Real Estate Associate (Chicago)

DLA Piper; Illinois; On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible work-from-home options

Job summary

A prominent international law firm is seeking several Associates for their Real Estate practice in the Chicago, Boston, and New York offices. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in real estate transactions, including joint ventures and financing transactions. The role involves conducting legal research, drafting documents, assisting in complex cases, and maintaining client relationships. Excellent communication and analytical skills are essential. This hybrid position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice in the state in which the Associate is officing.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in general real estate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis.
• Draft well-written legal documents including briefs and contracts.
• Assist/manage complex cases and transactions from inception to resolution.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external client relationships.
• Collaborate with other lawyers to develop innovative strategies.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards.

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

Education

JD

Job description

Overview

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. Candidates should possess immediately transferable skills, strong academic backgrounds from nationally recognized law schools, and prior experience in a large or mid‑size law firm. This position is open to our Chicago, Boston, and New York offices.

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 judgment.
• 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 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, and 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

• JD

Certifications

• Admitted to practice in the state in which the Associate is officing.

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 working at a computer for extended periods, participating in virtual conference calls, and attending 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

• Hybrid – 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.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Search Firms

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. If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to [e-mail].

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).

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.