Real Estate Legal Assistants often struggle to fully depict their wide range of responsibilities, such as preparing legal documents and conducting property research, in a clear and concise manner on their resume. Our comprehensive guide can assist by providing practical tips and sample bullet points to effectively streamline and highlight these diverse tasks, showcasing your multifaceted skills and exceptional efficiency to potential employers.
Dive into this guide to learn how to craft a real estate legal assistant resume that offers recruiters a clear view of your career journey:
- Draw from our real estate legal assistant resume samples, highlighting top skills, certifications, and more.
- Illuminate the potential impact you can bring to an organization through your resume summary and experience.
- Spotlight your unique real estate legal assistant expertise, emphasizing tangible results and standout achievements.
Recommended reads:
Tips for refining your real estate legal assistant resume format
The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:
- Adopts the reverse-chronological format, placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
- Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
- Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
- Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Upload your resume
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
Privacy guaranteed
Pro tip
While color can enhance your real estate legal assistant resume by emphasizing key details like headlines, job titles, and degrees, moderation is key. Stick to a primary and a secondary color to maintain professionalism and avoid a cluttered appearance.
Essential real estate legal assistant resume sections for a comprehensive overview:
- Header: Enables recruiters to swiftly access your contact details and peruse your latest work portfolio.
- Summary or Objective: Offers a snapshot of your career milestones and aspirations.
- Experience: Demonstrates alignment with job prerequisites and highlights your tangible contributions.
- Skills: Captures the full spectrum of your expertise, making you a compelling real estate legal assistant candidate.
- Education & Certifications: Bridges potential experience gaps and underscores your dedication to the field.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Experience in real estate law: It's crucial to have experience specific to real estate, for example, handling contracts, deeds, property leases, and closings.
- Detail-oriented: This role requires meticulous attention to details as a small error can cause significant legal issues.
- Organizational skills: The ability to manage case files, track real estate transactions, and handle documentation is highly valued.
- Communication skills: Real Estate Legal Assistants often serve as a point of contact between various parties, so strong written and verbal communication skills are important.
- Knowledge of legal software: Familiarity with legal research tools and property databases, as well as standard office software, is prioritized.
Recommended reads:
Detailing your relevant experience on your real estate legal assistant resume
Showcase your credibility in the resume experience section. For an effective real estate legal assistant resume:
- Highlight measurable achievements.
- Scan the job advert for keywords and integrate them throughout your experience section.
- Emphasize your technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in various roles.
- Keep it simple: mention your responsibility, relevant skills, and the outcomes.
- Use this section to convey your unique value, soft skills, feedback received, and the type of company culture you thrive in.
Top professionals ensure their experience section offers a captivating look at their expertise. Check out our sample real estate legal assistant resumes for guidance.
Work Experience
Real Estate Legal Assistant
ABC Law Firm
2018-2020
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts, leases, and purchase agreements.
- Conducted title searches and assisted in resolving title issues for real estate transactions.
- Managed communications with clients, real estate agents, and attorneys to ensure smooth transaction processes.
- Prepared closing documents and coordinated closings resulting in the successful completion of 30+ real estate transactions.
- Researched and analyzed local zoning regulations and land use laws for property development projects.
Work Experience
Real Estate Paralegal
XYZ Real Estate Services
2012-2015
- Performed due diligence investigations for commercial property acquisitions, including financial analysis and market research.
- Assisted in preparing loan documentation and facilitating financing transactions for real estate projects.
- Coordinated with government agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals for property development initiatives.
- Assisted in the negotiation and preparation of commercial lease agreements for tenants.
- Maintained and updated real estate files and databases, ensuring accurate and organized information.
Work Experience
Real Estate Litigation Assistant
Smith & Associates Law Firm
2017-2019
- Conducted extensive legal research on real estate laws, regulations, and precedents.
- Assisted in the preparation of litigation materials, including briefs, motions, and discovery requests.
- Collaborated with attorneys and clients to develop case strategies and assess potential risks.
- Assisted in the resolution of landlord-tenant disputes, resulting in favorable outcomes for clients.
