Abstractor

JOB CODE: 2034

PAY GRADE: 1170

SALARY RANGE: $33,825 - $57,585

LOCATION OF WORK
Parish Attorney

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a professional supervisor, performs paraprofessional title research and related work in the Parish Attorney's Office. Work involves performing title research for use by staff attorneys in property acquisition matters. Employees of this class may work on a part-time basis. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a professional supervisor who assigns projects, gives preliminary instructions and reviews work in progress and upon completion for quality and adherence to established legal standards. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Searches public and private records and indices to compile lists of legal instruments pertaining to property titles such as mortgages, deeds and assessments for insurance, real estate or tax purposes. Examines search requests to ascertain the type of title evidence required, a legal description of property and names of involved parties. Compares legal description of property with legal description contained in records and indices to verify such factors as deed of ownership, tax code and parcel number and description of the property's boundaries. Specializes in searching tax records and designated as Tax Searcher. Uses computerized systems to retrieve additional documentation needed to complete real estate transactions. Retrieves and examines closing files to determine accuracy of information and ensures information included is recorded and executed according to regulations governing real estate industry. Compiles list of transactions pertaining to property using legal description or name of owner to search lot books, geographic and general indices or assessor's rolls. Examines title to determine if there are any restrictions which would limit use of property; prepares report listing restrictions and indicates action needed to remove restrictions to clear title.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of civil law property, law of conventional obligations, successions and matrimonial regime. Skill in title research and the use of various source materials. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, other employees and the general public. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to perform thorough title research and complete assignments. Ability to express ideas thoroughly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals. Ability to apply legal and real estate knowledge to facts at hand and make recommendations for course of action. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.