Real Estate Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

REAL ESTATE PARALEGAL
Full-Time | 100% In-Office

Previous Residential Real Estate Law Experience Strongly Preferred
This is NOT a remote or hybrid position.

We're looking for an experienced, organized, and client-focused Real Estate Paralegal to join a busy residential real estate law practice.

This is a hands-on position for someone who understands how a real estate transaction moves from contract to closing, is comfortable communicating directly with clients and other professionals, and knows how to manage multiple files, deadlines, and moving parts without losing attention to detail.

Our ideal candidate doesn't wait to be told what's missing. You follow up, keep the attorney informed, anticipate what will be needed next, and take ownership of helping each transaction get successfully to the closing table.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Real Estate Paralegal, you'll assist with residential purchase and sale transactions from contract through closing and post-closing.

You'll work directly with the attorney while communicating regularly with clients, Realtors, lenders, title companies, municipalities, and opposing counsel.

This is a busy, client-facing position that requires strong organization, excellent communication, good judgment, and the ability to stay calm when several transactions need attention at the same time.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Assist with residential purchase and sale transactions from contract through closing.
• Review contracts and organize new transaction files.
• Prepare attorney review and inspection correspondence as directed by the attorney.
• Prepare deeds, affidavits, transfer declarations, closing documents, and other real estate documentation.
• Coordinate with buyers, sellers, Realtors, lenders, title companies, attorneys, municipalities, and other parties.
• Communicate regularly with clients regarding transaction status and outstanding items.
• Track attorney review, inspection, mortgage, closing, and other important deadlines.
• Obtain and organize documents and information needed for closing.
• Follow up proactively on outstanding items.
• Coordinate closing preparation with the attorney and title company.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and organized electronic files.
• Assist with post-closing matters and file completion.
• Tag and maintain correspondence and documents within Smokeball.
• Provide administrative and legal support to the attorney.
• Notarize documents as needed.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Strongly Preferred:

• Previous experience as a residential real estate paralegal or in a comparable real estate law position.
• Experience handling Illinois residential purchase and sale transactions.
• Strong real estate document preparation skills.
• Experience managing transactions from contract through closing.
• Familiarity with attorney review, inspection matters, title, closing documentation, and transaction deadlines.
• Illinois Notary Public commission.

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with frequent client interaction by phone and email.
• Strong organizational, follow-up, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and competing deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to recognize when something is missing or requires the attorney's attention.
• Professional, dependable, and responsive.
• Comfortable working independently while staying in close communication with the attorney.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to remain calm and organized when priorities change.

Smokeball experience is highly preferred.

YOU'LL THRIVE HERE IF YOU:

• Understand that buying or selling a home can be exciting, stressful, confusing—or all three at once.
• Enjoy working directly with clients and helping them understand what happens next.
• Follow up before someone has to remind you.
• Keep a running list of questions and issues that need the attorney's attention.
• Notice when something in a file doesn't look right.
• Understand the importance of deadlines.
• Communicate proactively.
• Take ownership of your files.
• Keep excellent notes and documentation.
• Can move from one transaction to another without losing track of the details.
• Enjoy being the person who helps keep everything moving toward closing.

WHY JOIN US?

You'll be joining a busy real estate practice where your experience and ability to manage transactions truly matter.

We're looking for someone who wants to become an important part of the practice—not simply complete assigned tasks.

You'll work directly with an experienced real estate attorney, interact with clients throughout their transactions, and have the opportunity to take real ownership of your files as you become familiar with the attorney's preferences and processes.

We value:

• Communication.
• Accountability.
• Follow-through.
• Attention to detail.
• Professionalism.
• Teamwork.
• Exceptional client service.

READY TO TALK?

If you're an experienced real estate paralegal who enjoys managing transactions, working with clients, staying ahead of deadlines, and helping get deals successfully to the closing table, we'd like to hear from you.

IMPORTANT: This is a full-time, 100% in-office position. Remote and hybrid work are not available for this position. Please consider your commute before applying.

To apply, please submit your résumé and a brief introduction outlining your residential real estate or legal experience.