Paralegal at Detroit Land Bank Authority – Detroit, Michigan

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY
The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) seeks one or more Paralegals to perform a variety of activities, including preparing legal documents and filings, and perform data review and management functions in support of the DLBA’s Nuisance Abatement, Unauthorized Occupancy and/or Quiet Title programs. Each position will work primarily in one of these areas depending on DLBA needs and an applicant’s interests and qualifications but may also spend time working in others.
The DLBA encourages applications from candidates with a relevant combination of the desired subject matter qualifications set forth below. A successful applicant’s salary will be commensurate with both their qualifications and years of relevant experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (depending on an applicant’s experience may include all or a combination of the following)

• Manage caseload of properties as directed by managing attorney or managing paralegal.
• Draft and file legal documents with designated courts.
• Draft and record title documents with the Wayne County Register of Deeds.
• Review real property records to identify potential lawsuit defendants.
• Investigate and gather facts of a case in response to reports of suspected occupancy of DLBA-owned properties.
• Communicate with defendants or unauthorized occupants regarding pending litigation or investigation
• Coordinate with DLBA staff, external partners, and third-party vendors with respect to litigation matters
• Catalog, organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic database and filing systems.
• Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation.
• Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles as requested by the supervising attorney.
• Perform additional duties and assignments as directed by Legal Department management

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Subject Matter)
• One or more years of paralegal experience, or one or more years of real estate related experience (e.g. mortgage lending, title examination, landlord-tenant law, real estate closings, probate, or bankruptcy)
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices, legal research techniques, and real property terminology
• Knowledge of real estate title documents, chains of title, mortgages, and Wayne County tax foreclosure process
• Knowledge of property-related databases (e.g. Wayne County Register of Deeds, TLO, LexisNexis, and Wayne County Probate Court records)
• Familiarity with and ability to prepare litigation documents
• Strong ability to manage high case volumes, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Skilled at working across multiple teams

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to multi-task, and understand must able to quickly adapt to frequently changing deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills, and good judgment to identify potential problems and solutions.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team and develop good relationships.
• Ability to conduct research that is relevant, accurate, and thorough.
• Experience using and proficiency with MS Office and other computer programs for legal research and/or litigation support, and organization and maintaining important documents.
• Experience and proficiency in using Salesforce preferred.
• Mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit.
• Detroit residency preferred.
EDUCATION
• High school diploma or equivalent required. College degree preferred.
• Associate degree in paralegal studies or paralegal certification from an American Bar Association approved certificate program preferred.