SUMMARY

Under the general direction of supervising attorney(s) and/or paralegal(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures, the Project Assistant is responsible for performing clerical tasks and providing assistance in the areas of secure lending and other real estate transactions and, in connection therewith, assist in the preparation and distribution of closing loan files and necessary follow-up.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but may not be limited to, the following.  Other duties may be requested and/or assigned.  Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.  Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Client billable hour requirement:  1,500 hours annually (125 client billable hours average per month).

• Assist attorneys/paralegals in document drafting, preparation and distribution of closing binders for real estate transactions.
• Perform UCC and related searches.  Prepare and review UCC’s.
• Populate clients’ Sharefile website with all final transaction documents, blacklines, assignment documents, title/survey materials, organizational documents, estoppels, due diligence and other documents as required/requested.
• Draft loan assignment documents and make revisions and changes thereto.
• Preparation of signature pages and assembly of documents with executed signature pages, exhibits, etc.
• Possible client contact with expectation of immediate response to client and attorney requests.
• Assist attorneys/paralegals with other projects/assignments as may be requested from time to time.
• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s Degree and one or more years related experience preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Internet searching, Outlook, Word, PDF Files and Excel preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with record keeping, data collection and system information experience a plus.  Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail or verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
• Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail and accuracy in order to perform clerical duties as requested, process information, and perform essential duties.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, adapt to changes in workflow, and ensure work is completed within defined deadlines.  Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.  Ability to act independently and make routine decisions within scope of the position’s responsibilities.
• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare real estate documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, etc.
• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is characteristic of a normal office environment with moderate exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, and requirements.  This position description may be modified in the future as necessary.

Katten will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article 9 to Chapter XVIII of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.