AIRCRAFT PARALEGAL

Mcafee & Taft - Oklahoma City, OK

Full-time - Mid Level

Oklahoma City, OK

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Aircraft Paralegal at McAfee & Taft plays a crucial role in supporting the Aviation practice with various projects related to the aviation industry. This position operates under moderate supervision and is integral to maintaining the firm's reputation and ensuring the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality. The paralegal will be responsible for preparing a variety of legal documents necessary for aircraft transactions, including Security Instrument Releases, Lease Terminations, FAA Bills of Sale, and Aircraft Registration Applications. Additionally, the role involves drafting Statements in Support of Citizenship and other miscellaneous documentation required for various aircraft transactions, which encompass buying, selling, leasing, and financing of aircraft. In this position, the paralegal will examine aircraft, engine, and propeller records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and prepare title notes that detail the chain of ownership and the status of encumbrances on aircraft, engines, and propellers. The paralegal will also review Priority Search Certificates issued by the International Registry, comparing them with FAA records to ensure accuracy. Furthermore, the role requires the preparation of preliminary drafts of closing opinions and correspondence with clients and their legal counsel, as well as organizing documents for aircraft transactions and maintaining comprehensive document files. Effective communication with clients and the FAA Aircraft Registry is essential, as is the ability to perform web-based registrations on the International Registry of Mobile Assets. The paralegal will also conduct 'know your customer' searches and review FAA, International Registry, and UCC searches. This position demands the ability to manage multiple transactions and tasks in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that all duties are performed with integrity, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents such as Security Instrument Releases, Lease Terminations, FAA Bills of Sale, and Aircraft Registration Applications.
• Examine aircraft, engine, and propeller records from the FAA and prepare title notes showing the chain of ownership and status of encumbrances.
• Review Priority Search Certificates issued by the International Registry and compare them with FAA records.
• Prepare preliminary drafts of closing opinions and correspondence with clients and their counsel.
• Assist in organizing documents for aircraft transactions and maintain document files related to such transactions.
• Communicate with clients and the FAA Aircraft Registry.
• Perform web-based registrations on the International Registry of Mobile Assets.
• Conduct 'know your customer' searches and review FAA/International Registry/UCC searches.
• Handle multiple transactions and tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Associate degree in paralegal or legal studies preferred.
• Paralegal certificate and three years of related experience or equivalent combination of education, work, and experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a transactional legal assistant, real estate or title company closing agent, or bank loan officer required.
• 4+ years experience as a transactional legal assistant, real estate or title company closing agent, or bank loan officer preferred.
• Skilled with MS Office Suite and other office products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including comprehension and expression.
• Strong command of the English language, including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to create, compose, proof, and edit correspondence.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures, maintaining confidentiality of records and information.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification as a Legal Assistant is preferred.