- Managed a caseload of 50+ real estate litigation matters, ensuring deadlines were met and cases progressed smoothly.
Work Experience
Real Estate Legal Support Specialist
Johnson & Smith Law Group
2015-2017
- Assisted in the preparation and filing of real estate documents with county recorder offices.
- Conducted legal research on property ownership and title history to ensure accurate documentation.
- Prepared correspondence and communicated with clients regarding transactional matters.
- Collaborated with attorneys and other legal professionals to resolve complex real estate issues.
- Maintained electronic and physical files, ensuring confidentiality and easy retrieval of information.
Work Experience
Real Estate Transaction Assistant
Acme Real Estate Law Firm
2010-2012
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing commercial lease agreements and purchase contracts.
- Coordinated with lenders, title companies, and other parties to facilitate real estate transactions.
- Conducted property surveys and inspections to identify potential environmental liabilities.
- Prepared title insurance policies and resolved title defects for clients.
- Assisted attorneys in the negotiation and settlement of real estate disputes.
Work Experience
Senior Real Estate Legal Assistant
Smithson Law Group
2019-2023
- Managed a team of legal assistants, delegating tasks and ensuring their timely completion.
- Developed and implemented efficient processes for managing real estate transaction workflows.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop legal strategies and provide support in complex cases.
- Assisted in the negotiation and drafting of high-value commercial real estate contracts.
- Conducted audits of real estate documents, resulting in the identification and resolution of discrepancies.
Work Experience
Real Estate Legal Administrator
Delta Property Law Firm
2008-2010
- Assisted in conducting legal research on zoning regulations and land use restrictions.
- Prepared legal memoranda and summaries of relevant case law for attorney review.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of meetings, court appearances, and depositions.
- Assisted in the preparation of trial exhibits and other courtroom materials.
- Maintained document management systems and organized physical files for efficient retrieval.
Work Experience
Real Estate Legal Assistant
Evergreen Law Group
2021-Ongoing
- Providing comprehensive administrative support to the real estate legal team.
- Preparing and proofreading legal documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to formatting guidelines.
- Managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating meetings for attorneys.
- Handling client inquiries and maintaining effective communication channels between clients and attorneys.
- Assisting in the organization and maintenance of electronic and physical documents for easy retrieval.
Work Experience
Bankruptcy Legal Assistant
Riverside Associates Law Firm
2016-2019
- Assisted in the preparation and filing of bankruptcy petitions for distressed real estate properties.
- Coordinated with creditors, trustees, and other parties to ensure compliance with bankruptcy procedures.
- Conducted property valuations and analyzed financial statements to assess asset values.
- Drafted settlement agreements and negotiated terms with opposing counsel on behalf of clients.
- Prepared reports and summaries regarding the financial status of real estate debtors.
Work Experience
Commercial Real Estate Assistant
Sunrise Realty Group
2013-2016
- Assisted in the negotiation and drafting of commercial lease agreements, resulting in favorable terms for clients.
- Coordinated with property owners and tenants to resolve lease-related disputes.
- Conducted market research and analysis to determine fair rental rates for commercial properties.
- Managed a portfolio of 100+ commercial leases, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Provided support during lease renewals, modifications, and terminations.
Quantifying impact on your resume
<ul>
Writing your real estate legal assistant experience section without any real-world experience
Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your real estate legal assistant career:
- Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the real estate legal assistant role
- Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
- Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
- Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the real estate legal assistant job
- Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
Recommended reads:
Pro tip
If your experience section doesn't directly address the job's requirements, think laterally. Highlight industry-relevant awards or positive feedback to underscore your potential.
Highlighting your real estate legal assistant skills
Recruiters look for a mix of technical and personal skills in your real estate legal assistant resume.
Technical or hard skills are specific tools or software you use for the job. They're easy to spot through your education and work achievements.
On the other hand, soft skills like communication or adaptability show how you work with others. They come from both your personal and work life.
To showcase your skills:
- Have a skills section for technical abilities and another for personal strengths.
- Be clear about your skills. Name the exact tools you use and describe how you've used your soft skills.
