Why Join Johnson Pope?
At Johnson Pope, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and professional environment where your skills are valued, and your contributions make a difference. As one of Florida’s leading regional law firms, we offer our team members the opportunity to work alongside some of the most respected attorneys in the state, in a firm that supports a strong team environment and actively builds community within the organization.
Legal Assistant (Commercial Real Estate & Finance)
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant to support our Commercial Real Estate and Real Estate Finance practice group in our St. Petersburg office. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, highly organized professional capable of managing a diverse workload while balancing legal assistant and administrative responsibilities. This individual must demonstrate strong prioritization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced legal environment.
Position Overview
This role provides support to attorneys handling commercial real estate transactions and real estate finance matters. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing transactional documents, coordinating closings, managing deadlines, and supporting the overall operational needs of the practice group.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepare, proofread, and edit commercial real estate and finance transaction documents, including leases, purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, closing binders, easements, and title/survey review materials.
- Coordinate all aspects of transaction closings with clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, and other third parties.
- Maintain deal checklists, monitor milestones, and assist attorneys with timely follow-up on transaction requirements.
- Manage attorney calendars, including scheduling client meetings, deadlines, and closings.
- Organize client documents and attorney work product within the firm’s document management system.
- Submit new business intake, conflict checks, and open/close client matters.
- Enter attorney time and assist with billing, including review and editing of pre-bills.
- Answer phone calls and routine inquiries from clients and team members or route calls appropriately.
- Perform general administrative duties such as file management, correspondence, expense reporting, CLE tracking, check requests, and other tasks as needed.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of commercial real estate transactions and real estate finance terminology and closing processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to quickly learn other programs. Experience in iManage and Aderant is a plus.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Client service oriented.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
- Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
Educational/Job Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of five (5) years of law firm experience supporting commercial real estate and/or real estate finance practices.
- Experience drafting transactional documents and coordinating complex closings is strongly preferred.
Office Location: St. Petersburg, FL (On-site)
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
IT Support Specialist
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking an experienced full-time IT Support Specialist. We are seeking a pro-active, technology-focused, customer service-oriented professional to support our law firm.
Position Overview
The IT Support Specialist provides day-to-day technology support to attorneys and staff, ensuring firm systems operate efficiently and issues are resolved promptly. This role requires a proactive, customer service–oriented professional who takes ownership of support requests, maintains a calm and professional approach when assisting users, and effectively manages troubleshooting and escalation when necessary. As a reliable in-office resource, the specialist helps keep the firm’s technology running smoothly while supporting the daily operational needs of the legal team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all IT support requests (in-person and remote)
- Own and manage Tier 1 support tickets from intake through resolution
- Troubleshoot and resolve a broad range of Tier 2 issues, including:
- Hardware and workstation setup/support
- Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Office applications
- User account management and permissions
- Basic network and connectivity issues
- Provide white-glove support to attorneys and staff in a fast-paced environment
- Triage and escalate more complex issues appropriately to senior IT resources
- Assist with onboarding/offboarding of employees, including device setup and access provisioning
- Maintain accurate documentation of issues, resolutions, and internal processes
- Identify recurring issues and recommend process or system improvements
- Support conference room technology and day-to-day office IT needs
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- 5+ years of hands-on IT support experience in a professional environment (law firm or similar preferred)
- Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and user issues
- Experience supporting Microsoft 365, Windows environments, and common business applications
- Excellent communication skills and a service-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to user needs
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proven reliability and consistency in prior roles.
Educational/Job Experience Requirements:
- Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience providing desktop and application support within a Microsoft Windows enterprise environment.
- Prior experience supporting users in a law firm or other professional services environment strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with legal technology, including document management systems and common legal software applications.
- Working knowledge of basic networking concepts and infrastructure.
- Experience utilizing a structured helpdesk or ticketing system to manage and track support requests.
Office Location: Tampa, FL
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Paralegal | Litigation
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking a full-time experienced Paralegal to join our Tampa office. The Paralegal will handle a wide range of responsibilities, including preparing, proofreading, and editing correspondence, pleadings, motions, and discovery documents. The role will also involve assisting with legal research, managing discovery projects, and supporting hearing and trial preparation.
Qualified candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Paralegal, with a strong focus on complex commercial litigation.
Position Overview
The Paralegal will play a key role in supporting complex litigation matters from inception through resolution. Responsibilities include day-to-day case management, drafting and filing pleadings, motions, and discovery, coordinating deposition logistics, and assisting with hearing and trial preparation. The ideal candidate will maintain organized case files and billing records, ensure compliance with applicable court rules and legal procedures, and demonstrate a strong working knowledge of legal processes and court requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Experience in E-filing documents with Federal and Florida State Courts
- Understands court rules and procedures, including familiarity with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and state equivalents.
- Expertise to finalize substantive pleadings and discovery requests/responses.
