Jr. Legal Assistant - Real Property Specialist

Summary

Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit that connects communities to the outdoors by creating parks and protecting public lands. The Jr. Legal Assistant - Real Property Specialist supports attorneys and organizational teams by coordinating legal documentation, real estate due diligence, compliance tracking, contracts, and project administration for park creation and land protection activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the preparation, review, execution and tracking of agreements supporting park creation, community engagement, land protection, construction projects , and other legal documents under the supervision of legal counsel
• Coordinates collection and review of insurance, licensing, warranty and compliance documentation from vendors, contractors, public agencies and project partners, etc. as assigned by counsel
• Manages project documentation, reporting requirements, compliance tracking and data collection to support internal and external stakeholders and company policies, procedures and guidelines
• Assists with preparing and coordinating bid packages, contractor selection, design and/or construction contracts, and donation agreements with TPL staff and legal counsel. Experience with AIA contracts a plus
• Orders and reviews title documents, surveys, environmental assessment, and other due diligence reports and research as assigned by counsel
• Reviews, analyzes and summarizes legal documents necessary for tracking and reporting on the legal status of projects
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal teams, public agencies, consultants, contractors, funders and community partners
• Follows a defined process to support efficient project delivery, document management and information sharing
• Word processes, edits, assembles, copies and distributes complex legal documents
• Creates and maintains files for the legal department
• 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 team of attorneys and legal assistants
• As needed, and as time allows, Legal Assistant will assist with additional legal services as assigned

Skills

• Strong commitment to TPL's shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization
• 0-2 years experience supporting real estate, land conservation, construction, planning, infrastructure, compliance, legal, grant-funded, government, or other complex project environments is valued
• 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
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Acrobat and e-mail software and willingness to learn various proprietary platforms and portals
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience with AIA agreements and software a plus

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Strong commitment to TPL's shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization
• 0-2 years experience supporting real estate, land conservation, construction, planning, infrastructure, compliance, legal, grant-funded, government, or other complex project environments is valued
• 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
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Acrobat and e-mail software and willingness to learn various proprietary platforms and portals

Nice to Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience with AIA agreements and software a plus

Benefits

• Work arrangements may be fully remote, hybrid, or in office.
• As a full-time employee, eligibility for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program, including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
• Vacation and sick pay plus holidays.
• A year end office closure.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match.