Senior Paralegal/Executive Legal Assistant – Residential Real Estate Department

Position Chief of Staff – Residential Real Estate Department

Salary: $100,000–$150,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Location: Downtown NYC

Schedule: Full-time in office

Our client is a forward-thinking real estate law firm with decades of experience representing clients in New York City residential and commercial real estate transactions. They are committed to exceptional client service, professional growth, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

They are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to serve as the right hand to the Partner leading their Residential Real Estate Department. This individual will act as a trusted right hand, almost like a Chief of Staff, providing operational, administrative, and transactional support in a fast-paced and dynamic legal practice.

Prior experience in a NYC residential real estate law firm is required.

Position Overview

As Chief of Staff to the Partner leading the Residential Real Estate Department, you will serve as a trusted right hand and the operational backbone of the practice. In this highly visible role, you will oversee day-to-day workflows, facilitate seamless communication among clients and support the administrative, operational, and transactional functions of the department.

This position is ideal for a proactive, polished professional who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, anticipates needs, solves problems efficiently, and helps drive the continued growth and success of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Partner Support

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Partner, clients, attorneys, paralegals, lenders, brokers, title companies, and other transaction participants.
• Manage complex calendars, scheduling, and meeting logistics.
• Anticipate needs, identify challenges, and proactively implement solutions with minimal supervision.
• Oversee day-to-day departmental and office operations to ensure efficiency and professionalism.
• Assist with business development, marketing initiatives, and social media efforts as needed.

Transactional & Legal Support

• Support attorneys throughout all phases of residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, refinances, and leasing matters involving co-ops, condominiums, single-family homes, and townhouses.
• Draft, review, format, and organize closing documents, correspondence, spreadsheets, presentations, and related materials.
• Coordinate with clients, lenders, brokers, title companies, and other parties to ensure seamless transaction execution.
• Assist with title and lien reviews, closing preparation, scheduling, and post-closing matters, including recording documents and preparing closing binders.
• Conduct research and gather information necessary to complete legal forms, filings, and transactional processes.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum one year of experience working in a NYC residential real estate law firm.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience providing administrative support, calendar management, and coordinating among multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and legal industry software platforms.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology and software systems.
• Ability to commute to our NYC office five days per week.

Preferred

• Notary Public license or willingness to obtain one.

What We Offer

• Collaborative and supportive team culture
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off