Legal Assistant / Conveyancing Paralegal

About the role

Davis & Co. is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented and proactive Legal Assistant/Paralegal to provide legal, administrative and transactional support to its Commercial Department, which specializes in conveyancing and real property law. The role supports residential and commercial real estate transactions such as property purchases and sales, mortgages and leases, working closely with the supervising attorney, clients, banks, lenders, real estate agents and government departments.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with residential and commercial property purchases, sales, transfers and mortgage transactions.
• Prepare initial drafts of Agreements for Sale, Conveyances, Mortgages, Releases and Satisfactions, Leases, Assignments and other instruments using approved precedents, under attorney supervision.
• Assist with title searches, review title documentation and prepare requisitions on title, closing checklists and supporting documents.
• Help obtain approvals, consents, certificates and other supporting documents.
• Coordinate transaction requirements with banks, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, purchasers, vendors and other attorneys.
• Monitor outstanding conditions and deadlines to keep transactions on time.
• Prepare draft closing statements and calculate transaction costs, including VAT, stamp duties, registration fees and legal expenses.

Required profile

• At least three years' experience as a Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, Paralegal or in a comparable legal support position.
• Two years' experience with conveyancing, mortgage documentation or real estate transactions strongly preferred.
• Previous employment in a Bahamian law firm with an established real property practice is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with the Registrar General's Department and the Department of Inland Revenue is desirable.
• Working knowledge of Bahamian conveyancing procedures, real property legislation (including the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, Registration of Records Act, Real Property Tax Act and VAT legislation) and familiarity with Agreements for Sale, Conveyances, Mortgages and Leases.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and electronic document management.
• Strong typing, proofreading, formatting and document preparation skills.
• Ability to prepare accurate transaction schedules, checklists and financial calculations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, attention to detail and discretion.