Senior Real Estate Paralegal

Ignite Human Capital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k)

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Ignite Human Capital is seeking a Senior Paralegal – Real Estate in Chicago, IL. Hybrid, full-time. You will support attorneys on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, manage due diligence, title and survey review, and closing coordination.

The role requires extensive real estate experience, lease abstraction skills, and the ability to coordinate with clients, lenders, and vendors. Strong organizational and drafting abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of paralegal experience in Real Estate law.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with due diligence for commercial real estate transactions
• Order, review, and analyze title commitments, recorded documents, and surveys
• Develop, maintain, and update closing checklists and track transaction requirements through completion
• Prepare transaction documents and coordinate the execution and delivery of closing documentation
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, opposing/outside counsel, lenders, governmental agencies, and vendors
• Review and abstract commercial leases and prepare drafts of leases and lease amendments
• Assist with tax-related applications and work directly with clients to obtain required documentation
• Prepare petitions related to tax consolidations and/or divisions
• Draft legal documents, correspondence, summaries, and other materials for attorney review
• Compile, analyze, and summarize information related to transactions and other real estate matters
• Manage data rooms, matter files, tracking systems, and transaction documentation
• Handle substantive projects with limited supervision while proactively anticipating attorney needs
• Support attorneys in the Chicago office as well as attorneys across other firm offices
• Mentor case assistants and junior paralegals

Skills

Real estate law

Due diligence

Title review

Lease abstraction

Closing coordination

Document drafting

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Senior Paralegal – Real Estate

Chicago, IL | Hybrid | Full-Time

Summary:

The Senior Paralegal – Real Estate is an experienced legal professional responsible for supporting attorneys on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions and related matters. This individual will play a key role throughout the transaction lifecycle, handling due diligence, title and survey review, closing coordination, commercial lease work, tax-related matters, and matter management. The role is ideal for a seasoned real estate paralegal who can independently manage substantive assignments, anticipate attorney needs, and effectively coordinate with clients, counsel, lenders, government agencies, and outside vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist attorneys with due diligence for commercial real estate transactions
• Order, review, and analyze title commitments, recorded documents, and surveys
• Develop, maintain, and update closing checklists and track transaction requirements through completion
• Prepare transaction documents and coordinate the execution and delivery of closing documentation
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, opposing/outside counsel, lenders, governmental agencies, and vendors
• Review and abstract commercial leases and prepare drafts of leases and lease amendments
• Assist with tax-related applications and work directly with clients to obtain required documentation
• Prepare petitions related to tax consolidations and/or divisions
• Draft legal documents, correspondence, summaries, and other materials for attorney review
• Compile, analyze, and summarize information related to transactions and other real estate matters
• Manage data rooms, matter files, tracking systems, and transaction documentation
• Handle substantive projects with limited supervision while proactively anticipating attorney needs
• Support attorneys in the Chicago office as well as attorneys across other firm offices
• Mentor case assistants and junior paralegals

Desired Skills:

• Strong background in commercial real estate law and transactions
• Extensive experience reviewing and analyzing title commitments, surveys, and recorded documents
• Significant commercial leasing experience, including lease abstraction and drafting leases and amendments
• Experience supporting real estate closings, including checklists, documentation, execution, and delivery
• Ability to conduct fact gathering, analyze information, and identify issues requiring attorney attention
• Advanced knowledge of real estate practice-area rules, procedures, and legal requirements
• Ability to independently manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced law firm environment
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, outside counsel, lenders, vendors, and other external parties
• Strong technical proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience establishing and maintaining matter tracking and organizational systems
• Strong independent judgment with the ability to anticipate attorney and client needs
• Leadership and mentoring skills for supporting junior paralegals and case assistants

Education & Experience:

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate
• Paralegal Certificate preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of paralegal experience specifically in Real Estate law
• Must have substantive experience handling real estate matters with limited supervision
• Extensive commercial lease experience is required, including the ability to review, abstract, and prepare drafts of leases and lease amendments
• Experience with real estate due diligence, title and survey review, closings, and transaction documentation strongly aligned with the role

Compensation & Schedule:

Pay range: $53.64 – $71.08/hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic market

• Full-time position
• Hybrid schedule
• Position is based in the Chicago office
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Overtime paid in accordance with applicable laws for non-exempt positions
• No immigration sponsorship available
• Relocation assistance is generally not available unless relocation is required by the firm