Real Estate Paralegal

About Our Company

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a Columbia Threadneedle Investments global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is seeking a Real Estate Paralegal to join our Real Estate Loan Investments team. This role supports legal matters related to commercial real estate lending, including both loan origination and servicing. The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal and organizational skills, a solid understanding of loan documentation, and the ability to negotiate and interpret legal terms.
This is an excellent opportunity for a paralegal who is eager to gain hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of commercial real estate loans. You will work in a highly collaborative environment alongside internal colleagues, borrowers, mortgage bankers, and external counsel—gaining broad exposure to how complex commercial real estate transactions are structured, documented, and executed.
We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and excited to take ownership of their work, while also contributing ideas to enhance legal processes and improve operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
Loan Documentation & Transaction Support

• Prepare, review, and manage legal documentation related to the origination of commercial real estate mortgage loans.

• Negotiate loan documentation and terms with mortgage bankers, borrowers, borrower’s counsel, and underwriting team.

• Partner with outside counsel, as needed, to resolve complex, sensitive, or transaction‑specific legal issues.

• Develop, maintain, and update model loan documents to reflect current market practices and minimize lender risk.

Loan Servicing & Closing Coordination

• Collaborate with underwriting team to complete pre‑approval loan files and facilitate the transition to loan closing.

• Support asset management throughout the life of the loan, including events such as loan transfers or assumptions, estate planning transfers, casualty or condemnation events, and awards.

• Review loan documents to ensure life‑of‑loan events comply with contractual requirements and that any modifications appropriately mitigate risk to the lender.

• Maintain accurate records and support timely processing and closing of loan‑related actions.

Policy, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Assist with updates to legal policies, procedures, and documentation standards in alignment with industry trends and best practices.

• Collaborate with senior team members and the General Counsel’s Office on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency across legal operations.

Special Projects & Team Support

• Assist with special projects, including audit requests and regulatory inquiries.

• Provide support on more complex or challenged loans, including foreclosures and REO properties.

• Serve as a knowledgeable and reliable point of contact for internal questions related to loan documentation and legal processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (legal studies, business, finance or a related field preferred)

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Visa Sponsorship

Applicants must have a valid work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require visa sponsorship for employment in the United States (e.g., H-1B, F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, TN).

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Base Pay Salary

The estimated base salary for this role is $76,000- $104,000 / year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances.Full timeExemptInvestment ManagementAMINV US Asset Management

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

Columbia Threadneedle is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, disability status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.