A real estate legal assistant performs administrative and other legal duties under the supervision of a real estate attorney. As a real estate legal assistant, you do many of the same tasks as a paralegal, such as conducting legal research, managing closing schedules for commercial or residential properties, preparing title commitments, and drafting contracts or other legal documents. A real estate legal assistant often has the same qualifications as a paralegal, including an associate degree in paralegal studies or real estate. However, paralegals need additional certification in the industry.