- Substantively cite-check and format citations
- Trial experience, including exhibit preparation, witness preparation and management, knowledge of subpoena preparation, experience working with judicial assistants and trial presentation vendors, experience assisting attorneys in the courtroom
- Assist with depositions (including preparation and service of deposition notices and subpoenas, coordinating court reporters, and preparation of exhibits)
- Scheduling of Court appearances and depositions; calendaring same
- Assist attorneys with drafting, proofreading, redacting, and editing a variety of documents and contracts, including pro hac vice motions, proposed orders, notices of appearance, summonses, and affidavits of service, ensuring accuracy in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and content
- Time entry and client billing
- Submission of new business intake and conflicts checks
- Answer telephone and routine questions from clients and team members and/or route calls to appropriate staff members
- Assist with the organization of client materials and attorney work product within our document management system
- Assist in obtaining and managing client documents, including electronic data, and determining potential existence of documents that may be relevant to each case
- Efficiently and thoroughly understand how to use all necessary Firm software
- Schedule appointments, depositions, meetings, hearings, etc. and keep appointment calendars for the candidate’s team of attorneys
- Paralegals are generally expected to record 1500 or more billable hours during the performance year
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent communication skills – written and oral
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Detail oriented
- Client service oriented
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and litigation support applications as well as document management systems with aptitude to learn other systems/programs
- Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a professional demeanor and timely seeks assistance when needed
Educational/Job Experience Requirements:
- Florida Registered Paralegal
- High school diploma from an accredited institution
- Five (5) or more years of demonstrated experience in complex commercial litigation within a law firm setting
- Availability for overtime as needed
Office Location: Tampa, FL
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Paralegal – Commercial Real Estate | Finance
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking a full-time, experienced Commercial Real Estate | Finance Paralegal to support our real estate and finance practice. Candidates must have five (5) years of demonstrated experience as a commercial real estate paralegal in a law firm.
Position Overview
Candidates must be able to manage complex commercial transactions from start to finish, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and multi-site developments across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with title and survey review, document preparation, and high-level client interaction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the preparation and processing of commercial real estate and finance transactions from inception to closing.
- Order, review, and analyze title documents, title commitments, search reports, exception documents, surveys, inspections, and title endorsements.
- Coordinate due diligence for a variety of large commercial and residential real estate transactions.
- Administer contract critical dates and prepare and manage closing checklists.
- Assist with and coordinate closings, including the review and/or preparation of conveyance documents, closing statements, transfer tax forms, and escrow release documentation.
- Attend to post-closing requirements, including the preparation of closing indices, organizing closing binders, and monitoring post-closing deliveries and other requirements.
- Prepare correspondence and memoranda.
- Prepare lease and loan document abstracts.
- Review and summarize UCC, judgment, tax, and other lien searches.
- Draft and review business and real estate contracts.
- Review surveys.
- Prepare and file a variety of documents, including deeds, mortgages, memoranda of leases, UCC financing statements, etc.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of title and survey processes, commercial closings, and real estate finance.
- Proficiency in preparing real estate documents, closing checklists, and title policy forms.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to quickly learn other programs. Experience in iManage and Aderant is a plus.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Effective problem-solving, analytical, and research skills.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and work extra hours as needed.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment.
Educational/Job Experience Requirements:
- Florida Registered Paralegal preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- At least five (5) years of relevant experience in commercial real estate and/or finance transactions in a law firm setting.
Office Location: Tampa, FL.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Legal Administrative Assistant | Litigation (HOA)
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to support an attorney whose practice is devoted primarily to representing homeowner, condominium, and cooperative associations (community associations). The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a law firm setting.
Position Overview:
The Legal Assistant will provide a combination of transactional document preparation, litigation support, and assessment collection assistance. Key responsibilities include preparing and typing dictation, managing case files, e-filing in state and federal courts, coordinating schedules and deadlines, and assisting with discovery and hearing or trial preparation.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Association Governance & Document Support
- Support attorneys with the preparation and maintenance of association governing documents and related materials.
- Prepare required statutory notices and documentation in accordance with Chapters 718, 719, and 720, Florida Statutes, including board and membership meeting notices, budget and annual meeting materials, election documents, proxies, and committee notices.
- Draft association-related correspondence such as resolutions, consent documents, estoppel communications, compliance letters, and enforcement notices.
Litigation and Administrative Proceedings Support
- Provide litigation support primarily in Florida state court and administrative forums.
- Assist with preparing notices of hearing, mediation documentation, and trial or hearing materials.
- Manage litigation calendars and deadlines and coordinate the filing and service of pleadings through the Florida E-Filing Portal and electronic service systems.
- Support attorneys in arbitration, mediation, and settlement-related proceedings.
- Organize and maintain case files, including pleadings, exhibits, discovery, and correspondence.
Assessment Collections and Enforcement
- Assist with delinquent assessment matters, including preparing statutory demand letters, notices of intent to lien, and lien-related documentation.
- Draft and record claims of lien and assist with foreclosure filings and related court documents.
- Coordinate with property managers, title companies, boards, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor statutory deadlines related to collection and enforcement actions.
- Prepare correspondence regarding payment arrangements, settlements, and lien releases.
Administrative and Client Support
- Maintain consistent communication with association boards, property managers, and vendors.
- Assist with client intake, matter setup, and file organization.
- Ensure electronic and physical files are accurate and well maintained.
- Track key deadlines, statutory timeframes, and court dates.
- Provide administrative support related to billing and matter management.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Attention to detail with strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to quickly learn other programs. Experience in iManage and Aderant is a plus.
- Transcribe and manage dictation efficiently.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Client service-oriented with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and team members.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
- Ability to work extra hours as needed.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
- Ability to work independently while supporting the attorney and paralegal.
Educational/Job Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a legal assistant.
- Experience with Community association law, Real estate law, Civil litigation, and Collections or foreclosure practice is strongly required.
Office Location: St. Petersburg, FL (In-Person)
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).