Land Use Legal Assistant
Location: Westwood, NJ
Our established law office is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Land Use Legal Assistant to support our busy land use, zoning, and real estate practice. The ideal candidate is proactive, professional, and capable of managing multiple priorities while working in a fast-paced legal environment.
Primary Responsibilities
· Prepare, review, and organize land use and zoning board applications.
· Coordinate filing of applications with municipal planning and zoning boards.
· Prepare notices, affidavits of publication, service lists, and related application documents.
· Obtain certified property owner (200-foot) lists and coordinate service of notices.
· Communicate with municipal officials, engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, and clients regarding application requirements.
· Schedule hearings, meetings, inspections, and client appointments.
· Maintain calendars for application deadlines, hearing dates, and post-approval compliance.
· Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, transmittal letters, and forms.
· Assemble hearing packets and exhibits.
· Order title searches, tax certifications, and other due diligence documents as needed.
· Manage electronic and physical client files.
· Assist attorney with preparation for Planning Board and Zoning Board hearings.
· Track municipal approvals, resolutions, recording requirements, and conditions of approval.
· Perform general administrative and legal support duties.
Qualifications
· Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably in land use, zoning, municipal law, or commercial real estate.
· Familiarity with New Jersey Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Adjustment, and municipal application procedures preferred.
· Excellent organizational and time management skills.
· Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
· Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines with accuracy.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat).
· Experience with document management systems is a plus.
· Professional demeanor and strong client service skills.
Preferred Skills
· Knowledge of New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL).
· Experience preparing Planning Board and Zoning Board application packages.
· Familiarity with certified mailings, publication requirements, and hearing procedures.
· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the attorney and clients.
· Exceptional attention to detail.
Benefits
· Competitive salary
· Health insurance
· Paid time off
· Paid holidays
· Professional development opportunities
· Supportive and collaborative work environment
Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.