Description

Position Summary

The Real Estate & Development Unit is currently seeking to fill a Legal Assistant position.  This position is for individuals interested in real estate and contract law. The Legal Assistant will support attorneys working on transactional matters by overseeing electronic and paper file management, facilitating the process of executing agreements, drafting correspondence and form agreements, and aiding the overall workflow and productivity of the unit.

Essential Functions

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

• Collaborating on several projects which often include working with attorneys and staff 
• Organize and file correspondence, documents, and other papers for significant transactions as requested by the Division’s attorneys.
• Sending requests for information to relevant City agencies and following up to meet deadlines 
• Perform title research to determine ownership of properties.  Locate and retrieve title documents.
• Work closely with title companies to obtain title reports, clear title, and obtain title insurance policies.  Review and summarize title reports.
• Review and summarize land surveys.
• Preparing letters and other correspondence for unit attorneys
• Maintaining organization/filing system
• Compiling quarterly/weekly/daily reports as needed
• Scheduling meetings
• Tracking assignments
• Answering telephones and assisting callers with general inquiries for the Law Department
• Logging mail
• Providing back-up support for hiring and recruiting efforts

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to write and speak persuasively
• Ability to work with multiple City Departments
• Excellent organizational skills
• Effective and professional oral and written communication
• Ability to work independently and think proactively
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
• Computer skills required/desired for the position include:
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint One Drive, Powerpoint)
• Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
• Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets).
• Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)
• Presentations/Slideshows (Powerpoint, Google Slides)
• Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other virtual platforms
• Ability to complete work projects in a timely and accurate manner
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients; 
• Qualified candidates must be hard working, organized, attend to detail, and have an eager, helpful attitude; 
• Knowledge of City procedures is a plus;

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Preferred candidate will possess an Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have experience preferably in a legal setting.

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role. 

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Additional Information 

Did you know?

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.  Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more. 
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available. 

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/CmwHn  

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Mary Josephine Markle, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate & Development Unit (maryjosephine.markle@phila.gov).

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx