Paralegal Spotlight Series: Meet Kelly Finlay

Welcome to the first installment of Franklin & Frankel’s Paralegal Spotlight Series! We’re excited to shine a light on our amazing team of paralegals: Kelly Finlay, Krysta Menard-Tanguay, and Terri Dolecki.

First up: Real Estate powerhouse Kelly Finlay!

Our clients rave about Kelly—and for good reason. If you’ve ever worked with us on a residential real estate transaction, chances are Kelly made the process seamless (and fun!). She brings an unmatched blend of diligence, efficiency, and humor to every deal. Whether she’s managing paperwork or cracking a joke during a high-stress closing, Kelly’s energy is unforgettable.

We sat down with Kelly to learn more about her role, what she loves about her work, and the wisdom she’s gained over nearly four decades in the industry.
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Q: How would you summarize what you do?

A: I support our attorneys with the legal aspects of real estate transactions. That includes drafting documents, reviewing title searches, managing closings, and ensuring everything complies with legal regulations. We handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our clients’ purchases, sales, and refinancing on track.

Q: How long have you been a paralegal?

A: 38 years.

Q: What do you like best about your position?

A: I enjoy ensuring real estate transactions run smoothly from start to finish. The best part is knowing our clients are satisfied and confident at closing.

Q: What have you been most proud of in your career?

A: I’m proud of helping clients through every step of their transactions—and treating them the way I’d want to be treated. The feedback and appreciation I receive from clients over the years have meant so much to me.

Q: What’s your favorite work perk or benefit?

A: The office morale. I truly enjoy coming to work every day!

Q: What advice would you give someone considering a paralegal career?

A: It’s a rewarding path. It requires attention to detail, strong communication, organization, time management, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. 

Q: What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?

A: Honestly? All of it! Each closing is exciting in its own way. Helping clients never gets old.

Q: What real estate term should everyone know?

A: CD, or Closing Disclosure. It’s a key document that outlines the final terms of your mortgage, including interest rates, monthly payments, and closing costs. It’s vital to review it carefully—and that’s where a great lawyer and paralegal come in. We make sure every detail is accurate and clearly explained.

Q: What motivates you?

A: Loving what I do makes it easy to show up every day with a smile. It really doesn’t feel like “work” when you enjoy it this much.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?

A: I’m a genuinely happy person—I love to laugh, I enjoy being around people, and I’m a people pleaser at heart.

Q: What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

A: Spending time with my family, my friends, and especially my grandchildren. I also enjoy redoing furniture, gardening, golfing, walking, bowling, and quality time with my grandkids!
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 Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue to introduce the incredible paralegals who help make Franklin & Frankel a place where great work and great people come together.