Real Estate Paralegal

At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.

Haynes and Boone is one of the largest law firms in Dallas, and it continues to grow. In 2023, Haynes and Boone moved its headquarters to a new 27-story office tower in the Harwood District of uptown Dallas. Lawyers in our Dallas office serve all the firm’s practice and industry areas – including corporate, litigation, banking/finance, insurance law, healthcare law, labor and employment, estate planning, real estate, bankruptcy, intellectual property, white collar crime, and antitrust. Our Dallas lawyers are widely recognized in their practice areas in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.) and the Chambers USA legal directory (Chambers & Partners). This office attracts high-energy, technically proficient people who enjoy working in a collegial environment. We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

Basic Function

This non-exempt position is responsible for preparing documentation necessary to cases, including real estate purchases and sale closings.  The Real Estate Paralegal will also review amendments, leases, subleases and purchase assignments.  Must be able to accurately work on items such as title insurance and tax bills. In addition to working with lawyers, the Real Estate Paralegal may also coordinate with landlords, housing managers or other real estate personnel.

Essential Duties

• Coordinating due diligence for a variety of commercial and residential real estate transactions including acquisitions and dispositions, borrowings, etc.

• Reviewing and summarizing title commitments and surveys.

• Working closely with title companies to clear title and obtain title policies.

• Reviewing and summarizing UCC, judgment, tax and other lien searches.

• Preparing and filing a variety of documents including deeds, mortgages, memoranda of leases, UCC financing statements, etc.

• Obtaining permits and other documents from agencies such as Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• Coordinating with various city offices boards and agencies including the Dallas Zoning Board of Adjustment.

• Attending zoning and other types of administrative hearings as necessary.

• Preparing and distributing closing binders.

• Preparing closing checklists and coordinating the closing process for various commercial and residential real estate transactions.

Other Duties

• Completing pending purchase agreements and creating closing checklists for all real estate sales.

• Completing promissory agreements and legal descriptions of property and title affidavits.

• Distributing real estate documents, conducting research, analyzing title documents and explaining real estate codes to clients.

• Upon the closing of a sale, may also be accountable for working with in-house legal counsel to record all real estate documentation.

• Assisting attorneys with speeches and articles. 

• Attending CLE and courses so as to expand knowledge of substantive law.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

The Real Estate Paralegal reports directly to the Office Administrator, and indirectly to assigned attorneys. 

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience:

The Real Estate Paralegal needs at least three years of experience with real estate work including knowledge of financing, lease negotiation, and lending documents and procedures.  Must have solid title/survey background experience.

Skills:

Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.  Must possess the ability to handle real estate transactions from the initial contract through the closing, and work with minimal supervision.  The paralegal must possess above-average writing skills and have the ability to conduct legal research.  This employee should also have strong computer skills. The paralegal should be familiar with effective administrative processes and possess the ability to manage a multitude of tasks and deals simultaneously. 

Education:

Paralegal certification from an ABA approved school or bachelor’s degree in a field related to law, administration, or liberal arts required. 

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Working Conditions

Office environment.  Overtime required.