Conveyancing Paralegal

POSITION SUMMARY

The conveyancing paralegal will be primarily assigned to Finance, Real Estate and Corporate Department to assist the Finance, Real Estate and Corporate Department attorneys and support staff with paralegal duties for the department. The paralegal may also assist attorneys and support staff with paralegal duties not related to the Finance, Real Estate and Corporate Department. The position primarily assists attorneys with preparing, reviewing, processing, and recording conveyance, mortgage lending and lease documents, property descriptions, and other documents related to real estate transactions.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Review and draft real estate conveyance documents, such as, but not limited to, deeds, leases, assignments, mortgages, condominium documents, Land Court petitions, easements, encroachment agreements, closing checklist, and correspondence.
2. Order documents from title and escrow companies. Communicate with escrow and title companies regarding items required for transactions (including monitoring deadlines).
3. Accurately read and interpret title reports, and review, summarize and interpret documents referenced in the title reports.
4. Compare documents against title reports to ensure accuracy and be able to spot and address inaccuracies.
5. Prepare and file various required and optional documents with federal, state and municipal governmental agencies.
6. Author and sign correspondence provided the paralegal status is clearly indicated and the correspondence does not contain independent legal opinions or legal advice.
7. Identify and research appropriate laws, statutes, rules, regulations and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.
8. Maintain general contact with clients and other agencies, so long as the other parties are aware of the status and function of the paralegal.
9. Conducts research online and at county and state agencies. Familiar with online sites, government agencies, and information available from other sources.
10. Apply research and analytical skills to assist with due diligence procedures, including online and factual searches.
11. Assist with and coordinate transactional closings; proactively coordinate and assist with closing processes and document organization.
12. Record and file legal documents with county and state agencies. Keeps current with updates to rules and procedures.
13. Reviews and organizes transactional documents. Understanding of the transaction and support documents needed.
14. Prepares tax forms such as Conveyance Tax Certificate or Exemption Form Conveyance Tax. Familiar with processing ownership transfer documents and leases, calculating conveyance taxes, and rules governing conveyance tax exemption.
15. May be assigned to handle special assignments. Must be able to handle these assignments with minimal supervision and be able to gather information needed for assignment/request.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

1. Working and comprehensive knowledge of mortgage lending, title reports and real estate transactions.
2. Proficiency on Microsoft Windows and Office programs required. General computer hardware and software proficiency required.
3. Familiarity with working with State and county agencies such as Bureau of Conveyances, Land Court, Department of Taxation, Real Property Assessment, Department of Planning/Public Works, etc.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Minimum five years of experience as a real estate legal secretary, paralegal and/or applicable title company experience.

EDUCATION

BS/BA college degree preferred. High School degree required. Graduate of an accredited paralegal program highly desired.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Self-starter. Proactive and willing to take responsibilities and new challenges. Good analytical skills and able to work independently.
2. Detail oriented, highly organized, skilled at documenting information, able to prioritize work to be able to stay on top of and follow up on multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
3. Reliable, responsive, focused and comfortable with time pressures. Maintains composure and demonstrates stability.
4. Positive, constructive and professional attitude.
5. Team player. Able to work effectively with others, adapts well to a wide range of work styles and personalities internally and externally.
6. Ability to communicate well, orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to see 20/40 vision (corrective lenses acceptable) in order to read documents, view computer monitor, etc.
2. Frequent sitting, standing and walking required in order to perform the essential functions of the job.
3. Some bending, reaching overhead, gripping.
4. Frequent wrist and finger movement.
5. Occasional lifting of items up to 50 lbs (may use hand truck).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time work, in-person, in the Honolulu office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (work hours may be changed upon approval). May be requested to work overtime depending on the workload or needs of the firm.