Real Estate Paralegal

About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

• 401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%
• Healthcare plans to support your needs
• Virtual doctor visits
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
• 15% Associate Discount
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program
• Associate Assistance Program
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services

What You'll Do

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Real Estate Paralegal to join our in-house legal team. As a Real Estate Paralegal, you will support all aspects of the company's real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, 1031 exchanges, and commercial leasing. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, have strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a thorough understanding of real estate transactional practice.

• Assist in-house counsel with high-volume commercial real estate transactions across a national retail portfolio, including, but not limited to, store acquisitions, redevelopments, leasing and property dispositions.
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and organizing transaction documents such as purchase and sale agreements, deeds, closing statements, title commitments, and surveys.
• Assist with drafting and tracking leases, amendments, extensions, SNDAs, estoppels, and related documents.
• Coordinate due diligence efforts, including ordering and reviewing title reports, zoning reports, compiling due diligence materials, and tracking contingency deadlines.
• Maintain transaction checklists to ensure timely completion of all transaction milestones
• Coordinate with qualified intermediaries on 1031 like-kind exchanges, track exchange deadlines and identification periods, and assist in preparing exchange documentation.
• Assist with tenant correspondence and lease administration as necessary.
• Maintain and organize real estate files and records.
• Assist with entity formation and corporate maintenance for real estate holding entities.
• Coordinate with title companies, surveyors, lenders, brokers, and outside counsel.
• Conduct research on property records, zoning matters, and other real estate issues as needed.
• Track critical dates and contingencies across all transactions.
• Maintain transaction management spreadsheets and internal tracking systems.
• Assist with development and refinement of legal department SOPs and templates.
• Prepare periodic status reports for active transactions.
• Support vendor tracking and coordination efforts.

Essential Qualities for Success

• Three to five years of experience as a real estate paralegal (preferred).
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program (preferred).
• Bachelor's degree (preferred).
• Experience with commercial real estate transactions, 1031 exchanges, and lease administration (preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated self-starter, critical thinker, detail oriented and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail in legal document review, analysis, and preparation.
• Proven ability to problem solve, think independently and tackle projects with minimal supervision while maintaining timely and efficient organization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal teams and external parties.
• Process-oriented mindset with desire to improve efficiencies
• Ability to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotely.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.