Paralegal - Real Estate and Private Client (Minneapolis)

Taft is currently seeking a Paralegal to join our Real Estate and Private Client teams in Minneapolis. 

We are seeking a Paralegal to support the attorneys and clients within the Real Estate, and Private Client Practice Groups, with an emphasis on real estate matters that intersect with estate administration, trust funding, and lifetime planning. This role involves preparing and reviewing legal documents, coordinating transactions, conducting title and property research, and ensuring accurate transfer and documentation of real property assets in compliance with applicable laws. All Taft employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy—in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Real Estate, and Private Client Practice Groups

• Research, analyze and identify pertinent recorded documents from county records (using various land records programs such as RecordEASE, iDoc Market, Landshark, Tapestry, etc.)
• Research and use county geographic system (GIS) maps and other resources to locate and identify property.
• Place orders for owner and encumbrance reports, title commitments and surveys.
• Examine recorded and unrecorded documents to determine and confirm ownership, legal descriptions and exceptions to title.
• Resolve title defects in coordination with attorneys and third parties.
• Communicate with closing and title companies, surveyors, county recorders, registrars and others relating to real estate transactions.
• Work with Examiners of Titles of Minnesota counties to gain approval of conveyances, register land, request examiner directives, and other actions related to Torrens property.
• Handle recording documents for the firm, electronically or by mail or messenger.
• Create and maintain systems to track closings, projects and deadlines.

Private Client Practice Group (Estates and Estate Planning)

• Review client asset information to confirm proper titling of real estate.
• Prepare and maintain summaries of client’s real property holdings.
• Coordinate property distributions in accordance with wills, trusts, and court orders.
• Draft real estate transaction documents including Warranty, Limited Warranty, Quit Claim, Trustee, Personal Representative and Conservator’s Deeds, Certificates of Title, Affidavits, Assignments, Promissory Notes, Mortgages, Terminations, Satisfactions, Releases, Contract for Deeds, and Notices of Lis Pendens.
• Review purchase agreements and related addenda forwarded by a broker or opposing counsel for the purchase or sale of clients’ residential property; summarize and highlight issues of the same to the client and supervising attorney.
• Draft purchase agreements and related addenda for the purchase or sale of residential property; summarize the same to the client and supervising attorney.

Real Estate Practice Group

• Review title commitments and surveys.
• Draft title and survey review memoranda.
• Draft real estate transaction documents for commercial property including Warranty, Limited Warranty, Quit Claim, Deeds, Certificates, Assignments, Affidavits, Mortgages, Terminations, Satisfactions, Releases, and Notices of Lis Pendens.
• Draft closing documents related to closings of commercial real property including deeds, critical date memos, closing checklists, bring-down certificates, affidavits, FIRPTA certificates, assignments, W-9 and 1099-S information requests, settlement statements and closing instruction letters.

Client & Administrative Support

• Communicate with clients regarding document execution, property transfers, and transaction status.
• Maintain organized and accurate client files (physical and electronic).
• Track and manage recording confirmations, receipts, and closing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with firm procedures, legal requirements, and ethical standards.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree; Paralegal certificate preferred
• 3+ years of paralegal experience, with significant exposure to real estate transactions
• Experience in estate planning, probate, or trust administration strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of real estate documentation, title review, and recording processes
• Proficiency with legal practice management software and Microsoft Office Suite

Key Skills & Competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Aptitude to research Minnesota and other state’s statutes and real estate title standards.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work with many attorneys and paralegals while under the pressures of real estate closings.
• Clear and professional communication with attorneys, clients, and third parties.
• Problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving title or property issues.
• Discretion in handling sensitive client and financial information.

Taft offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, flexible spending, 401K,Paid Time Off, paid holidays, bonus and more. The salary range for this position is $37.43/hour – $51.28hour.  Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary from posted information based on work experience, education, and/or skill level.

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Taft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this posting presents general duties, tasks, and responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP participates in E-VERIFY.