Legal Assistant

About the Role

The Legal Assistant provides legal and other support to attorneys to further Trust for Public Land's land protection and park creation priorities, working primarily in California. The focus of the work is real property transactions. Candidates with experience as real property specialists (including those at governmental agencies, whether at local, state or Federal level) are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Drafts and proofs land acquisition and disposition agreements, real estate closing documentation, park design and construction contracts, and other legal documents for counsel review
• Orders and reviews title documents, surveys, environmental assessments, and other due diligence reports, as assigned by counsel
• Reviews, analyzes and summarizes legal documents necessary for tracking and reporting on the legal status of projects
• Coordinates the closing of projects to ensure that transactions close within commercially reasonable timeframes, including preparing closing packages, working with title companies, following up on closing documentation, and closing legal files in accordance with internal policies
• Independently interacts and coordinates with project/program staff and outside parties
• Word processes, edits, assembles, copies and distributes complex legal documents
• Creates and maintains electronic legal files
• Monitors and updates legal calendar; maintains form file and legal library
• Tracks timely payment of real estate taxes and prepares and files real estate tax exemption applications where appropriate
• Works as part of a nationwide team of attorneys and legal assistants

Other Responsibilities

As needed, and as time allows, the Legal Assistant will assist with additional legal services as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to TPL's shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Three years of progressively responsible real estate transactional experience and legal administration is required
• Paralegal or legal assistant certification is a plus but not required
• Self-motivated with an ability to work without direct supervision, prioritize work in the absence of specific instructions, and exercise good judgment in identifying and solving problems
• Ability to interpret and take initiative within broadly defined policies and practices
• Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills with an ability to maintain a sense of humor and composure when dealing with diverse personalities and work styles
• Capable of multi-tasking, working under pressure, and meeting deadlines in a decentralized environment
• Detail and results oriented
• Excellent oral and written communications skills

Pay

Trust for Public Land offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $72,301 to $75,000 annually.

Schedule

Trust for Public Land is a flexible work environment, where work arrangements may be fully remote, hybrid, or in office. While we encourage candidates who are located near a Trust for Public Land office, that is not a requirement and, regardless of location, the employee may elect to work remotely.

Benefits

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land's comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match.