Paralegal - Real Estate

DLA Piper LLP (US); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

DLA Piper LLP (US) in Chicago seeks a Paralegal – Real Estate to support attorneys in a hybrid work setting. The role involves drafting and reviewing real estate documents, coordinating closings, and maintaining matter files.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of paralegal experience in real estate, strong Word/Excel/Outlook skills, and familiarity with precedents in Relativity, LexisNexis, and Westlaw. Hybrid schedule offered.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Paralegal certificate preferred.
• 5 years’ paralegal experience for degree/certification holders; otherwise 5 years of legal support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with due diligence for real estate transactions.
• Review title commitments, recorded documents and surveys.
• Develop and monitor closing checklists for real estate deals.
• Prepare and coordinate execution and delivery of documents to counsel, lenders and authorities.
• Manage data rooms and matter files.
• Support attorneys both in home office and firm-wide.

Skills

Word

Excel

Outlook

Relativity

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Paralegal certificate

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Relativity

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Job description

Summary

Under the supervision of attorneys, as a Paralegal – Real Estate, in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, performs a range of substantive cases, matter or entity related duties. Prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. Compiles, analyzes and summarizes information. Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.

Location

This position is located in our Chicago office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assists with due diligence required for real estate transactions.
• Orders, reviews and analyzes title commitments, recorded documents and surveys.
• Develops, monitors and updates closing checklists for real estate transactions.
• Prepares required documents and coordinates execution and delivery of documentation to other parties’ counsel, lenders, governmental agencies, vendors, etc.
• Manages data rooms and matter files.
• Assists attorneys in your home office and in office across the firm.

Desired Skills

• Strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience with legal software such as Relativity, LexisNexis, Westlaw or similar application required.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle large volumes of work associated with each matter.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s Degree and/or a Paralegal certificate.

Certificates

Paralegal Certificate preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience

5 years’ paralegal experience for individuals with a bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate. Individuals without a degree or certification require five years' legal support experience in the specific practice area.

Essential Job Expectations

• All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm’s discretion.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position or participate in the selection process. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail]. No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Company expected hiring range for this position is $47.68 - $63.18 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

Relocation

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

Equal Opportunity

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Get to Know Us

We invite you to learn more about us. Please visit the following pages for more information about DLA Piper.

Laterals

Lateral Partners Law Students Business Professionals Recruitment Agencies: Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal via the following link to review positions accepting agency submissions. Lawyer Positions Only: If you do not currently have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please submit a blind candidate profile to the email address listed in the applicable job posting.