Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Real Estate Paralegal / Legal Assistant Curington Law | Chicago, Illinois Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $27.00-$32.00 per hour, depending on experience Location: Chicago, Illinois | Hybrid Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with scheduled evening and occasional weekend coverage About Curington Law Curington Law is a growing, Chicago-based law firm focused on real estate and business law. We are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel, personalized service, and outstanding client experiences. Our firm represents buyers, sellers, investors, and business owners, and works closely with real estate professionals, lenders, and title companies throughout the Chicago area. We are seeking a motivated, highly organized, and experienced Real Estate Paralegal / Legal Assistant to join our firm. This is an opportunity to work directly with the firm's founder and managing attorney, take ownership of important responsibilities, and contribute to the continued growth of a relationship-driven law practice. Position Overview The Real Estate Paralegal / Legal Assistant will play an integral role in managing residential real estate transactions, coordinating closings, communicating with clients and industry professionals, and supporting the firm's daily operations. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, professional, and capable of managing multiple transactions and deadlines with minimal day-to-day direction. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, communicates effectively, and understands the importance of delivering exceptional client service. Key Responsibilities Real Estate Transactions and Closing Coordination * Assist with managing Illinois residential real estate transactions from contract execution through closing. * Open, organize, and maintain real estate transaction files. * Track attorney review, inspection, mortgage contingency, and closing deadlines. * Prepare routine correspondence, transaction documents, and closing-related materials under attorney supervision. * Coordinate with clients, real estate agents, lenders, title companies, and other transaction participants. * Request and organize contracts, disclosures, title commitments, surveys, and other necessary documentation. * Follow up on outstanding transaction requirements, signatures, and deadlines. * Coordinate closing dates, schedules, and logistics. * Maintain accurate transaction status reports and client records. * Assist with post-closing follow-up and file completion. Client Communication and Relationship Management * Serve as a primary administrative point of contact for clients and real estate professionals. * Respond promptly and professionally to telephone calls, emails, and routine inquiries. * Provide clients and referral partners with transaction status updates and next steps. * Assist with client intake, onboarding, and engagement documentation. * Proactively communicate with transaction participants to keep matters moving efficiently. * Identify issues requiring attorney attention and escalate them promptly. * Help maintain the firm's commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, and exceptional client experiences. Legal and Administrative Support * Draft, format, proofread, and organize routine legal correspondence and documents for attorney review. * Maintain attorney calendars, appointments, deadlines, and reminders. * Organize and maintain electronic client files and practice management records. * Assist with document execution, electronic signatures, and administrative follow-up. * Support billing, invoicing, and general office operations. * Provide administrative support for business law matters as needed. * Assist in developing and improving firm procedures, templates, checklists, and workflows. Qualifications Required * At least 2 years of experience in an Illinois real estate law firm, title company, or comparable real estate transaction support position. * Working knowledge of Illinois residential real estate transactions, including attorney review, inspection contingencies, title coordination, and closings. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. * Ability to manage multiple active transactions and competing deadlines. * Professional, personable, and client-service-oriented demeanor. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, PDF software, and electronic document management systems. * Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on assigned responsibilities. * Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion. Preferred * Experience as a real estate paralegal, legal assistant, or closing coordinator in a Chicago-area law firm. * Familiarity with Illinois residential purchase and sale contracts, title commitments, surveys, and closing documentation. * Experience with legal practice management software and electronic signature platforms. * Experience working directly with a solo attorney or small law firm. * Experience supporting business law or general corporate matters. Who We're Looking For The ideal candidate is someone who: * Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through without constant reminders. * Anticipates deadlines and proactively addresses outstanding matters. * Communicates confidently and professionally with clients and referral partners. * Remains organized and composed in a fast-paced environment. * Enjoys solving problems and improving processes. * Is comfortable working closely with a firm's founder. * Takes pride in delivering high-quality work and exceptional client service. * Is interested in building a long-term career with a growing law firm. Schedule and Work Arrangement This is a full-time position averaging approximately 40 scheduled hours per week. The position will generally involve weekday work, with scheduled evening and occasional weekend coverage to accommodate real estate transaction deadlines and client needs. A hybrid work arrangement is available, with expectations regarding responsiveness, communication, and availability during assigned working hours. All hours worked, including evening and weekend work, must be accurately recorded and will be compensated in accordance with applicable wage-and-hour laws. Compensation and Growth Opportunities * Hourly compensation of $27.00-$32.00, depending on experience and qualifications. * Opportunity for increased responsibility and professional growth as the firm expands. * Direct collaboration with the founder and managing attorney. * Meaningful involvement in the firm's client experience and day-to-day operations. * Opportunity to help shape and improve the firm's internal systems and procedures. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief introduction outlining their relevant experience. Please highlight your experience with Illinois residential real estate transactions, attorney review, closing coordination, and client communication. Curington Law is an equal opportunity employer. This position involves legal support under attorney supervision and does not authorize the independent practice of law or provision of legal advice.