Real Estate Paralegal

Title: Commercial Real Estate Paralegal

Industry: Law Firm

Location: Chicago, IL

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $90,000–$130,000 annually

Work Schedule: Hybrid 2 days onsite, 3 days remote | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 35-hour work week

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company

Our client is an established law firm with a sophisticated commercial real estate practice serving a diverse portfolio of businesses and investors. The firm offers a collaborative, relationship-focused environment where paralegals work closely with attorneys and clients on complex real estate transactions. Employees enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.

Job Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Paralegal to support a busy transactional real estate practice. This individual will assist attorneys throughout all stages of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, development, and closings.

The ideal candidate will bring strong law firm experience, a solid understanding of title and survey matters, and the ability to independently manage transaction details and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review purchase and sale agreements and other commercial real estate transaction documents.
• Create and maintain closing checklists, transaction timelines, and critical date schedules.
• Review title commitments, surveys, zoning materials, and related due diligence documentation.
• Draft title and survey objection notices and assist with resolving outstanding title matters.
• Coordinate due diligence searches and prepare summaries of findings.
• Prepare and review estoppels, SNDAs, UCC financing statements, and other transaction-related documents.
• Review commercial leases and prepare lease abstracts and summaries.
• Assist with local filing requirements, tax clearance matters, and other transaction-specific requirements.
• Prepare closing documents and coordinate closing activities with attorneys, clients, lenders, title companies, and outside parties.
• Organize and oversee the preparation of electronic closing binders.
• Maintain accurate transaction deadlines and matter information within the firm's docketing systems.
• Communicate professionally with clients and third parties throughout each transaction.
• Prioritize multiple active matters while adapting to shifting deadlines and project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate required.
• 5+ years of commercial real estate paralegal experience, preferably 5–7 years of transactional and financing experience.
• Prior experience working within a law firm environment required.
• Hands-on experience with title and survey review, lease agreements, closings, and UCC filings required.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and financing transactions.
• Strong employment tenure and demonstrated progression within previous roles preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and deadline management.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a legal team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe; experience with iManage is a plus.
• Ability to work occasional overtime based on transaction deadlines.

Additional Details

• Position is overtime eligible.
• Annual billable-hour expectation of approximately 1,400 hours.

Perks

• Performance-based bonus eligibility.
• Profit-sharing eligibility.
• Paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement available
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented law firm environment.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.