Job description: Shipman's value lies in our commitment -- to our clients, to the profession and to the community.

We have one goal:

to help our clients achieve their goals. How we accomplish it is simple: we devote our considerable experience and depth of knowledge to understand each client's unique needs, business and industry, and then we develop solutions to meet those needs. With more than 160 attorneys in offices throughout Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, we serve the needs of local, regional, national and international clients. Our clients include public and private companies, institutions, government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals. Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Paralegal/Legal Assistant to join our Real Estate practice group in Stamford, Connecticut. This hybrid role combines traditional paralegal responsibilities—such as substantive legal research, document preparation, and transaction support—with legal assistant duties, including calendar and deadline management, client communications, and administrative coordination. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can seamlessly shift between substantive and administrative tasks. Key Responsibilities Paralegal Functions

• Assist attorneys with all phases of commercial and residential real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, financings, and lease negotiations.
• Prepare, review, and organize transaction documents, including purchase and sale agreements, deeds, mortgages, assignments, estoppels, closing statements, and title documents.
• Coordinate and manage real estate closings, including preparation of closing binders and post-closing follow-up.
• Conduct title and survey review, prepare title objection letters, and coordinate with title companies and surveyors.
• Perform due diligence searches, including UCC, tax lien, judgment, and litigation searches.
• Draft and review corporate formation documents, resolutions, and organizational certificates related to real estate entities.
• Assist with land use, zoning, and permitting matters, including preparation of applications and filings with municipal agencies.
• Maintain and organize electronic and physical transaction files and document management systems. Legal Assistant Functions
• Manage attorney calendars, including scheduling meetings, conference calls, closings, and court or municipal hearing dates.
• Track and maintain critical deadlines
• Prepare, proofread, format, and finalize correspondence, memoranda, and legal documents.
• Handle client intake, open new matters, and manage conflict checks in coordination with firm administration.
• Process and route incoming mail, e-filing confirmations, and recorded documents.
• Coordinate expense reports for assigned attorneys.
• Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, title companies, lenders, brokers, municipal offices, and other third parties in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist with billing, including time entry review, pre-bill edits, and invoice processing. Qualifications Required
• Associate's degree or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or combined role in a real estate practice, preferably within a law firm setting.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial and residential real estate transactions, including closing procedures, title insurance, and recording requirements.
• Familiarity with Connecticut real estate laws, recording practices, and municipal land use procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and document management systems.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with keen attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to interact effectively with attorneys, clients, and external parties at all levels. Preferred
• Experience with Simply Agree
• Familiarity with legal billing software (e.g., Aderant).
• Notary Public commission in the State of Connecticut (or willingness to obtain). Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution.
• Paid time off, including PTO bank and firm holidays.
• Collegial work environment

Job Types:

Full-time, Temporary Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Microsoft Office:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person