing and comparison applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet and database applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and presentation applications.
• Advanced proficiency with timekeeping and expense reporting applications.
• Strong knowledge of legal billing processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform work efficiently and cost-effectively to permit the Firm to reasonably collect fees.
• Meet the expected billable-hours target of 1,725 unless otherwise specified.
• Review and summarize title commitments and underlying exception documents; identify problematic exceptions, liens, easements, and encumbrances for further review.
• Coordinate with title companies on title commitments, loan and owner proformas, and final title policies.
• Draft title objection notices and assist attorneys in communicating curative requirements.
• Order, track, and review ALTA/NSPS land title surveys for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with survey standards.
• Analyze surveys for encroachments, access points, easements, and other site control matters.
• Review legal descriptions for real estate instruments, including mortgages to be recorded, for clarity, accuracy, and alignment with title and survey data.
• Coordinate with surveyors and title officers to confirm legal description correctness and resolve inconsistencies.
• Abstract key terms from easements, leases, declarations, reciprocal easement agreements, and other real estate documents.
• Organize, manage, and maintain due diligence materials and related document databases.
• Communicate with title companies, surveyors, and other third-party vendors regarding document delivery, corrections, and technical clarifications.
• Assist attorneys in preparing title, survey, and zoning analysis reports for internal or client-facing use.
• Assist with closings by preparing and finalizing transactional and legal documents, creating closing binders, updating checklists, tracking status, preparing signature-page packets, and coordinating signature pages.
• Order and review lien searches and corporate organizational documents.
• Draft and file UCC financing statements.
• Coordinate with internal resources and outside vendor services as needed.
• Direct work and train team members.
• Coordinate with other Firm departments to develop efficient procedures and communications that streamline processes and meet department needs.
• Work overtime and travel as required; handle additional related projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program.
• Medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, long-term care, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account.
• Healthcare concierge and advocacy.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• Voluntary 401(k) plan and profit sharing.
• 10 paid holidays per year and a generous PTO program.
• Family support, including paid parental leave, fertility benefits, breast milk shipping, backup child care, elder care, and tutoring.
• Wellbeing programs, including Employee Assistance Program, relationship support, mental health, menopause and midlife health, and well-being events.
• Retirement plan consulting.
• Anniversary bonus program.
• Professional development programs.
• Transportation and commuter benefits.
• International travel insurance.
• Critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• Auto, home, and pet insurance.
• Prepaid legal insurance.
• Employee discounts.
• Opportunity to earn bonuses based on individual contribution and Firm profitability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior