Landman/Title Review Specialist

About the role

This position supports the Firm’s Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources group, and other practice groups as time permits, by working with attorneys, staff, and clients to conduct research and prepare maps to support the natural resources practice.

Responsibilities

• Records Research and Analysis: Conduct research and analysis of public records maintained by local recorder’s offices, BLM, the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and other western states.
• Support the Firm’s legal practice: Assist attorneys with all aspects of our mineral title practice, including researching and analyzing public records, determining land status, and reviewing federal tentative approvals, interim conveyances, and patents.
• Mining: Research whether public lands were open and available for mineral locations at the time of location, analyze location certificates, deeds, and other recorded instruments for adequacy, and conduct due diligence reviews for claim staking and claim acquisitions.
• Oil and Gas: Research land status at the time of leasing and confirm ownership is vested in the lessor, research ownership transfers, and prepare chains of title to assist in preparing title opinions.
• Water: Research water rights issued by state water resources departments and other agencies, including ownership transfers and relevant chains of title, to assist in water right related transactions.
• Business and Professional Development: Engage with the local landman community, mining community, and oil and gas community in western states, including in Alaska (e.g., through the Alaska Association of Professional Landmen, the Alaska Miners Association, and other appropriate opportunities).
• Additional Responsibilities: Conduct real property title due diligence and other property or title related research and analyses when requested, and participate in presentations of workshops and seminars at conferences, trade association meetings, and other events.

Qualifications

• Strong candidates will possess the following attributes: highly organized and detail oriented, enjoys problem solving, passionate about learning new skills, strong analytical skills, takes initiative, excellent oral and written communication skills, high work standards, effective at building positive relationships with clients and co-workers, desire to work as a team and be a good team player.
• The ability to create and follow detailed checklists and record keeping of research conducted and results, juggle multiple projects and establish priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, and learn and grow from constructive feedback.
• Prior experience with land title documents, recording district searches, how to research property information, and how to use and produce maps using ArcGIS is strongly preferred.
• Must be capable of rapidly learning, understanding, and applying principles of property ownership, including algebra skills to calculate interests in oil and gas leases.

Essential Capabilities

• Operate a telephone, personal computer, and all types of photocopy equipment and other necessary office equipment;
• Read and comprehend handwritten and typed notes or instructions;
• Type on a computer keyboard in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time during a 7.5-hour workday;
• Learn and effectively use firm style and software applications;
• Accurately proofread documents;
• Accurately record and deliver phone messages;
• Carry files, binders, and pouches of files for short distances.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two (2) years of experience, or equivalent work experience, in fields related to real property, or research and analysis of public documents, with an emphasis on analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.

Normal Work Hours

This is a hybrid position, non-exempt, and eligible for overtime compensation. Regular office hours are 8:30 - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The ability to work longer hours during peak workload periods is essential. This position requires travel as needed, estimated to be one to two (1 to 2) times each year.

How You Will Live Life Well at Stoel Rives

The pay range for this position is $63,000 - $106,000; however, the base compensation presented to a candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience. This salary range is based on market location. In addition to base compensation, Stoel Rives has a total rewards program that includes an annual discretionary bonus and rich benefits offerings. For example, our benefits offerings include paid family & medical leave, competitive PTO, and remote work options. We offer competitive and robust medical, dental, vision, life long-term disability, AD&D, EAP, FSA and Voluntary Life, ADD, and LTC options. We also provide a generous firm-contributed health savings account, a pre-tax transportation/parking plan including an employer monthly subsidy of $100 for individuals who work 3+ days/week in the office, and an annual contribution into the employee's retirement plan.