Real Estate Transactional Legal Assistant

Benesch is proud to announce the opening for a Real Estate Transactional Legal Assistant within our Practice Support department in our Chicago office. Our Chicago office has an amazing opportunity for a Real Estate Transactional Legal Assistant who is looking to be part of a dynamic team. This role is perfect for the legal assistant who is looking to work in a cutting-edge office of one of the nation's fastest growing law firms and assist attorneys in an energetic, fast-paced environment.

The Real Estate Transactional Legal Assistant handles complex and specialized administrative and clerical support activities related to the specific work and function of the timekeeper(s) to whom they are assigned. The Legal Assistant plays a key role in providing support to their assigned attorneys as well as coordinating travel, calendaring and other support needs. The attorneys are looking for a contributor who wants to be an involved member of their team.

Essential functions include:

1. Prepare, revise, redline and proofread various real estate documents including conveyance, collateral, deeds, resolutions, certificates, contracts, purchase agreements, leases and amendments.
2. Assist with real estate due diligence for closings including assistance with surveys, deeds, titles and environmental matters.
3. Assist with and coordinate processing of closing and post-closing documents, preparing signature packets using Adobe Sign and DocuSign, and assisting with complex filing and closing logistics.
4. Create and maintain client and administrative files in accordance with firm procedures, including within the document management system.
5. Proactive utilization of workflow management system to manage assignments from timekeepers, maintain an organized workload, and assist others during PTO or peak periods.
6. Schedule appointments including meeting invites, video conference details, conference room requests, meal requests etc. and maintains attorney's calendar.
7. Enter and release attorney's billable time in accordance with firm guidelines. Review proformas for billings received from the Accounting Department to clients for services rendered.
8. Perform initial conflict checks and open/close client matters and prepare engagement letters.
9. Monitor case deadlines and work with Docket Department to ensure deadlines are entered and met.
10. Coordinate travel arrangements and track travel expenses for timely reimbursement.
11. Communicate professionally and promptly with internal and external clients to deliver a high level of customer service, consistent with the Firm's "First in Service" philosophy.

Additional responsibilities include:

1. Proactively participates as a member of the practice group support coverage team.
2. Stay current in the use of all firm systems and practices.
3. May require overtime or weekend hours.
4. Perform additional office support duties as assigned/requested.

Confidentiality: Due to the nature of your employment, various documents and information, which are of confidential nature, will come into your possession. Such documents and information must be kept confidential at all times.

Qualifications: Legal Assistants must have a High School Diploma in addition to three years of real estate experience. Must be able to handle multiple priorities at one time, work well with others and have excellent communication skills. Comprehensive knowledge in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and PDF software. Experience with InTapp Time, Intapp Open, Chrome River Expense Reporting, Aderant, Interaction, iManage are pluses. Must possess an excellent customer service attitude.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone at 216-363-4578 or email Christine Watson at cwatson@beneschlaw.com.