Real Estate Associate (Chicago) at DLA Piper Chicago, IL

DLA Piper; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

DLA Piper’s Real Estate practice in Chicago is growing; we seek associates with 3–5 years of experience in general real estate transactions including purchase, sale, JV and financing. Candidates from top law schools with transferables from large or mid-sized firms are welcome in our Chicago office.

The role emphasizes rigorous research, precise drafting, and proactive client interaction. Hybrid work options apply, with a focus on delivering high-quality legal work and contributing to firm

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in general real estate transactions.
• Transferable skills from a large or mid-sized law firm.
• J.D. degree from a nationally recognized law school; Illinois admission required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft legal documents including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution, including closings.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external client relationships with professionalism.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to develop strategies for favorable outcomes.
• Attend and participate in hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials as needed.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and regulations; stay updated on changes.
• Pursue ongoing training to enhance legal knowledge and skills.
• Engage in firm citizenship and pro bono activities.

Skills

Communication

Research & analysis

Attention to detail

Judgment

Organization

Teamwork

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management

Education

J.D.

Licensed in Illinois

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper's Real Estate practice is growing! We seek several Associates with 3-5 years of experience in general real estate transactions, including purchase and sale, joint venture and financing transactions. We seek candidates with immediately transferable skills and strong academic backgrounds from nationally recognized law schools as well as prior experience in a large or mid-sized law firm. This position is open to our Chicago office.

Responsibilities

• Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
• Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
• Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Minimum Education

• JDCertifications
• Admitted to practice in the state of Illinois.

Minimum Years of Experience

3

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required
• Foster positive work relationships
• Comply with all firm policies and practices
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing
• (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls
• (c) participating in meetings as needed
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretionHybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

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.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $260,000 - $365,000 per year depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). 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.

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Location: Chicago, IL

Type: Full time