paralegal – commercial real estate

Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking a full-time, experienced Commercial Real Estate | Finance Paralegal to support our real estate and finance practice. Candidates must have five (5) years of demonstrated experience as a commercial real estate paralegal in a law firm.

Position Overview

Candidates must be able to manage complex commercial transactions from start to finish, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and multi-site developments across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with title and survey review, document preparation, and high-level client interaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the preparation and processing of commercial real estate and finance transactions from inception to closing.
• Order, review, and analyze title documents, title commitments, search reports, exception documents, surveys, inspections, and title endorsements.
• Coordinate due diligence for a variety of large commercial and residential real estate transactions.
• Administer contract critical dates and prepare and manage closing checklists.
• Assist with and coordinate closings, including the review and/or preparation of conveyance documents, closing statements, transfer tax forms, and escrow release documentation.
• Attend to post-closing requirements, including the preparation of closing indices, organizing closing binders, and monitoring post-closing deliveries and other requirements.
• Prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Prepare lease and loan document abstracts.
• Review and summarize UCC, judgment, tax, and other lien searches.
• Draft and review business and real estate contracts.
• Review surveys.
• Prepare and file a variety of documents, including deeds, mortgages, memoranda of leases, UCC financing statements, etc.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of title and survey processes, commercial closings, and real estate finance.
• Proficiency in preparing real estate documents, closing checklists, and title policy forms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to quickly learn other programs. Experience in iManage and Aderant is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective problem-solving, analytical, and research skills.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and work extra hours as needed.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment.

Educational/Job Experience Requirements:

• Florida Registered Paralegal preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in commercial real estate and/or finance transactions in a law firm setting.

Office Location: Tampa, FL.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).