Property Assistant – Patterson Law

Property Assistant – Patterson Law (Halifax)

We are seeking a legal administrative professional to join our team as PROPERTY ASSISTANT.

The Property Assistant, through the direction of the Property Lawyers, will assist in all aspects of the file to ensure excellent client service and smooth and efficient workflow. This position will include occasional reception coverage as well.

WORK SCHEDULE: Standard work hours are 35 per week. Some flexibility and occasional overtime may be required.

Key Areas of Responsibility

- Facilitating full cycle real estate transactions and all related work, including purchase, sale, refinance, and new home construction.
- Opening files in the Accounting software as well as the physical file.
- Complete initial property searches.
- Obtaining property tax information from relevant jurisdiction.
- Preparing all necessary documentation and scheduling client meetings for signing.
- Following up with clients, opposing counsel, financial institutions, etc. to ensure that all required information is received, everyone is informed, and everything is in place for the closing.
- Preparation of all opening and closing letters.
- Submitting signed documents for funding purposes to Lender and dealing with Lenders to obtain mortgage funds for closing.
- Ordering title insurance.
- Uploading documents (deed, mortgage, etc.) to POL for e-submission by lawyer.
- Ensuring completion of PPSA searches and registrations as required on the file, conducting any corporate searches required on a corporate property transaction file and preparing any Directors’ Resolutions needed for the specific transaction.
- Ensuring migrations are completed when necessary for assigned files.
- Preparing final reporting packages for clients and banks for all property transactions following closing.
- Completing all cleanup work after closing of a transaction, including following up with lenders and opposing counsel to obtain mortgage releases, and following up with the appropriate parties where there are holdbacks, improvement funds, or other post-closing matters on the file.
- Closing of all the assigned lawyer’s completed files, including closing the file in the Accounting system, scanning the file contents, and uploading same to the document management system.
- Back-up Support & Coverage – Where the work for the assigned lawyer(s) is completed and in the situation where colleagues are on vacation or otherwise away from the office, assisting with fellow staff members’ responsibilities to ensure the office operates at optimum efficiency and service standards.

Qualifications

- Post-secondary education in Paralegal studies
- Preferred 3-5 years’ experience in a Property Law practice facilitating a high volume of transactions from start to finish.
- In-depth knowledge of required documentation for successful completion of property transactions
- Familiarity with the Land Registration Act, Regulations, Land Registration Manual and prescribed forms
- Highly computer literate with an affinity for new technology
- Basic Accounting skills
- Consummate team player with positive attitude towards the work
- Organized, highly detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple requests concurrently
- Calm under pressure with superior interpersonal skills
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work within a high-functioning team in a hectic environment with tight deadlines
- Strong analytical skills to effectively think a problem through and offer resolutions
- Demonstrates discretion and sound judgement in handling of confidential information. This includes a high degree of integrity and trust.

If you are interested in this fast-paced role and meet the requirements, please apply with your resume and cover letter to careers@pattersonlaw.ca .

ABOUT US

Patterson Law is an established Nova Scotia law firm with offices in Truro, New Glasgow, Halifax, and Bridgewater, and with clients whose interests range from global to purely local. Our more than 150 lawyers and staff are dedicated to meeting our clients’ diverse legal needs. We endeavour to maintain the highest standard of service to our clients. This can only be accomplished by employing qualified, educated, and motivated staff.

We are pleased to offer our staff a competitive salary, group insurance coverage from day one, and pension plan membership after a year.

Patterson Law hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to employment equity and welcome diversity. Applications are encouraged from all interested and qualified individuals.

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