What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at Van Marter Law?
Associate Attorney
Location: Asheville, North Carolina (in-office)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Practice Area: Real Estate Law
About Us
Van Marter Law is a boutique real estate law firm based in Asheville, North Carolina, dedicated to guiding buyers, sellers, lenders, and agents through residential and commercial real estate transactions with care, clarity, and precision. We're a close-knit team that values accuracy, responsiveness, and doing right by our clients.
The Role
We're looking for an Associate Attorney to join our real estate practice. You'll manage an active caseload of residential and/or commercial closings, review title work, resolve title defects, and provide clear, practical guidance to clients, lenders, and real estate agents. This is a great opportunity for an attorney who wants to build deep expertise in North Carolina real estate law within a supportive, team-oriented small firm.
What You'll Do
• Manage a caseload of residential and/or commercial real estate closings from contract to post-closing.
• Review title work, resolve title defects, and coordinate with the title company on commitments and final policies.
• Prepare and review closing documents, deeds, deeds of trust, settlement statements, and title opinions.
• Conduct or oversee closings, ensuring compliance with the NC Good Funds Settlement Act, RESPA/TRID, and lender requirements.
• Communicate directly with clients, lenders, real estate agents, and opposing counsel to keep transactions moving.
• Handle curative work needed to clear title, including corrective deeds and lien releases.
• Assist with related real estate matters as they arise, such as easements, boundary disputes, 1031 exchanges, and entity formation.
• Help ensure trust account compliance and accurate disbursement of closing funds.
What We're Looking For
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar.
• 1 to 5 years of experience in real estate law, title work, or real estate closings. New admittees with strong real estate internship or clerkship experience are welcome to apply.
• Working knowledge of NC title standards, recording procedures, and closing practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and close attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
Nice to Have
• Prior experience as a closing or title attorney at a North Carolina firm.
• Familiarity with closing software and e-recording platforms.
• Existing relationships with local lenders or real estate agents.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health, vision, dental insurance
• NC State Bar dues and CLE costs covered.
- Generous PTO
• Flexibility to help balance a demanding practice with life outside the office.
- Hybrid work potential
- 401k with employer match
• Support for professional development and continued growth within the practice.
• A collaborative, team-oriented small firm culture, with real opportunity to build deep expertise and take on more responsibility over time.
Van Marter Law is a Certified Living Wage Employer through Just Economics of Western North Carolina. We're committed to paying wages that reflect the true cost of living in our community, for every role at the firm.
How to Apply
Please send your resume to hello@vanmarterlaw.com or apply online!