Legal Assistant

Overview

The organization is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide legal and administrative support to attorneys in support of land protection and park creation priorities, working primarily in California. This role focuses on real property transactions, assisting with documentation and completion of legally sound activities consistent with the organization’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and proofs land acquisition and disposition agreements, real estate closing documentation, park design and construction contracts, and other legal documents for counsel review
• Orders and reviews title documents, surveys, environmental assessments, and other due diligence reports, as assigned by counsel
• Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes legal documents needed for tracking and reporting on the legal status of projects
• Coordinates project closings to help ensure transactions close within commercially reasonable timeframes, including:
  • Preparing closing packages
  • Working with title companies
  • Following up on closing documentation
  • Closing legal files in accordance with internal policies
• Independently interacts and coordinates with project/program staff and outside parties
• Word processes, edits, assembles, copies, and distributes complex legal documents
• Creates and maintains electronic legal files
• Monitors and updates legal calendars; maintains form files and the legal library
• Tracks timely payment of real estate taxes and prepares and files real estate tax exemption applications where appropriate
• Supports a nationwide team of attorneys and legal assistants
• Performs additional legal services as assigned, as time allows

Requirements

• Three years of progressively responsible real estate transactional experience and legal administration is required
• Strong self-motivation with the ability to work without direct supervision, prioritize in the absence of specific instructions, and exercise good judgment in identifying and solving problems
• Ability to interpret and take initiative within broadly defined policies and practices
• Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain composure when working with diverse personalities and work styles
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a decentralized environment
• Detail and results oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Paralegal or legal assistant certification is a plus but not required

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible work environment: work arrangements may be fully remote, hybrid, or in office
• While candidates located near an organization office are encouraged, this is not required; employees may elect to work remotely regardless of location
• Comprehensive benefits program for full-time employees, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Vacation and sick pay plus holidays
  • Year-end office closure
  • 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match
• Salary: competitive and commensurate with experience; anticipated hiring range is $72,301 to $75,000 annually

Location

Primary work location: California
Work may be performed fully remote, hybrid, or in office.