Paralegal - Business (Real Estate)

Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. Phelps Dunbar LLP is offering an opportunity for a Paralegal specializing in Real Estate work in the Pensacola office. The ideal candidate will be able to work closely with our Real Estate attorneys to support a broad range of commercial transactions and projects. They will be proactive, detailed-oriented, a team player with the ability to work well independently, and maintain a high level of attention to all detail and timeliness of deadlines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare documents related to a variety of real estate and lending matters including but not limited to agreements and loan documents.
• Collect, draft, prepare and/or file various transactional documents, certificates, statements, amendments, forms, deeds, UCC financing statements, and other real estate or loan-related documents.
• Search government records for corporate documents.
• Proofread legal documents to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Interact professionally with and assist clients in-person, via phone and/or by virtual means.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, attorneys, opposing counsels, judicial offices, etc.
• Record billable time daily meeting daily billable requirements; review and edit bill proformas monthly.
• Multi-task and prioritize work assignments to consistently provide high-quality work.
• Draft, read, and interpret legal documents.
• Attend or facilitate closings, disburse escrow funds, and prepare final title policies and closing binders.

Education and Experience Required:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required. A four-year college degree and/or a certificate in paralegal studies is preferred. Significant prior experience may be substituted for a combination of the educational requirements.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of paralegal experience in the Business/Corporate area is preferred. 
• Experience assisting with real estate and loan closings is preferred.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Must have a high level of computer literacy including proficiency in closing/title software, MS Office Software Suite (including Excel and PDF documents), and a working knowledge of a document management system.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Excellent research skills.
• Strong oral and written communications skills and proofreading skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
• Self-starter who is adept at working in a true team environment and partnering with management, clients, in-house counsel, outside counsel, and staff.
• Ability to maintain high quality performance with varied deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Performance Measures:

• Maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of quality and quantity of work.
• Ability to meet firm billing requirements.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate motivation, and initiative.
• Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, clients, and other support staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines.