Senior Real Estate Paralegal

$125,000 - $150,000/Yr

Cleary Gottlieb - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

Cleary Gottlieb is seeking a Senior Real Estate Paralegal to join our commercial real estate team. This role is pivotal in supporting multi-state commercial transactions, particularly in title and survey review, property diligence, and managing title and UCC insurance negotiations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation and review of mortgage documents and UCC filings, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete. The firm prides itself on providing clients with actionable legal solutions, and this position plays a crucial role in that mission by ensuring that all real estate transactions are handled with the utmost care and professionalism. In this position, the Senior Real Estate Paralegal will prepare, review, and analyze property title abstracts, deeds, surveys, zoning reports, and other relevant documents. They will summarize findings and make recommendations for further action, ensuring that all aspects of the transaction are thoroughly vetted. The role also involves reviewing underlying title exception documents, title insurance commitments, and surveys, as well as negotiating title insurance coverage on complex commercial transactions. The paralegal will act as the primary contact with surveyors and title companies, facilitating smooth communication and resolution of any issues that may arise. Additionally, the Senior Real Estate Paralegal will assist in drafting legal documents such as mortgages, releases, deeds, and affidavits related to real estate transactions. They will oversee escrow closings with title companies and maintain organized files and documentation to support transactional processes and audits. The role requires a proactive approach to property due diligence, including lease reviews and ordering flood hazard determinations. The ideal candidate will stay informed about current developments in the title industry and report back to the team, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of industry standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Support multi-state commercial transactions, including survey review and review of title insurance commitments and policies.
• Prepare, review and analyze property title abstracts, deeds, surveys, zoning reports and other relevant documents for accuracy and completeness; summarize findings and recommendations for further action.
• Review underlying title exception documents; review title insurance commitments; review surveys and property descriptions (including negotiation of survey certifications); negotiate title insurance coverage on complex commercial transactions; negotiate title endorsements and affirmative coverage; act as primary contact with surveyors and title companies.
• Assist in drafting legal documents such as mortgages, releases, deeds and affidavits related to real estate transactions.
• Assist with the arrangement and oversight of escrow closings with title companies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, title companies, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and expedite transactions.
• Monitor and track recorded documents, closing checklists, deeds and transfer tax returns.
• Maintain organized files and documentation to support transactional processes and audits.
• Perform property due diligence (including lease reviews); order and review flood hazard determinations and related required flood insurance; review departmental searches including zoning letters, PZR reports, certificates of occupancy, judgment and lien searches, environmental reports, housing building and fire department reports.
• Follow relevant current developments in the title industry and report back to the group.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Real Estate, or related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Real Estate Paralegal or similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of title and survey practices, and transactional processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret complex legal documents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in legal research and document management software.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under tight deadlines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits.