Real Estate Paralegal (Chicago)

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Real Estate Paralegal

The Real Estate Paralegal supports sophisticated, high-value commercial transactions involving multiple properties, financing structures, and tight deadlines. Under the general direction of the Paralegal Manager, supervising attorney(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures, the Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal support and assistance to attorneys in the coordination, management and supervision of all aspects of real estate transactions.

The Paralegal’s primary responsibility is the review, analysis, and coordination of due diligence for commercial transactions. This includes the review of title commitments and underlying recorded title documents, ALTA surveys, and zoning reports. This is a hands-on, detail-heavy, deadline-driven real estate paralegal role that requires accuracy, speed, judgment, and follow-through. Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the review the review and preparation of UCC filings, review and abstract of leases/estoppels/SNDAs, and other tasks related to sophisticated commercial real estate closings. The Paralegal will coordinate closely with attorneys, title companies and underwriters, surveyors, zoning consultants, and internal teams. The Paralegal maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

This role is best suited for candidates comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where accuracy and responsiveness are critical to closing timelines. Strong candidates for this role typically have hands-on experience with:

• Reviewing and analyzing title commitments and exception documentsInterpreting ALTA surveys and zoning reports
• Identifying and resolving diligence issues impacting closings
• Coordinating directly with title companies and third-party consultants
• Supporting complex commercial transactions

The Real Estate Paralegal position can be located in the Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Dallas, Charlotte, or Los Angeles office. Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following . Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Review and analyze title commitments, policies, and underlying title documents.
• Interpret and analyze ALTA surveys and zoning reports for transactional impact.
• Review and summarize declarations, REAs, and CCRs for material restrictions or risks.
• Proactive communication and coordination with third parties to finalize diligence matters on tight deadlines.
• Prepare and/or review UCC Financing Statements.
• Review and summarize UCC/lien/judgment searches.
• Manage multiple active deals at different stages simultaneously.
• Collaborate with other members of the National Due Diligence Team.
• Coordinate and assist with documentation for closing and post-closing requirements.
• Perform lease abstracting.
• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• On a case-by-case basis, may supervise the work performed by Project Assistant and/or Paralegal I and II staff.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and providing input into the performance appraisal process.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years progressive work experience in the real estate transactional area preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required. Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program a plus.
• Applicable knowledge, experience, and proficiency in title, survey, and zoning review and analysis, UCC searches and preparation, and lease abstracting.
• Computer proficient with experience and working knowledge of real estate-related databases, internet research, due diligence, Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail, or verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information and training, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, paralegals, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
• Exhibit high degree of initiative with excellent analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic in order to analyze and research real estate transactional data, process information, conduct legal research, and perform essential duties.
• Dependable team player with the ability to act independently and make decisions within scope of the position’s responsibilities. Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee numerous tasks from inception to completion, and ensure work is completed within strict deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare real estate transactional documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, and verifying numerical data on forms and documents.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, facsimile, etc.
• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. Candidates must be comfortable with a flexible schedule including occasional after-hours email monitoring and responsiveness during peak periods or urgent matters.
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required.

The annualized salary range for this position can range between $80,000 to $130,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on location, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in 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.