Real Estate Law Paralegal Duties
A real estate paralegal may work in a private law firm that specializes in real estate, or a corporation that has its own real estate department. The various duties of a paralegal will differ depending on where the paralegal works and what type of real estate transactions the firm or corporation conducts. For instance, some law firms will specialize in residential or commercial real estate, while others focus on real estate development. Some firms may only work on a local level, whereas some real estate companies will have national and even international interests.
When working for a corporation that has a real estate department, you may be assisting with the management of several office or retail locations, acquisition of different properties, and maintenance of multiple property files. Some real estate paralegal duties might include tasks related to specialty software designed specifically for real estate management. A large corporation may have commercial buildings leased all over the nation and abroad; specialty software is used to manage leases, options to buy, premise repairs, and much more.
Environmental law also relates to real estate, especially in the capacity of real estate development. Land surveys, title claims, environmental reports and related documents all play a part in real estate development. A background in real estate or contract law is ideal for a paralegal who chooses to specialize in real estate law. A real estate license is not normally required for a real estate paralegal to perform their duties, and all of their work will need to be reviewed by a broker or licensed real estate attorney.
If a law firm or corporation often deals with real estate disputes, then there is a good chance that the paralegal duties will include real estate litigation. If real estate litigation is the specialty of a given law firm, then they will most likely highlight that they prefer litigation experience on their job description.
Real estate law paralegal duties may include:
- Draft conveyance documents, license agreements, breach of leases, etc.
- Prepare agenda and arrange meetings
- Research and analyze title claims and documents
- Assist with foreclosures
- Real estate file and database management
- Track renewals, expiration dates, co-tenancy obligations, etc.
- Draft and negotiate purchase agreements
- Maintain and manage lease administration software systems
- Draft letters of intent, estoppals, etc.
- Billboard/signage negotiations and agreements
- Prepare HUD statements
- Review due diligence documents
- Assist with desktop and formal auditing
- Draft reciprocal easement agreements
- Research and summarize retail and office leases
- Review and analyze surveys and environmental reports
- Draft and review construction agreements
- Assist with selling, buying, and leasing of real estate