Paralegal Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

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Summary

Under the supervision of attorneys, as a Sr. Paralegal - Real Estate in collaboration with and in support of the firm's strategic initiatives you will perform a range of substantive cases, matters or entity related duties. You will prepare drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. You will compile, analyze and summarize information. You will coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.

Location

This position is located in our Chicago office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assists with due diligence required for real estate transactions.

• Orders, reviews and analyzes title commitments, recorded documents and surveys.

• Develops, monitors and updates closing checklists for real estate transactions.

• Prepares required documents and coordinates execution and delivery of documentation to other parties' counsel, lenders, governmental agencies, vendors, etc.

• Assists with preparation of tax related applications and works with clients to obtain required documentation.

• Prepares petitions for tax consolidation and/or divisions.

• Reviews and abstracts leases; must have extensive experience with commercial leases and be able to prepare drafts of leases and lease amendments.

• Manages data rooms and matter files.

Desired Skills

Must have strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook. Position is responsible for handling substantive projects and cases under the direction of a lawyer. Has in-depth knowledge of practice area and generally performs with little supervision. All Senior Paralegal Positions; Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Solid technical skills are necessary to set-up, track and maintain matters. Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Must have ability and experience with conducting fact gathering and analyzing information. Anticipates needs of attorneys and exercises sound independent judgment. Possess advanced knowledge of practice area rules and procedures.; Must be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations and other legal authorities. Has a complete understanding of the interdependence of the Firm's practice groups. Excellent organizational skills required along with ability to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Mentors case assistants and junior paralegals.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate

Certificates

• Paralegal Certificate preferred

Minimum Years of Experience

• 6 years of paralegal experience in Real Estate law.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Business Acumen: Understand the firm's business model, operations, and strategic goals; work with PG leadership to develop and implement their strategies and initiatives in alignment to the firm's.

• Relationship Building: Build trust and rapport with leaders and employees at all levels.

• Problem Solving: Identify root causes of issues and develop pragmatic solutions.

• Influence & Impact: Persuade others to support initiatives, balancing stakeholder needs and organizational priorities.

• Change Leadership: Champion change and help others adapt in dynamic environments.

• Analytical Thinking: Use data to drive decisions and measure outcomes.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Results Orientation: Deliver high-quality outcomes and meet commitments.

• Collaboration: foster positive work relationships with leadership, HR and firm peers.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm's discretion in the future.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $53.64 - $71.08 per hour depending on the candidate's geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate's experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm's direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

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DLA Piper is 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. Job applicant poster viewing center.