Paralegal - Title and Survey

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking a Title & Survey Paralegal in Chicago to help review and analyze title commitments and surveys for complex commercial real estate transactions. You will coordinate with title companies and survey vendors, draft descriptions for recorded documents, and ensure title and survey integrity across the deal cycle.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant CRE experience, with strong MS Word/Excel/Outlook skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 5 years of commercial real estate experience focusing on title/survey matters.
• Experience drafting legal descriptions for recorded documents (e.g., mortgages, deeds).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows-based software.

Responsibilities

• Review and summarize title commitments and underlying documents; identify exceptions, liens, easements, and encumbrances for further review.
• Coordinate with title companies regarding issuance of commitments, proformas, and final title policies.
• Draft title object summaries and assist attorneys in communicating curative requirements.
• Order, track, and review ALTA/NSPS land title surveys for accuracy and consistency with title commitments.
• Analyze surveys for encroachments, access points, easements, and other site control matters.
• Draft legal descriptions for inclusion in real estate instruments, including mortgages to be recorded.
• Coordinate with surveyors and title officers to confirm legal description correctness and resolve inconsistencies.
• Abstract key terms from real estate documents, including easements, leases, declarations, and REAs.
• Organize, manage, and maintain due diligence materials and related document databases.
• Communicate with title companies, surveyors, and other vendors regarding document delivery, corrections, and clarifications.
• Assist attorneys in preparing survey and title analysis reports for clients.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Windows OS

Job description

The Title & Survey Paralegal supports attorneys in the Real Estate Practice Group, focusing on the review and analysis of title insurance commitments and surveys, coordination with title and survey vendors, and the drafting of legal descriptions for documents to be recorded. The paralegal will play a critical role in ensuring title and survey integrity for complex commercial real estate transactions.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Review and summarize title commitments and underlying documents; identify exceptions, liens, easements, and encumbrances for further review.
• Coordinate with title companies regarding issuance of commitments, proformas, and final title policies.
• Draft title objection summaries and assist attorneys in communicating curative requirements.
• Order, track, and review ALTA/NSPS land title surveys for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with title commitments.
• Analyze surveys for encroachments, access points, easements, and other site control matters.
• Draft legal descriptions for inclusion in real estate instruments, including mortgages to be recorded, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with title and survey data.
• Coordinate with surveyors and title officers to confirm legal description correctness and resolve inconsistencies.
• Abstract key terms from real estate documents, including easements, leases, declarations, and reciprocal easement agreements (REAs).
• Organize, manage, and maintain due diligence materials and related document databases.
• Communicate directly with title companies, surveyors, and other third‑party vendors regarding document delivery, corrections, and technical clarifications.
• Assist attorneys in preparing survey and title analysis reports for internal or client‑facing use.

Required

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with strong academic credentials.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant commercial real estate experience with a focus on title/survey matters for commercial properties.
• Experience drafting legal descriptions for recorded documents (e.g., mortgages, deeds).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows‑based software.

Other Skills And Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good judgment and proactive problem‑solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently and in a team‑oriented environment
• Professional discretion and ability to preserve confidentiality
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and responsiveness in a high‑pressure legal setting

The Target Salary Range For This Role Is

$100,000 - $150,000 if located in New York, California, Illinois, Florida or Washington, DC. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.