- Avoid common terms like "Microsoft Office" unless the job specifically asks for them.
- Choose up to ten key skills and organize them in different sections of your resume.
Make your resume pop with top technical and personal skills that recruiters value.
Top skills for your real estate legal assistant resume
HARD SKILLS
Legal research
Document preparation
Real estate law knowledge
Legal case management
Data entry
Proficient in legal software (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Drafting legal correspondence
Understanding of real estate transactions
Filing and record keeping
Contract review
SOFT SKILLS
Attention to detail
Time management
Communication skills
Initiative
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Confidentiality
Organization skills
Adaptability
Professionalism
Pro tip
Sometimes, basic skills mentioned in the job ad can be important. Include them in your resume, but don't give them too much space.
Highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your real estate legal assistant resume
While skills alignment is increasingly prioritized, your educational background and certifications still play a pivotal role in establishing credibility.
To effectively present your academic and certification achievements:
- Detail your educational journey, including the institution and duration.
- Highlight recent and relevant certifications, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning.
- Be concise; focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than exhaustive details.
- If a certification is in progress, mention the expected completion date.
Remember, authenticity is key. If a certification is pending, be transparent about it.
Best certifications to list on your resume
Please note that these links were valid at the time of my training cut-off in September 2021. Some links may have changed or no longer be available.
Pro tip
If a particular certification is highly valued in the industry or by the company, consider highlighting it in your resume's headline.
Recommended reads:
Crafting the real estate legal assistant resume summary or objective: a blend of achievements, aspirations, and uniqueness
Whether you opt for a resume summary or objective depends on your career trajectory.
- If you have a rich tapestry of relevant achievements, a resume summary can spotlight these accomplishments.
- If you're relatively new or transitioning, a resume objective can articulate your aspirations and how they align with the role.
Regardless of your choice, this section should encapsulate your unique value proposition, blending your technical and interpersonal strengths.
Resume summary and objective examples for a real estate legal assistant resume
- With over 15 years of experience as a Legal Assistant in the property industry, the applicant has successfully overseen multimillion-dollar real estate transactions and litigation cases. The individual has strong skills in drafting and reviewing legal documents, and has been recognized for exceptional attention to detail and ability to streamline processes, particularly reducing closing times by 30%.
- A seasoned paralegal with a decade's worth of experience in commercial law, now looking to leverage this background into the real estate sector. Recognized for her ability to effectively manage multiple simultaneous projects, she brings her expertise in contract negotiation and documentation to facilitate successful property deals.
- An experienced project manager in the construction industry with a demonstrated history of managing large scale residential and commercial projects. Equipped with financial skills and a keen understanding of local zoning laws, looking to transition into a Real Estate Legal Assistant role to further utilize his skill set.
- A senior corporate lawyer with extensive experience in contract law and negotiations, interested in utilizing these skills in the real estate domain. Having led a team that delivered a 100+ multi-jurisdictional deal, she is well-versed in overseeing complex, high-stakes transactions and handling associated legal challenges.
- As a recent Law graduate, the candidate is eager to embark on a career in real estate law as a Legal Assistant. Providing support to attorneys in preparing for trials and meetings, conducting research, and drafting legal documents are some areas of interest. Passionate about real estate and committed to excellence in client service.
- Aspiring Real Estate Legal Assistant armed with a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. Has internship experience at a general practice law firm assisting attorneys with case management and document preparation. Ready to bring enthusiasm and dedication to a fast-paced environment while learning and growing within the field of real estate law.
Extra sections to boost your real estate legal assistant resume
Add more sections to show off your unique skills and personality.
- Projects - Include any impressive ones you've done outside of work.
- Awards - Show off any industry recognition.
- Volunteering - Share causes you care about and skills you've gained.
- Personality - Hobbies or favorite books can give a glimpse into who you are.
Key takeaways
- A clear resume layout helps present your info well.
- Use all main resume sections to show how you fit the job.
- Detail specific skills or tasks and their impact.
- Show your personality through interests or hobbies.
- List certifications to back up your technical skills.
