Residential Real Esate Paralegal

About Kwast Law Kwast Law is a boutique residential real estate law firm based in Midtown Manhattan. We provide comprehensive transactional legal services to buyers, sellers, and investors across New York City and the surrounding region. Our practice is fast-paced, client-centered, and built on a foundation of meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and deep expertise in New York real estate law. We are a collaborative team that takes pride in guiding clients through one of the most significant financial transactions of their lives. Position Overview The Residential Real Estate Paralegal supports attorneys in all aspects of residential purchase and sale transactions, from pre-contract through post-closing. This individual will manage multiple active files simultaneously, maintain rigorous deadline tracking, communicate directly with clients and third parties, and prepare and review a wide variety of transactional documents. The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years of hands-on residential real estate paralegal experience in a New York City law firm environment, is comfortable working in a busy transactional practice, and thrives in a role that demands both independent initiative and seamless teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Management & Client Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the transaction lifecycle, from contract signing through post-closing follow-up
• Update clients proactively at each phase of the transaction, managing expectations and addressing questions in a timely, professional manner
• Coordinate with buyers, sellers, lenders, brokers, managing agents, co-op boards, and opposing counsel to facilitate transactions and meet all contingency deadlines
• Monitor all active files simultaneously, track critical deadlines (mortgage contingency, CEMA, board approval, closing date), and flag issues to supervising attorneys in advance
• Maintain organized digital and physical file management using Practice Panther, Monday.com, and the firm’s document systems

Contract Preparation & Document Drafting

• Prepare retainer agreements and new client intake forms from firm templates; ensure completeness and accuracy prior to attorney review and execution
• Prepare purchase and sale contracts, contract riders, and related agreements from firm templates for residential transactions including co-ops, condos, townhouses, and single-family homes
• Draft closing documents including closing agreements, closing statements (ACRIS filings), affidavits, escrow agreements, possession agreements, and transfer documents; check all documents for accuracy, completeness, and consistency prior to attorney review
• Draft cover letters and transactional correspondence to lenders, managing agents, brokers, opposing counsel, and other third parties

Title, Due Diligence & Lien Search Management

• Order title reports, title updates, and lien searches; review and analyze title commitments and exception documents
• Identify title issues (open mortgages, judgment liens, violations, mechanic’s liens, unpaid taxes) and coordinate resolution with title companies and attorneys
• Review surveys and flag encroachments, easements, or boundary issues requiring legal attention
• Conduct due diligence for co-op and condo purchases, including reviewing board minutes, financial statements, house rules, proprietary leases, and offering plans
• Reach out to managing agents for questionnaires and maintenance/common charge confirmation letters; compile and analyze responses
• Coordinate CEMA (Consolidation, Extension & Modification Agreement) transactions with lenders and title companies

Closing Preparation & Attendance

• Prepare comprehensive closing packages including all required documents, affidavits, transfer tax returns, and ACRIS filing documents
• Attend and/or assist at residential closings, explain closing documents to clients in plain language, and ensure all parties sign and execute documents correctly
• Coordinate closing logistics including scheduling, confirming wire instructions, and ensuring all conditions to closing are satisfied in advance
• Serve as notary public for document execution at closings and as needed throughout transactions
• Ensure proper recording and filing of deeds, mortgages, and other instruments post-closing

Post-Closing & Administrative Functions

• Manage post-closing matters including confirmation of recording, distribution of final title policies, and closing binder preparation
• Answer and screen client and third-party phone calls; route and respond to incoming commun

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