McCarthy Summers- Real Estate Department
Real Estate Paralegal/Closing Paralegal - Experience a plus but Open to Entry Level & willing to train!
JOB DESCRIPTION & ASSOCIATED DUTIES
A real estate closing paralegal or transactional paralegal supports attorneys in real estate
transactions, also known as closings, by preparing initial drafts of closing documents, preparing
and doing initial review of title commitments and supporting title information, managing the
closing process from executed contract to recording of deed and distribution of escrow
funds, and finally, almost continuously communicating with buyers, sellers, lenders, realtors
and other interested parties.
Real Estate or Closing Paralegals act as liaisons between the myriad of interested groups
indicated above, act as a first-line project manager and, most importantly, a first-line trouble
shooter of each real estate transaction.
Real estate and/or closing paralegals have a core function of not only managing the people,
the deadlines and limitations of a transaction, but most importantly, the paralegals’ core
function is to inform their real estate attorney of any potential issues that require an
attorney to handle long before the parties are signing closing documents.
Key Responsibilities
• Reviews title materials, surveys, zoning reports, lease-related documents and other due
diligence items, as well as coordinates with diligence service providers.
• Prepares and maintains transaction checklists.
• Prepares closing documents under the supervision of attorneys and maintains closing files.
• Follows up on post-closing matters.
• Drafts forms, letters, or other legal documents.
• Anticipates typical work for a case or transaction and works with supervisors to ensure all
aspects are addressed.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication with clients, outside vendors, and
other parties.
• Coordinates the timely closure of a case or transaction to comply with Firm policies and
procedures.
Required Skills and Qualifications
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for interacting with clients,
opposing parties, realtors, and officials.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy in reviewing surveys, legal descriptions, initially
drafted closing documents and public records.
• Proficiency in software like Microsoft Office Suite and legal case management
systems.
• Strong organizational skills to manage short term but constantly evolving transactional
timelines.
Preferred (but not required) Skills and Qualifications:
• Experience: Previous paralegal experience (often 3+ years) focusing on real estate
transactions.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of real estate transactions.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate, preferably with ABA approval - Preferred NOT REQUIRED!
