Commercial Real Estate Paralegal

About Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen

Since 1884, our firm has been a trusted presence in the legal community, providing exceptional legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses across a broad range of practice areas, including corporate law, estate planning, real estate, business law, litigation, employment law, and family law.

We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality legal services while fostering a workplace built on integrity, collaboration, professionalism, and respect. Our culture is one of our greatest strengths, and we take pride in creating an environment where team members are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Equally important is our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Commercial Real Estate Paralegal serves as an integral member of the firm's Real Estate practice group, providing comprehensive support to attorneys throughout all phases of complex commercial real estate transactions. This position is responsible for coordinating commercial real estate closings, conducting title and due diligence reviews, preparing transactional documents, managing post-closing activities, and supporting clients through each stage of a transaction. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple transactions simultaneously while delivering exceptional client service in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with all phases of commercial real estate transactions, from contract through closing and post-closing.
• Preparation of bank loan documents and closing statements for commercial loan transactions.
• Coordinate and manage commercial real estate closings, including preparation and review of deeds, mortgages, UCC financing statements, closing statements, escrow documents, transfer tax forms, and other closing documents.
• Order, review, and analyze title commitments, exception documents, surveys, and related materials.
• Prepare title and survey objection letters and coordinate resolution of title issues.
• Conduct and coordinate due diligence, including review and summary of UCC, judgment, tax, lien, and other public record searches.
• Prepare and maintain transaction checklists, critical date calendars, and closing schedules to ensure timely completion of all requirements.
• Draft routine real estate documents, contracts, amendments, correspondence, memoranda, and transactional summaries.
• Prepare lease abstracts, loan document abstracts, corporate resolutions, consents, and organizational documents.
• Coordinate document execution, recording, and filing with appropriate governmental agencies.
• Manage post-closing activities, including preparation of closing binders, recording confirmations, closing indices, and tracking outstanding post-closing requirements.
• Organize and maintain electronic and physical transaction files.
• Communicate professionally with clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, opposing counsel, governmental agencies, and other transaction participants.
• Assist attorneys with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of commercial real estate paralegal experience.
• Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial real estate transactions, title review, due diligence, and closing procedures.
• Experience preparing transactional documents, reviewing title commitments and surveys, and coordinating complex commercial closings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Aderant, Adobe Acrobat, and legal document management software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong proofreading skills and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Education

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Client Service Orientation
• Professional Communication
• Organization and Prioritization
• Problem Solving
• Initiative and Accountability
• Team Collaboration
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

Benefits

We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports their health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees may participate in medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, employer-sponsored retirement savings programs, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance, and professional development opportunities. We also offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Work Location

This position is a full-time, on-site position. We believe that collaboration, mentorship, and client service are best achieved through regular, in-person interaction, and our team benefits from working together in a professional office environment. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys and colleagues while contributing directly to the success of our clients and the firm.