Location: Chicago, IL |
100% In-OfficeSalary: $90,000-$115,000, depending on experience, plus eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus
Position OverviewA respected law firm is seeking an experienced
Real Estate Paralegal to join its Real Estate Practice Group. This role offers hands-on involvement in a broad range of commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, financing, closings, and land use and zoning applications.
The ideal candidate has at least five years of commercial real estate paralegal experience and can independently manage transaction timelines, coordinate with attorneys and third parties, and help move complex transactions and municipal approval processes forward. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with Chicago-area real estate and municipal procedures are essential.
This is a 100% in-office position.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Real Estate Transactions & Closings- Prepare initial drafts of purchase agreements, amendments, deeds, assignments, loan documents, organizational resolutions, and other transaction documents for attorney review.
- Review title commitments, title exceptions, surveys, zoning reports, UCC searches, and organizational documents; identify potential issues and prepare draft title and survey objections.
- Track title and survey objections, consents, estoppels, SNDAs, closing conditions, payoffs, releases, and other curative items through resolution.
- Coordinate closings, including checklists, signatures, recording requirements, and post-closing deliverables.
- Form entities in Delaware, Illinois, and other jurisdictions and obtain related organizational documents.
- Coordinate local and municipal closing requirements, including transfer tax declarations, stamps, water and sewer certificates, zoning letters, and special use permits.
Commercial Leasing- Prepare initial drafts of commercial leases, amendments, assignments, consents, estoppels, and SNDAs for attorney review.
- Track lease-related deadlines, documentation, and outstanding deliverables.
Transaction & Project Management- Maintain transaction and leasing checklists and monitor critical deadlines.
- Coordinate with clients, attorneys, title companies, surveyors, consultants, opposing counsel, and other third-party vendors.
- Proactively follow up on outstanding items to help ensure transactions progress efficiently and close on schedule.
Land Use, Zoning & Municipal Applications- Support land use, zoning, entitlement, and economic incentive applications, including preparing initial drafts of application documents, notices, affidavits, and economic disclosure statements.
- Coordinate public notice mailings and obtain taxpayer information needed for land use application notices, including information from the Cook County Assessor's Office.
- Coordinate surveys, plans, signature pages, and supporting documentation with clients and consultants.
- Assist with municipal licensing and permitting applications.
- Work directly with municipal staff to manage filings, submit FOIA requests, and follow up on search results and other requested information.
- Coordinate with municipal agencies, utility companies, clients, and consultants to track and resolve utility-related issues.
- Monitor application requirements, approvals, and deadlines through completion.
Qualifications & Required Skills- Associate degree or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program required; bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of commercial real estate paralegal experience, including direct support for transactions, leasing, and closings.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing title commitments, surveys, UCC searches, and organizational documents.
- Experience coordinating with title companies, surveyors, municipal agencies, and other third-party vendors.
- Familiarity with land use, zoning, and entitlement processes, preferably in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Experience with Cook County and City of Chicago land use, zoning, and economic incentive applications.
- Knowledge of Illinois transfer taxes, real estate recording procedures, and FOIA processes.
- Familiarity with real estate due diligence platforms and title search databases.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management systems.
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work proactively with attorneys and clients to drive matters to completion.
Work Environment- 100% in-office position
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
Compensation & Benefits- Salary: $90,000-$115,000, based on experience.
- Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
How to ApplyInterested candidates should send their resume to for consideration.
