Job Description

Summary:

Under general attorney/administrative supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the Real Estate/ Transactions Paralegal performs a variety of duties to assist attorneys in the transactions section, particularly real estate matters. The Paralegal oversees closing agendas and assists with document preparation, with an emphasis on closing preparations and post-closing title updates and other wrap-up of closed transactions. The duties and responsibilities of this position require the incumbent to maintain confidentiality of client and firm matters at all times and to maintain accurate time records for client billing.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts title abstract review and updates at Registries of Deeds or via County Registry websites. Analyzes surveys and deed descriptions, including plotting parcels with mapping software, as required.
• Prepares title insurance reports, commitments and policies. Prepares related affidavits and endorsements. Obtains tax status information and other data from municipal state office as necessary.
• Corresponds with title insurance companies to resolve underwriting matters and obtain special authorizations, as necessary.
• Assembles and transmits post-closing document packages to clients and other parties, and maintains a work log to track file completion.
• Orders and analyzes Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) reports from the Maine Secretary of State in order to research personal property liens. Coordinates UCC searches and filings both in Maine and out of state.
• Assists attorneys and other paralegals with title matters and project requirements. Attends meetings, and conducts telephone and email correspondence with clients and/or other parties involved in transactions with/without attorneys involved.
• Identifies and communicates potential problems to attorney and confers with attorney regarding any legal issues which occur during project development.
• Provides back-up support for other residential and commercial real estate transactions paralegals.
• Establishes and maintains calendar and deadline reminder systems; utilizes master calendar system.
• Obtains information for real estate closing statements (e.g. pay-off amounts on mortgages and liens; taxes; other fees and charges). Arranges for terminations and discharges of UCC\'s liens and mortgages. Prepares closing statements and bank and other closing documents. Develops closing agendas based on information contained in purchase and sale agreements, lender commitment letters, and other documentation and information provided by the client.
• Coordinates closing with banks and all parties involved; arranges for all necessary funding prior to closing, and prepares closing document binders.
• Drafts letters, mortgages, notes, title reports, and other documents for review by an attorney.
• Maintains computer forms library for real estate documents.
• Assists with developing and carrying out ongoing client projects such as multiple lot sales involving months of closings and document preparation.
• Performs other tasks as assigned. Other duties may also include transcription, document editing, opening files, etc. as needed.

Education/Experience/Expectations:

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices and terminology for real estate at a level normally acquired through formal education and/or work experience, plus at least two years of real estate / transaction experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Excellent keyboarding skills and at least intermediate level knowledge/experience with Microsoft Office, document management and time-keeping applications.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent analytical capabilities to ensure that all research information and/or documents are accurate, complete and in order.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills to prepare the necessary documents and correspondence with minimal attorney supervision, and to communicate effectively with clients and others.
• Polished, professional interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with others regardless of position, including staff, attorneys, clients, peers, vendors and court personnel.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet all deadlines.
• Able and willing to work, on occasion, different hours (8:00 to 5:00 is the standard) or more than 40 hours per week.
• Able and willing to attend professional organization events and seminars to keep abreast of new legal developments.
• Able and willing to travel to private and public buildings, locally and statewide, via private or public conveyance to assist attorney in attending to client needs on legal matters.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, temperature and the like.
• Extensive walking may be required, depending on attorney requirements.
• This position requires one to lift under 10 pounds on a consistent basis and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Compensation for this full-time 40-hour position is commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

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Rudman & Winchell LLC