Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 14 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not as a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions, and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen, and a human touch.

We are seeking a Senior Real Estate Paralegal to join our team. This role involves working with our commercial real estate team on title/survey review and related property diligence, managing title and UCC insurance negotiations, and preparation and review of mortgage documents and UCC filings. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of commercial real estate transactions, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. 

• Support multi-state commercial transactions, including: survey review, review of title insurance commitments and policies.
• Prepare, review and analyze property title abstracts, deeds, surveys, zoning reports and other relevant documents for accuracy and completeness; summarize findings and recommendations for further action.
• Review underlying title exception documents; review title insurance commitments; review surveys and property descriptions (including negotiation of survey certifications); negotiate title insurance coverage on complex commercial transactions; negotiate title endorsements and affirmative coverage; act as primary contact with surveyors and title companies.
• Assist in drafting legal documents such as mortgages, releases, deeds and affidavits related to real estate transactions.
• Assist with the arrangement and oversight of escrow closings with title companies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, title companies, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and expedite transactions.
• Monitor and track recorded documents, closing checklists, deeds and transfer tax returns.
• Maintain organized files and documentation to support transactional processes and audits.
• Perform property due diligence (including lease reviews); order and review flood hazard determinations and related required flood insurance; review departmental searches including zoning letters, PZR reports, certificates of occupancy, judgment and lien searches, environmental reports, housing building and fire department reports.
• Follow relevant current developments in the title industry and report back to the group.
• Other responsibilities as they may be assigned from time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Real Estate, or related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Real Estate Paralegal or similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of title and survey practices, and transactional processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret complex legal documents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in legal research and document management software.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under tight deadlines.

The estimated base salary for this position is $125,000 to $160,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This role is non-exempt meaning it is overtime pay eligible.

Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with these goals, the firm prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on any category protected by law. Cleary provides reasonable accommodations to enable otherwise qualified employees to perform the essential functions of their position, provided the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship to the Firm.