Pender & Coward seeks a detail-oriented, proactive Legal Assistant to support an attorney whose practice focuses on commercial real estate closings as well as commercial collections including foreclosure and Bankruptcy, part-time or full-time in our Virginia Beach office. This position is on-site, remote work is not an option.

Responsibilities

• Draft, format, proof, and finalize correspondence, pleadings, discovery, motions, bankruptcy filings, and transactional documents (loan documents, amendments, forbearance agreements, guaranties, UCC filings, subordination/intercreditor agreements).

• Assist with due diligence for commercial loans and transactions, including entity verification, good standing certificates, UCC/lien searches, title and survey review coordination, and closing checklists.

• Coordinate and manage commercial real estate and asset-based loan closings: organize closing binders, track conditions precedent, coordinate signatures, and manage post-closing deliveries and recordings.

• Support creditors’ rights and collections matters: demand letters, replevin/claim-and-delivery filings, garnishments, judgment domestication/renewals, and collateral liquidation documentation.

• Support bankruptcy matters: prepare and file proofs of claim, notices of appearance, motions for relief from stay, and related pleadings; manage deadlines and service requirements.

• File documents in Virginia and North Carolina state and federal courts (including bankruptcy courts) via e-filing systems; arrange service of process; monitor dockets and calendars.

• Maintain organized physical and electronic files; manage document versions; assist with matter opening/closing, conflict checks, and billing/time entry.

• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, title companies, lenders, and vendors; schedule meetings, hearings, and closings; coordinate notarizations and recordings.

• Perform legal research tasks such as locating court rules, filing procedures, and fee schedules, compile exhibits and evidentiary materials.

• Prior law firm experience supporting creditors’ rights, banking/finance, commercial transactions, and/or real estate strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with Virginia and North Carolina court rules, e-filing procedures, and bankruptcy court practices is a plus.

• Comfortable with commercial loan documentation and closing processes, UCC filings and searches, title/recording procedures, and lien perfection.

• Strong drafting, proofreading, and cite/check skills, high attention to detail and organization.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), PDF tools, and legal e-filing platforms; experience with document management and billing systems.

• Ability to manage competing deadlines, handle confidential information, and work efficiently in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

• Paralegal certificate, associate’s/bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience preferred.