Leah Helbig
McHenry
Summary
Motivated and adaptable college student currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree, with plans to obtain a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies. Experienced in real estate and legal support environments, with a strong ability to learn quickly and adapt to new areas of law. Skilled in absorbing complex information efficiently and performing effectively in fast-paced, detail-oriented settings. Known for strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on building professional relationships and collaborating effectively with clients and team members.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Real Estate Paralegal
Law Office of Judy L. DeAngelis
Grayslake, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Adapted quickly to company systems while leveraging expertise in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and property data platforms.
- Performed detailed examinations of public records, focusing on leases, deeds, liens, and easements, to establish ownership and detect potential title restrictions.
- Reviewed and validated legal property descriptions, focusing on precision and detail.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration between real estate agents, lenders, buyers, sellers, and internal teams to enhance the efficiency of the closing process.
- Assisted attorneys at closing by reviewing, revising, and finalizing all closing documents.
Requested and coordinated document revisions to ensure accuracy and compliance. - Reviewed deeds, waived title commitments, and surveys for completeness and potential issues.
- Obtained title insurance for survey-related encroachments on waived title commitments.
- Ordered title commitments and requested updates as needed throughout the transaction process.
- Communicated with clients, lenders, attorneys, and third parties to facilitate closings and resolve issues.
- Prepared, sent, and explained HOA documents to clients and involved parties.
- Reviewed master statements to verify accuracy of final financial figures and closing costs.
- Reviewed escrow documents, including Closing Disclosures and mortgages, for accuracy and compliance.
Real Estate Paralegal
Quicklaw
Libertyville, IL
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Supported real estate transactions by ordering and managing key documents, including HOA documents, surveys, well and septic reports, and all municipal requirements.
- Reviewed surveys for encroachments and identified potential title issues.
- Updated title work to resolve deed discrepancies and ownership concerns.
- Drafted legal documents such as transfer deeds, Powers of Attorney, and affidavits.
- Guided clients through closing packages, including ALTA statements, FIRPTA affidavits, and related forms.
- Opened and managed files from intake through closing.
- Ensured compliance with legal, regulatory, and municipal requirements.
- Communicated with attorneys, clients, lenders, and third parties to facilitate smooth transactions.
- Notarized legal documents as a commissioned Illinois Notary Public.
- Effectively managed a high-volume caseload in a remote/hybrid work environment.
Legal Assistant
Law Office of Courtney M. Clark
Crystal Lake, IL
09.2022 - 12.2024
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with real estate regulations.
- Managed files and documentation for various transactions, enhancing organizational efficiency.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and third-party vendors to streamline processes.
- Conducted title searches and reviews, identifying potential issues to mitigate risks during closings.
- Managed multiple real estate closings simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of necessary tasks.
- Proactively identified potential legal risks within contracts and documentation; presented findings to supervising attorneys promptly.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL01-2027
Skills
- Research and data collection
- Closing Document Preparation & Review
- Title examination expertise
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Reliability
- Active listening
- Deadline monitoring
- Conflict resolution
- Adaptability
- Notary public
- Administrative support
- Municipal & Compliance Requirements Management
- High-Volume Caseload Management
- Attention to Detail & Accuracy
Timeline
Real Estate Paralegal
Law Office of Judy L. DeAngelis
08.2025 - Current
Real Estate Paralegal
Quicklaw
01.2025 - 06.2025
Legal Assistant
Law Office of Courtney M. Clark
09.2022 - 12.2024
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
William Rainey Harper College