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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Real Estate Conveyancer

πŸ’° $65,000 - $110,000

LegalReal EstateParalegalAdministrative

🎯 Role Definition

A Real estate Conveyancer serves as the linchpin of property transactions, embodying the critical bridge between the legal intricacies of real estate law and the client's journey to property ownership. This role is responsible for the meticulous and diligent management of the entire conveyancing process, ensuring that the transfer of property title is legally sound, timely, and seamless. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Conveyancer guides clients, lenders, and real estate professionals through the complex steps of buying, selling, or refinancing a property, mitigating risk and providing the assurance thatζ‰€ζœ‰ details are expertly handled from the initial agreement to the final closing. This position requires a unique blend of legal knowledge, exceptional organizational skills, and a strong client service orientation.

πŸ“ˆ Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Paralegal or Law Clerk (in another practice area)
  • Legal Assistant with real estate exposure
  • Real Estate Administrator or Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Real Estate Conveyancer / Senior Paralegal
  • Conveyancing Team Lead or Manager
  • Licensed Conveyancer or Solicitor (with further accreditation)

Lateral Moves:

  • Title Officer or Examiner
  • Mortgage Closing Officer or Funder
  • Commercial Real Estate Paralegal

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Independently manage a high-volume portfolio of residential and/or commercial real estate transaction files from file opening through to post-closing.
  • Draft, review, and meticulously amend a wide range of legal documents, including Contracts of Purchase and Sale, Transfer/Deed documents, and complex mortgage agreements.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence, including performing and analyzing comprehensive title searches, off-title inquiries, and property tax assessments to identify and rectify any potential issues.
  • Act as the primary point of contact, liaising directly with clients, real estate agents, lenders, mortgage brokers, and opposing legal counsel to facilitate a smooth and communicative transaction.
  • Accurately prepare, review, and finalize Statements of Adjustments, ensuring all financial calculations for prorated taxes, strata fees, and other costs are precise.
  • Coordinate and manage all facets of the closing process, including scheduling client signing appointments, registering documents with the Land Title/Registry Office, and ensuring timely fund transfers.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all applicable real estate laws, statutes, and regulatory requirements, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and client identification protocols.
  • Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve complex title defects, liens, encumbrances, or other legal issues that could impede a clear and marketable transfer of title.
  • Prepare and submit all necessary documentation for electronic registration through jurisdictional platforms (e.g., Teraview, LandSure), ensuring complete accuracy.
  • Manage the precise receipt, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds held in trust, adhering to strict trust accounting rules and law society guidelines.
  • Provide clients with regular, clear, and proactive updates on the status of their files, translating complex legal procedures into accessible, understandable language.
  • Review and interpret land survey plans, real property reports, and zoning documents to advise on potential encroachments, easements, or compliance issues.
  • Diligently handle all post-closing administrative tasks, including the timely preparation of final reports to clients and lenders, and discharging prior mortgages and encumbrances.
  • Maintain meticulously organized and up-to-date client files, leveraging case management software to track critical deadlines, communications, and documentation.
  • Prepare and organize all mortgage advance documentation, methodically ensuring all of the lender's pre-funding conditions have been satisfied before closing.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide procedural guidance to junior legal assistants or newly hired conveyancing staff, fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable team environment.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the firm's conveyancing processes, templates, and checklist systems to enhance efficiency and mitigate risk.
  • Stay current with legislative changes, land title office procedural updates, and industry best practices through ongoing professional development and seminars.
  • Prepare comprehensive final report books and accounts for clients and mortgagees, providing a complete and organized record of the entire transaction.
  • Manage the ordering and review of title insurance policies, ensuring appropriate and sufficient coverage is secured for the client and lender.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert proficiency in real estate conveyancing software (e.g., PCLaw, Clio, Unity, Conveyancer) and electronic registration systems (e.g., Teraview).
  • In-depth knowledge of provincial real estate laws, land registration systems, title insurance principles, and relevant statutes.
  • Advanced skills in drafting and interpreting complex legal documents, including purchase agreements, mortgage instructions, and closing documents.
  • Competency in performing and analyzing title and off-title searches to independently identify and resolve legal encumbrances.
  • Strong command of trust accounting procedures and the ability to prepare precise and accurate Statements of Adjustments and trust reconciliations.
  • Thorough understanding of compliance requirements, including client ID verification (FINTRAC/AML) and Law Society regulations.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy, which is non-negotiable in financial calculations and document preparation.
  • Superior organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to manage a high-volume caseload and prioritize competing deadlines effectively.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and client relationship skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and with empathy.
  • Proactive problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to independently navigate and resolve transactional hurdles as they arise.
  • A high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential client information.
  • The ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Paralegal Diploma or Law Clerk Certificate from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or a Licensed Conveyancer designation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Paralegal Studies
  • Law Clerk
  • Legal Administrative Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of hands-on experience managing residential real estate files from start to finish within a law firm or real estate legal department.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of comprehensive experience that includes exposure to commercial real estate transactions, new-build developments, or private lending.
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